Can You Take Collagen Type 1 2 and 3 Together?

The short answer is a resounding yes. You absolutely can take collagen types 1, 2, and 3 together. In fact, many people find that "stacking" or combining these types provides a more comprehensive approach to whole-body wellness. However, there is a nuance to how you do it if you want to ensure the best possible results.

There is a common myth in the supplement world that Type 1 and Type 2 collagen "compete" for absorption and should be taken several hours apart. The theory behind this was that the body’s receptors would become overwhelmed and prioritize one over the other. Modern nutritional science, however, suggests that our bodies are quite capable of processing multiple types of collagen simultaneously, provided the collagen is hydrolyzed.

Hydrolyzation is the process of breaking down long-chain collagen proteins into smaller pieces called "peptides." These peptides are much easier for your gut to absorb. Because BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides are fully hydrolyzed, they enter the bloodstream efficiently.

When you take Types 1, 2, and 3 together, your body breaks them down into their constituent amino acids. Your body then uses these "building blocks" where they are needed most. If your joints are under stress, your body may prioritize cartilage repair; if your skin is recovering from sun exposure, it may prioritize skin structure.

While taking them together is safe and effective, some experts suggest that if you are taking a very specific, undenatured form of Type 2 collagen (which works differently than hydrolyzed peptides), you might want to take that on an empty stomach to avoid interference with other proteins. However, for the majority of users taking standard hydrolyzed collagen powders, combining them in one smoothie or coffee is a perfectly acceptable and convenient way to hit your wellness goals.

The Science of Absorption and Bioavailability

When we talk about collagen, the word "bioavailability" is king. Bioavailability refers to how much of the supplement actually makes it into your system to be used by your cells. Simply eating more collagen-rich foods, like gristle or skin, isn't always efficient because those proteins are very large and difficult for the digestive system to break down.

This is where our Collagen Peptides Collection shines. By using a controlled enzymatic process, the collagen is broken down into peptides with a low molecular weight. This means they are "pre-digested" in a sense, allowing them to pass through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream much faster than non-hydrolyzed collagen.

The Role of Vitamin C

To maximize the effectiveness of taking types 1, 2, and 3 together, you need a key co-factor: Vitamin C. Vitamin C is the essential "spark" that triggers collagen synthesis in the body. Without adequate Vitamin C, your body cannot effectively turn those absorbed amino acids back into the collagen structures that support your skin and joints.

To ensure you are getting the most out of your daily scoop, we recommend pairing your collagen with our Vitamin C supplement. This provides 500mg of Vitamin C along with citrus bioflavonoids to support antioxidant activity and enhance the collagen formation process.

Sourcing and Purity

Not all collagen is created equal. The source of your collagen (bovine, marine, or avian) dictates the types of collagen you are receiving.

Bovine Collagen: Primarily Types 1 and 3. This is what you find in our signature Collagen Peptides. It is excellent for overall structural support and gut health.
Marine Collagen: Primarily Type 1. Often used for focused skin and beauty support.
Chicken Collagen: Primarily Type 2. Focused almost entirely on joint and cartilage health.

By choosing a high-quality bovine source, you are getting a two-for-one benefit with Types 1 and 3, which are the most critical for maintaining a youthful appearance and a strong internal framework.

Maximizing Your Results: Synergy and Stacking

For those who lead an active lifestyle—the hikers, the CrossFitters, the early morning surfers—simply taking a supplement isn't enough. You want to know how to stack your supplements for peak performance. Taking Types 1, 2, and 3 collagen is a great start, but true wellness is about synergy.

The Morning Ritual

Many members of the BUBS community start their day by mixing Collagen Peptides into their morning coffee. Because our collagen is unflavored and dissolves instantly, it doesn't change the taste or texture of your brew. To turn that coffee into a sustained energy source, we suggest adding our MCT Oil Creamer – 10 oz Tub.

MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) provide a quick source of mental clarity and metabolic energy. When combined with the protein from collagen, you are creating a "power coffee" that supports your brain, your joints, and your metabolism all at once. This combination is a staple for anyone following a keto or paleo lifestyle, but it’s just as beneficial for anyone who wants to avoid the mid-morning energy crash.

Digestive Support

If your goal for taking Type 3 collagen is gut health, consider the power of fermentation. Type 3 collagen helps support the integrity of the intestinal lining. You can amplify this benefit by adding Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies to your daily routine. Apple cider vinegar, especially with "the Mother," supports digestive wellness and can work alongside collagen to maintain a healthy internal environment.

Performance and Recovery

If your focus is on Type 2 collagen for joint health and muscle recovery, don't forget the importance of cellular energy. Creatine Monohydrate is one of the most researched supplements for supporting muscle strength and power. While collagen supports the connective tissues (the tendons and ligaments), creatine supports the muscle fibers themselves. Using them together ensures that your entire musculoskeletal system is supported for your next workout.

The BUBS Standard: Clean Ingredients for a Life of Purpose

At BUBS Naturals, we don't just care about what's in the bottle; we care about the "why" behind it. Our brand was founded to honor Glen “BUB” Doherty, a man who lived with intensity and compassion. This legacy drives our "no-BS" approach to supplements. We believe that if you’re going to put something in your body, it should be clean, effective, and backed by science.

Rigorous Testing

When you are taking different types of collagen together, you want to be sure you aren't also ingesting heavy metals or contaminants. This is a common issue with lower-quality collagen brands, especially those that mix multiple animal sources without proper oversight.

We take purity seriously. Our products are NSF for Sport certified, which is the gold standard in the supplement industry. This means that every batch is third-party tested to ensure that what is on the label is exactly what is in the tub—and nothing else. This level of transparency is why professional athletes and health-conscious individuals trust BUBS.

The 10% Rule

We also believe that wellness should extend beyond the individual. That’s why we have our 10% Rule: we donate 10% of all our profits to veteran-focused charities. When you invest in your health by choosing BUBS Collagen Peptides, you are also contributing to a cause that supports those who have served. It’s a mission of adventure, wellness, and giving back—values that Glen lived by every single day.

How to Incorporate Collagen Into Your Daily Adventure

One of the best things about hydrolyzed collagen is its versatility. You don't have to choke down large pills or drink chalky shakes. Here is a realistic "day in the life" of how you might use our products to support your body's needs for Types 1, 2, and 3 collagen.

6:30 AM: Rise and Grind

Start your morning with a scoop of Collagen Peptides in your coffee, along with a serving of Butter MCT Oil Creamer – 10 oz Tub. This provides the healthy fats and proteins needed to fuel your brain for those first few hours of work or a morning training session.

10:00 AM: Mid-Morning Wellness

Keep your digestive system on track and support your collagen synthesis with two Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies and a Vitamin C capsule. This creates a foundation for your body to effectively utilize the amino acids from your morning collagen.

2:00 PM: The Afternoon Hydration

If you’ve been active or sitting in an air-conditioned office, dehydration can sneak up on you. Mix a packet of Hydrate or Die – Mixed Berry into your water bottle. Proper hydration is essential for joint lubrication and skin health. When your cells are hydrated, they can more effectively transport the nutrients needed for collagen repair.

5:30 PM: Post-Workout Recovery

After a run or a gym session, your joints and muscles are in a state of repair. This is a great time for another half-scoop of collagen or a serving of Creatine Monohydrate to support muscle recovery. By spreading your collagen intake throughout the day, you maintain a steady "pool" of amino acids for your body to draw from.

8:00 PM: Evening Wind Down

Add a final scoop of collagen to a decaf tea or a evening protein shake. Collagen is high in the amino acid glycine, which has been studied for its role in supporting restful sleep. Supporting your body's repair processes overnight is one of the most effective ways to see long-term results in skin and joint health.

Potential Considerations and Best Practices

While taking types 1, 2, and 3 collagen together is safe for most people, there are a few best practices to keep in mind to ensure you are getting the best "bang for your buck."

Consistency is Key: Collagen is not a "one-and-done" supplement. Because our body’s natural collagen turnover is a slow process, it often takes 4 to 12 weeks of consistent daily use to notice significant changes in skin elasticity, joint comfort, or hair strength. Don't get discouraged if you don't see a difference in day three—stay the course.
Watch Your Total Protein: Collagen is a protein, but it is not a "complete" protein because it lacks the essential amino acid tryptophan. While it's an incredible supplement for connective tissue, it shouldn't be your only source of protein. Ensure you are eating a balanced diet with a variety of protein sources to support muscle growth.
Check for Allergens: Most Type 1 and 3 collagen comes from bovine or marine sources, while Type 2 often comes from chicken. If you have specific food sensitivities, always check the source. Our Collagen Peptides are bovine-sourced, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making them suitable for many different dietary needs.
Listen to Your Gut: While rare, some people may experience mild bloating when they first start taking collagen. If this happens, try starting with a smaller dose (half a scoop) and gradually working your way up to a full serving as your digestive system adjusts.

"One scoop. Feel the difference." It’s a simple promise, but it’s one we stand by. By choosing simple, effective ingredients, we remove the guesswork from your wellness routine.

The Importance of Third-Party Certification

In an unregulated supplement market, you can't always trust a label that says "Multi-Collagen." Some brands use "subpar" sources or include filler ingredients that dilute the potency of the collagen. This is particularly concerning when combining types 1, 2, and 3, as the ratio of these types matters.

Because BUBS Naturals products are NSF for Sport certified, you have peace of mind that you are getting exactly what you pay for. We don't hide behind "proprietary blends." We tell you exactly what is in our Collagen Peptides Collection and where it comes from. This dedication to quality ensures that your body actually absorbs the nutrients you are giving it, rather than just passing them through.

Future-Proofing Your Body with Collagen Stacking

Taking collagen is a proactive step toward "future-proofing" your body. We often don't think about our joint health or skin elasticity until we notice a problem. By supplementing with Types 1, 2, and 3 today, you are providing your body with the resources it needs to maintain its structural integrity for years to come.

Think of it like maintenance on a high-performance vehicle. You don't wait for the engine to fail before you change the oil. You provide the best fuel and lubricants regularly to keep it running smoothly. Your body is the most important "vehicle" you will ever own. Whether you are an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, the goal is the same: to keep moving, keep exploring, and keep feeling great.

Taking types 1 and 3 together—as found in BUBS Collagen Peptides—covers the vast majority of your body's needs. Adding a Type 2 source can be a beneficial "extra" if you have specific joint concerns. Together, they form a comprehensive defense against the natural decline of collagen production.

Conclusion

The journey to better health and longevity doesn't have to be complicated. When you ask, "can you take collagen type 1 2 and 3 together?" the answer is a clear yes, and the benefits are substantial. By combining these essential proteins, you are supporting your body's most critical structures—from the glow of your skin and the strength of your hair to the resilience of your joints and the integrity of your gut.

At BUBS Naturals, we are here to support that journey with the cleanest, highest-quality supplements on the market. Our Collagen Peptides are designed to mix effortlessly into your life, whether you are at home or on an adventure. Remember to support your collagen intake with Vitamin C for better synthesis and stay hydrated with Hydrate or Die to keep your tissues functioning at their peak.

We invite you to experience the BUBS difference for yourself. Join us in honoring Glen "BUB" Doherty's legacy by choosing to live a life of wellness, adventure, and purpose. One scoop at a time, you can provide your body with the structural support it needs to stay in the game for the long haul.

Are you ready to elevate your wellness routine? Explore our full Collagen Peptides Collection today and feel the difference that clean, science-backed nutrition can make.

FAQ

1. Will taking Type 1 and Type 2 collagen at the same time cancel each other out?

No, they will not cancel each other out. While an old theory suggested they might compete for absorption, modern science shows that the body is highly efficient at breaking down different types of hydrolyzed collagen peptides into amino acids and distributing them where they are needed. You can safely take them together. If you are using a specific "undenatured" Type 2 collagen, some people prefer taking it on an empty stomach for targeted joint support, but for standard peptides, combining them is perfectly effective.

2. How long does it take to see results when taking types 1, 2, and 3 together?

Consistency is vital for collagen supplementation. Most clinical studies show that noticeable improvements in skin hydration and elasticity typically appear after 4 to 8 weeks of daily use. For joint health and bone density support, it may take 12 weeks or more of consistent use. Using a high-quality product like BUBS Collagen Peptides ensures you are getting the bioavailability needed to see these results.

3. Do I need to take Vitamin C with my collagen types 1, 2, and 3?

While not strictly "required" for absorption, Vitamin C is an essential co-factor for collagen synthesis. Think of collagen peptides as the "bricks" and Vitamin C as the "mortar" that helps build the structure. Taking a supplement like Vitamin C alongside your collagen can significantly enhance your body's ability to actually use those amino acids to repair and rebuild tissues.

4. Is BUBS Naturals collagen sourced from a single animal?

Yes, our Collagen Peptides are sourced exclusively from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides. This provides a rich and clean source of both Type 1 and Type 3 collagen. We believe in keeping our ingredients simple and single-sourced whenever possible to ensure the highest levels of purity and to avoid the risks of cross-contamination often found in "multi-source" collagen blends that mix bovine, chicken, and fish without rigorous testing.

Can You Take Collagen Type 1 2 and 3 Together?

Table of Contents

Introduction

Understanding the Architecture: What Are Collagen Types 1, 2, and 3?

Type 1 Collagen: The Structural Powerhouse

Type 2 Collagen: The Joint Cushion

Type 3 Collagen: The Elastic Supporter