Can I Take 2 Different Collagen Supplements?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Science of Mixing Different Collagen Types
3. Understanding the "Types" in Your Stack
4. Combining Marine and Bovine Collagen
5. The Importance of Hydrolyzation
6. Stacking for Specific Goals: A Practical Guide
7. Can You Take Too Much Collagen?
8. Timing Your Two Supplements
9. Quality Control: What to Look For in Your Stack
10. The Role of Co-Factors in Your Collagen Routine
11. Practical Scenarios for Stacking
12. How to Tell if Your Stack is Working
13. Why Consistency Trumps Variety
14. The BUBS Standard for Your Supplement Stack

Introduction

You’ve likely reached a point in your wellness routine where you realize one size rarely fits all. Maybe you’re currently taking a collagen powder for your skin, but you’re starting to feel the miles on your knees after long runs or heavy lifting sessions. This leads to a common question: Can I take 2 different collagen supplements? Whether you are looking to mix brands or combine different types of collagen, like bovine and marine, the short answer is yes.

At BUBS Naturals, we believe in keeping your recovery as straightforward as the ingredients we use. Understanding how to stack supplements is about more than just doubling up; it is about knowing how your body processes protein and which types of collagen serve which specific goals. This guide explores how to safely combine collagen products, how to time your doses for maximum absorption, and how to avoid the common pitfalls of a cluttered supplement cabinet.

You can effectively take two different collagen supplements to target diverse health goals, provided you stay within recommended daily protein ranges and prioritize high-quality, hydrolyzed sources.

QUICK ANSWER BOX

Quick Answer: Yes, you can take two different collagen supplements. Most people combine Type I and III (for skin, hair, and gut) with Type II (for joints) or mix bovine and marine sources to broaden their amino acid profile.

The Science of Mixing Different Collagen Types

To understand if you can take two different supplements, you first need to understand what collagen actually is. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, acting as the structural "glue" for your skin, joints, bones, and connective tissues. However, not all collagen is identical. There are at least 28 known types, though Types I, II, and III make up the vast majority of what your body uses.

When you take a collagen supplement, your body does not simply transport that specific collagen molecule directly to your skin or joints. Instead, it breaks the collagen down into its smallest components: amino acids and peptides. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that are easier for your body to absorb. Once absorbed, these building blocks enter a "pool" that your body draws from to repair and build various tissues.

Mixing two different supplements—for instance, a bovine-sourced powder and a marine-sourced capsule—simply adds more variety to this amino acid pool. Because different sources have slightly different concentrations of key amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, combining them can offer a more robust profile.

Understanding the "Types" in Your Stack

If you are looking at two different labels, you are likely seeing different Roman numerals. Choosing to take two different products often stems from wanting the benefits of multiple types.

Type I and Type III: The "All-Rounders"

Type I collagen is the heavy hitter. It makes up about 90% of your body’s collagen and is found in your skin, hair, nails, and bones. Type III is often found alongside Type I and is essential for the health of your organs, blood vessels, and gut lining. Most high-quality bovine supplements, like our Collagen Peptides, naturally contain both Type I and Type III.

Type II: The Joint Specialist

Type II collagen is found almost exclusively in cartilage. If your primary concern is joint discomfort or recovery from high-impact activities, you might seek out a specific Type II supplement, often sourced from chicken sternum. Taking a Type II supplement alongside a Type I and III supplement is a common strategy for athletes who want both the aesthetic benefits (skin and hair) and the structural support (cartilage).

Myth: Taking different types of collagen at the same time makes them cancel each other out. Fact: Your digestive system is designed to process multiple proteins at once. While some people prefer to time Type II separately for specific absorption theories, your body will still break down and utilize the amino acids from both.

Combining Marine and Bovine Collagen

Another reason you might take two different supplements is to combine sources. Bovine collagen comes from cows, while marine collagen comes from fish.

Bovine collagen is typically rich in Types I and III, making it excellent for overall body support and recovery. Marine collagen is almost entirely Type I. Some people choose to take both because marine collagen has a smaller particle size, which some studies suggest makes it slightly more "bioavailable." Bioavailability simply means the ease with which a substance is absorbed and used by the body.

If you enjoy the taste of a marine collagen in your morning water but prefer the richness of a bovine collagen in your coffee, there is no harm in using both. Just keep an eye on your total protein intake. Collagen is a protein, and while it is not a complete protein (it lacks the essential amino acid tryptophan), it still contributes to your daily totals.

The Importance of Hydrolyzation

Regardless of how many supplements you mix, the most important factor is that they are "hydrolyzed." In its natural state, the collagen molecule is too large and complex for your body to absorb efficiently. Hydrolyzation is a process where the collagen is broken down into smaller peptides.

When you look at our BUBS Naturals labels, you will see "hydrolyzed collagen peptides." This ensures that whether you take one scoop or two different types, your body can actually put those ingredients to work. If you take a non-hydrolyzed collagen supplement alongside a hydrolyzed one, you are essentially making your digestive system work much harder for fewer results.

KEY TAKEAWAY BOX

Key Takeaway: The "type" of collagen determines which tissue it supports, but the "form" (hydrolyzed peptides) determines if your body can use it at all. Mixing supplements is fine as long as both are hydrolyzed for high bioavailability.

Stacking for Specific Goals: A Practical Guide

How you combine your supplements depends on what you are trying to achieve. You don't need a dozen different jars, but a targeted stack can be effective.

For the Outdoor Enthusiast and Athlete

If you are putting miles on the trail or hours in the gym, you are taxing both your connective tissues and your joints. You might take a standard dose of Type I and III peptides in the morning for muscle and gut support, then add a Type II supplement specifically focused on joint cartilage in the evening. If hydration is also part of your routine, our Electrolytes collection can help you keep things simple.

For Skin and Aging Support

If your focus is on maintaining skin elasticity and hair strength, you might combine a bovine collagen with a supplement that includes Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a critical co-factor in collagen synthesis, meaning your body needs it to actually produce its own collagen from the amino acids you ingest. Taking a collagen powder and a separate Vitamin C boost is a perfect example of a "two-supplement" routine that makes sense.

For Gut Health

Type III collagen is particularly helpful for the lining of the digestive tract. If you are using collagen to support gut health, you might mix your peptides into a warm bone broth. This provides the peptides along with the naturally occurring minerals and gelatin found in the broth, giving you a double-layered approach to wellness.

Can You Take Too Much Collagen?

While you can safely take two different supplements, more is not always better. Most clinical research suggests that 10 to 20 grams of collagen per day is the "sweet spot" for seeing results in skin, hair, and joint health.

If you take two different supplements and each provides 20 grams, you are consuming 40 grams of collagen daily. While this isn't necessarily dangerous, it may be redundant. Your body can only process so much protein at one time. Any excess amino acids that aren't used for tissue repair will simply be converted into energy or excreted.

Furthermore, taking very high doses of any protein supplement can sometimes lead to mild digestive issues, such as:

• A feeling of heaviness or bloating
• Mild stomach upset
• An unpleasant aftertaste (though high-quality, clean collagen should be virtually tasteless)

Note: Always check the labels of both supplements to ensure you aren't accidentally doubling up on "hidden" ingredients like zinc, biotin, or specific vitamins that may have lower daily upper limits than the collagen itself.

Timing Your Two Supplements

If you are taking two different collagen products, timing can help you get the most out of them.

Some health enthusiasts suggest taking Type II collagen on an empty stomach to avoid competition with other proteins. While the science on this is still evolving, many people find success taking their Type I and III peptides in their morning coffee or smoothie, and then taking their joint-specific Type II supplement right before bed.

Another strategy is "pre-loading" your workout. Taking your collagen stack about 30 to 60 minutes before exercise may help deliver those amino acids to your joints and tendons while blood flow is increased during activity. For a related read, see our post on what type of collagen to take.

Quality Control: What to Look For in Your Stack

When you are mixing products, the risk of consuming fillers or low-quality ingredients increases. Not all supplements are created equal, and the supplement industry is notorious for "proprietary blends" that hide the actual amount of active ingredients.

At BUBS Naturals, we prioritize transparency because we believe you should know exactly what is going into your body. Whether you are using our products alone or stacking them with another supplement, here is what to look for on the label:

1. Single-Source Ingredients: Avoid products with long lists of chemical additives or "natural flavors" that aren't defined.
2. Grass-Fed and Pasture-Raised: This is particularly important for bovine collagen to ensure the cleanest possible source.
3. Third-Party Testing: Look for certifications like NSF for Sport. This ensures the product is free from contaminants and actually contains what it says on the label.
4. No Fillers: Many brands add maltodextrin or other fillers to make the container look fuller. These can spike blood sugar and disrupt gut health.

KEY TAKEAWAY BOX

Key Takeaway: When mixing two supplements, purity is your priority. Stacking two low-quality products won't give you the results of one high-quality, clean-label supplement.

The Role of Co-Factors in Your Collagen Routine

If you are taking two different collagen supplements, you might be overlooking the "helpers" that make them work. Taking collagen is only half the battle; your body needs certain nutrients to convert those peptides into functional tissue.

• Vitamin C: As mentioned, this is the most critical co-factor. Without it, collagen synthesis can stall.
• Copper and Zinc: These minerals play a supporting role in the "cross-linking" of collagen fibers, which gives them their strength.
• MCT Oil: While not a direct co-factor for collagen, many people find that mixing collagen with a clean fat source, like our MCT Oil Creamer, helps with satiety and provides steady energy, making the supplement routine easier to stick to.

Practical Scenarios for Stacking

To make this actionable, let’s look at how this might look in your daily life.

Scenario A: The Morning Routine You start your day with a scoop of BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides in your coffee. This gives you 18 grams of Type I and III hydrolyzed collagen to support your skin, hair, and gut. Later, after your afternoon workout, you take a targeted Type II capsule to specifically support the cartilage in your knees and ankles. This is a balanced, goal-oriented stack.

Scenario B: The Travel Routine You usually take a bovine collagen powder, but you’re traveling and only have access to marine collagen capsules. You can take the capsules during your trip and resume your bovine powder when you get home, or even take a smaller dose of both if you prefer the variety.

Scenario C: The "Everything" Drink You decide to mix a scoop of unflavored bovine collagen with a flavored marine collagen in your post-workout shake. This is perfectly fine. As long as you enjoy the taste and the texture remains smooth, your body will process the amino acids from both sources together.

How to Tell if Your Stack is Working

Patience is a requirement with any supplement, especially collagen. Collagen turnover in the body is a slow process. It isn't like caffeine, where you feel the effect in 20 minutes.

Typically, you should look for signs of progress over a 4 to 12-week period:

• Weeks 4-6: You might notice stronger nails that break less often or slightly more hydrated skin.
• Weeks 8-12: This is when many people report improved joint comfort during exercise and more noticeable changes in hair thickness or skin elasticity.

If you are taking two different supplements and don't see any changes after three months, it might be time to evaluate the quality of the products or your daily dosage.

Bottom line: Taking two different collagen supplements is a safe and effective way to target multiple health goals, such as skin elasticity and joint recovery, as long as you prioritize clean, hydrolyzed peptides.

Why Consistency Trumps Variety

While mixing two supplements can be beneficial, the most important factor for success is consistency. Taking a "super stack" once every three days is less effective than taking one simple, high-quality supplement every single morning.

We designed our products to mix easily into your life—whether that’s in your first cup of coffee, a pre-workout bottle, or a simple glass of water. The goal is to make your wellness routine so easy that you don't even have to think about it. When your supplements mix without clumping and have no funky aftertaste, you’re much more likely to stay consistent. If you want more background on our philosophy, take a look at The BUBS Story.

The BUBS Standard for Your Supplement Stack

At BUBS Naturals, we don't believe in "magic pills" or complicated chemistry. We believe in providing the cleanest, most effective tools so you can do the work. Our collagen is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle, ensuring a high-quality Type I and III profile. It is NSF for Sport certified, which is the gold standard for athletes and anyone who takes their health seriously.

Everything we do is inspired by the legacy of Glen "BUB" Doherty—a Navy SEAL, adventurer, and friend who lived life at 100%. He didn't have time for products that didn't work, and neither do you. That is why we keep our formulas simple: no fillers, no sugar, just the good stuff. You can also read more about our mission on our giving-back page.

When you choose to incorporate our supplements into your routine, you are also contributing to something bigger. We donate 10% of all our profits to veteran-focused charities in BUB's honor. It’s wellness with a purpose, providing you with the physical support you need while supporting those who have served.

Whether you decide to take one scoop of our peptides or stack them with another specialized supplement, keep your focus on quality, consistency, and your specific goals. Your body is the only one you get—treat it with the respect it deserves.

FAQ

Is it safe to mix different brands of collagen?

Yes, it is generally safe to mix different brands. However, you should ensure that both brands use high-quality, third-party tested ingredients and that you are not accidentally consuming excessive amounts of additives or "extra" vitamins that might be included in flavored or "multi-benefit" formulas.

Can I mix bovine and marine collagen in the same drink?

Absolutely. Mixing bovine and marine collagen is a common way to get a broader range of amino acids. Since marine collagen is primarily Type I and bovine is usually a mix of Types I and III, combining them covers almost all the major structural needs of your body.

Should I take Type I and Type II collagen at the same time?

While you can take them together, some evidence suggests that Type II collagen (for joints) may be better absorbed if taken separately from the large doses of Type I and III found in most powders. Many people take their Type I/III in the morning and their Type II in the evening to maximize the benefits of each.

How many grams of collagen should I take if I am using two supplements?

The total recommended daily intake for most people is between 10 and 20 grams. If you are using two different supplements, you should adjust your serving sizes so that your combined total stays within this range to avoid redundancy and potential digestive discomfort.