Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Exactly Is Hydrolyzed Collagen?
- Defining Collagen Type 2
- Is Hydrolyzed Collagen Usually Type 2?
- Comparing Collagen Types and Their Functions
- The Science of Absorption: Peptides vs. Undenatured
- Why We Use Types 1 and 3 at BUBS Naturals
- How Your Body Uses Hydrolyzed Collagen
- The Role of Collagen in Joint Health
- Factors That Damage Your Natural Collagen
- How to Incorporate Collagen Into Your Routine
- Choosing the Right Product for You
- The BUBS Naturals Mission
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
If you have ever felt a nagging ache in your knees after a long run or noticed your skin losing its bounce, you have likely looked into collagen. It is the most abundant protein in your body, acting as the structural "glue" for everything from your bicep tendons to the lining of your gut. When you start shopping for a supplement, the labels can get confusing quickly. You see terms like "hydrolyzed," "peptides," "Type 1," and "Type 2" thrown around. A common question that arises for many people looking to support their joints is whether hydrolyzed collagen is the same thing as Type 2 collagen.
At BUBS Naturals, we believe that understanding what you put in your body is just as important as the training you do. This guide will clarify the relationship between hydrolyzed collagen and Type 2 collagen, explain how your body processes these proteins, and help you choose the right supplement for your specific fitness and wellness goals. We will break down the science of hydrolysis and the structural differences between collagen types so you can move through your day with confidence.
Quick Answer: Hydrolyzed collagen is not a "type" but a process. While most hydrolyzed collagen supplements on the market are Type 1 and Type 3 (sourced from bovine hides), you can find hydrolyzed Type 2 collagen (usually sourced from chicken cartilage). Hydrolyzed means the protein has been broken down into smaller, easier-to-absorb pieces called peptides.
What Exactly Is Hydrolyzed Collagen?
To understand if hydrolyzed collagen is Type 2, we first need to define what "hydrolyzed" actually means. In its natural state, collagen is a massive, complex molecule. It consists of three long chains of amino acids twisted into a triple helix. Because of its size and tough structure, your body has a hard time absorbing whole collagen molecules from food or raw sources.
Hydrolysis is a process where water and enzymes are used to break these long protein chains into much smaller fragments. These fragments are known as collagen peptides. When you see "hydrolyzed collagen" on a label, it simply means the protein has been "pre-digested" for you. This makes it highly bioavailable, meaning your body can absorb it through the digestive tract and send those amino acids where they are needed most.
For more detail, explore this guide to how collagen protein works. The term "hydrolyzed" describes the state of the protein—not its source or its specific biological role. Think of it like "ground beef." The word "ground" tells you the form of the meat, but it doesn't tell you if the meat is beef, turkey, or bison. Similarly, hydrolyzed collagen can come from various types of collagen depending on the raw material used.
Collagen Peptides
Defining Collagen Type 2
While there are at least 28 different types of collagen in the human body, Types 1, 2, and 3 make up about 80% to 90% of the total. Each type serves a distinct purpose based on where it is located and how it is structured.
Type 2 collagen is the primary structural protein found in your cartilage. Cartilage is the firm, rubbery tissue that cushions your joints and prevents your bones from rubbing together. Unlike Type 1 collagen, which is densely packed to provide strength to skin and bones, Type 2 is more elastic and designed to absorb shock. It is found in your nose, ears, and, most importantly, the articular cartilage of your knees, hips, and spine.
When researchers look at joint health, Type 2 is often the focal point. Because it makes up the vast majority of the protein in your cartilage, providing the body with the specific amino acids found in Type 2 collagen is thought to support joint lubrication and overall mobility.
Key Takeaway: Hydrolyzed refers to the processing method (breaking protein into peptides), while Type 2 refers to the specific category of collagen found in cartilage. You can have hydrolyzed Type 2 collagen, but most common supplements are hydrolyzed Type 1 and 3.
Is Hydrolyzed Collagen Usually Type 2?
In the supplement world, the answer is usually no. Most hydrolyzed collagen powders, including our Collagen Peptides, are sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides. Bovine-sourced collagen is naturally rich in Types 1 and 3. These types are excellent for supporting skin elasticity, hair growth, nail strength, and the health of your bones and tendons.
Hydrolyzed Type 2 collagen is typically sourced from chicken sternum cartilage or certain marine sources. It is less common in a standard "scoopable" powder form and is more often found in capsules or specialized joint formulas. Because Type 2 collagen is harder to extract in large quantities than the Type 1 and 3 found in hides, it is often more expensive and sold in smaller dosages.
Myth: All hydrolyzed collagen is the same and supports your joints in the same way. Fact: While all collagen provides beneficial amino acids, different types target different tissues. Hydrolyzed Types 1 and 3 are best for skin and tendons, while Type 2 is specifically targeted at joint cartilage.
BUBS Collagen Club
Save 10% plus free shipping on every order, and get a FREE Welcome Kit worth $105 when you subscribe. Cancel anytime.
Join The ClubComparing Collagen Types and Their Functions
To choose the right supplement, you need to know which part of your body you are trying to support. Not all collagen is created equal when it comes to your recovery and performance.
| Collagen Type | Primary Locations | Common Benefits | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | Skin, tendons, bones, ligaments | Skin elasticity, bone strength, wound healing | Bovine, Marine |
| Type 2 | Cartilage, vitreous humor (eyes) | Joint cushion, shock absorption, flexibility | Chicken, Marine |
| Type 3 | Muscles, arteries, organs | Heart health, muscle structure, skin health | Bovine |
Most high-quality supplements focus on Type 1 and Type 3 because they are the most abundant in the body. For an active person, these types are vital for maintaining the integrity of the ligaments and tendons that hold your joints together. However, if your specific concern is the "wear and tear" of the cartilage inside the joint capsule, Type 2 becomes more relevant.
The Science of Absorption: Peptides vs. Undenatured
When you look for Type 2 collagen, you will encounter two main forms: hydrolyzed (peptides) and undenatured (UC-II).
Hydrolyzed Type 2 collagen works by providing the building blocks. When you ingest it, your body breaks the peptides down into amino acids like proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. These are then used by your cells (chondrocytes) to build new cartilage. This requires a larger dose, usually between 2 and 10 grams per day.
Undenatured Type 2 collagen works differently. It is processed at low heat to keep the triple helix structure intact. It isn't meant to provide building blocks; instead, it works through a process called "oral tolerance." It interacts with the immune system in the gut to signal the body to stop attacking its own joint collagen. This is why undenatured collagen is often sold in tiny 40mg doses.
If you are looking for a versatile supplement that supports your entire body, a hydrolyzed formula is usually the preferred choice because it provides a significant amount of protein and amino acids that benefit more than just the cartilage.
Why We Use Types 1 and 3 at BUBS Naturals
At BUBS Naturals, our hydrolyzed Type 1 and Type 3 collagen peptides are focused on Types 1 and 3. We chose this path because these types offer the broadest range of benefits for the widest variety of people. Whether you are an endurance athlete, a weightlifter, or someone just looking to age gracefully, your body has a massive demand for the structural support provided by Types 1 and 3.
Our collagen is grass-fed and pasture-raised, ensuring a clean profile that mixes instantly into your coffee, smoothie, or post-workout shake. By providing 20 grams of collagen per serving, we give your body a significant supply of the amino acids it needs to repair skin, strengthen bones, and support the connective tissues that are often the first to fail during intense training.
How Your Body Uses Hydrolyzed Collagen
Regardless of the type, your body treats collagen supplements as a source of specialized nutrients. When you consume hydrolyzed collagen, the peptides enter your bloodstream. From there, they act as "signals" to your cells.
When your body detects a high concentration of these peptides, it thinks that there has been a breakdown in your own collagen levels. This triggers your fibroblasts (skin cells) or chondrocytes (cartilage cells) to ramp up production. It is a bit like sending a delivery of lumber to a construction site; the arrival of the materials signals the crew to get to work.
To make this process as efficient as possible, your body needs co-factors. Vitamin C is the most important one. Without enough Vitamin C, your body cannot effectively "knit" the amino acids together into a strong triple helix. This is why many people choose to pair their collagen with a supplement like our Vitamin C, which provides 500mg of bioavailable nutrients to support the natural formation of collagen in your body.
Bottom line: Your body doesn't just "plug in" the collagen you eat. It breaks it down and uses the peptides to trigger its own natural repair mechanisms.
The Role of Collagen in Joint Health
If you are specifically asking if hydrolyzed collagen is Type 2, you are likely worried about your joints. Joint health is a multi-faceted issue. It involves the bone, the tendons, the ligaments, and the cartilage.
- Tendons and Ligaments: These are made mostly of Type 1 collagen. They connect muscle to bone and bone to bone. If these are weak, your joints will feel unstable.
- Cartilage: This is made mostly of Type 2 collagen. It acts as the "grease" and "cushion" in the joint. If this wears down, you experience the "bone-on-bone" feeling of osteoarthritis.
While Type 2 specifically targets the cartilage, many people find that a high-quality Type 1 and 3 supplement provides significant relief. This is because strengthening the surrounding tendons and ligaments can reduce the mechanical stress on the cartilage itself. By making the "sleeve" around the joint stronger, the cushion inside doesn't have to work as hard.
Factors That Damage Your Natural Collagen
It isn't enough to just take a supplement; you also have to protect the collagen you already have. Several lifestyle factors can accelerate the breakdown of your natural protein stores:
- UV Exposure: Too much sun can break down the collagen fibers in your skin, leading to premature aging.
- High Sugar Intake: Sugar attaches to proteins in your blood to form molecules called AGEs (Advanced Glycation End products). These make your collagen brittle and weak.
- Smoking: Tobacco smoke limits blood flow to your tissues and actively destroys the integrity of collagen and elastin fibers.
- Aging: Starting in your mid-20s, your body’s natural production of collagen begins to drop by about 1% every year.
By combining a clean supplement with a lifestyle that avoids these "collagen killers," you give your body the best chance to stay mobile and resilient.
How to Incorporate Collagen Into Your Routine
The best supplement is the one you actually take. Because our Collagen Peptides are unflavored and highly soluble, they are easy to fit into any part of your day. Most of us find that a morning routine works best. Adding a scoop to your morning coffee or tea ensures you get those amino acids in before your day gets hectic.
For those who want an extra boost of energy and mental clarity alongside their recovery, mixing collagen with our MCT Oil Creamer is a popular choice. The MCTs provide quick-burning fuel for your brain, while the collagen supports your physical structure. It is a simple, two-step morning ritual that sets the tone for a productive, healthy day.
Choosing the Right Product for You
If you are standing in the supplement aisle or scrolling through a website, keep these three criteria in mind:
- Transparency: Does the brand tell you exactly where the collagen comes from? Look for grass-fed, pasture-raised, or wild-caught sources.
- Simplicity: Avoid products with long lists of fillers, artificial sweeteners, or "proprietary blends." You want pure protein.
- Testing: Choose brands that use third-party testing. At BUBS Naturals, our products are NSF for Sport certified, meaning they are tested for purity and safety, ensuring you get exactly what is on the label.
If your goal is total body wellness—hair, skin, nails, gut, and joint stability—a hydrolyzed Type 1 and 3 bovine collagen is the gold standard. If you have been diagnosed with a specific cartilage-related issue, you might consider adding a separate Type 2 supplement alongside it.
The BUBS Naturals Mission
We didn't start this brand just to sell supplements. We started it to honor a legacy. BUBS Naturals is named after Glen "BUB" Doherty, a Navy SEAL, hero, and friend who lost his life in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012. Glen lived his life with a sense of adventure and a commitment to helping others. We carry that spirit into every product we make.
We believe in doing things the right way—no shortcuts, no fillers, just clean products that work. Beyond the quality of our ingredients, we are committed to making a difference. That is why we donate 10% of all our profits to veteran-focused charities. When you choose our products, you aren't just supporting your own health; you are supporting the men and women who serve our country. Learn more about the BUBS story and 10% Rule.
Conclusion
So, is hydrolyzed collagen Type 2? While it can be, most of the time it refers to the highly absorbable Types 1 and 3. Hydrolysis is simply the "key" that unlocks the protein's potential, making it small enough for your body to actually use. Whether you choose Type 1 for its structural strength or Type 2 for its cushioning properties, the most important step is consistency.
- Hydrolyzed collagen is broken down into peptides for better absorption.
- Type 2 is specific to cartilage and joint cushion.
- Types 1 and 3 support skin, bone, and connective tissue.
- Combine supplements with a healthy lifestyle for the best results.
Your body is an incredible machine designed for movement and adventure. Give it the clean, high-quality fuel it deserves so you can keep doing what you love for years to come.
FAQ
Can I take Type 1 and Type 2 collagen together?
Yes, you can take both types together. In fact, many people find that a combination approach works best, as Type 1 supports the tendons and ligaments while Type 2 supports the cartilage. Since they target different tissues, taking them together can provide more comprehensive support for your joints and overall structural health.
How long does it take for hydrolyzed collagen to work?
While everyone’s body is different, most people begin to see or feel results within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent daily use. Skin hydration and nail strength are often noticed first, while joint support and bone density improvements may take longer to become apparent. Consistency is the most important factor in seeing long-term benefits. For additional context, read about hydrolyzed collagen benefits.
Is hydrolyzed collagen vegan?
No, collagen is exclusively found in animal and marine sources; there is no such thing as a true "vegan collagen." Products marketed as vegan collagen typically contain the vitamins and amino acids (like Vitamin C and Zinc) that help your body produce its own collagen, but they do not contain the actual collagen protein fibrils.
Does hydrolyzed collagen help with weight loss?
Collagen is a pure protein, and high-protein diets are known to help increase satiety, which is the feeling of being full. By helping you feel more satisfied after a meal or snack, collagen can support your weight management goals as part of a balanced diet and exercise routine, though it is not a "magic" weight loss supplement. Learn more about BUBS Naturals giving back to veterans and communities.
