Have you ever wondered what keeps us moving, flexible, and feeling young – even as the years go by?
Well, for me, it was a question that started with a jar of collagen I stumbled across in the back of my pantry. I’d heard about collagen in passing, but like many of you, I wasn’t exactly sure how different types of collagen worked or why they mattered. It turns out, though, that collagen isn’t just about beauty products or anti-aging serums—it’s something a lot more powerful. In fact, it’s transformed not only my health but my entire family’s health, including my grandmother’s!
A “Super Supplement” That Works for All Ages
Here’s the backstory: my grandmother has always been an active lady, cooking, gardening, and moving around the house as if she were still in her 50s. But as she aged, I noticed her struggling with joint pain, stiffness, and a loss of flexibility. I knew I had to do something, so after a bit of research, I decided to try giving her collagen supplements, specifically Types I, II, and III.
Little did I know, this decision would be a game-changer for both of us. I initially bought it for her, thinking she’d benefit from joint support and mobility enhancement. But soon after, I started adding collagen to my own routine, swapping out my usual protein powder for a collagen-based shake. Let me tell you—it was a revelation.
To make things even easier, I recently discovered 13Lives’ Collagen Protein Isolate. It’s packed with all three types of collagen, designed to support everything from joint health to skin and muscle recovery. For me, it’s become the perfect protein source. It’s easy to mix into a shake, and since it’s a single product, I get all the collagen types I need without the hassle of multiple supplements. Plus, it tastes great!
So, let’s break it down: what’s the difference between Collagen Types I, II, and III, and how can they benefit you, no matter your age or fitness level?
Collagen 101: The Building Block You Didn’t Know You Needed
Collagen is one of the main proteins in the human body, providing structure to our skin, muscles, bones, and tendons. Think of it as the “glue” that holds everything together. While there are over 16 types of collagen, Types I, II, and III are the big players—each supporting different aspects of our health and wellbeing.
Collagen Type I: The Beauty and Strength Booster
Collagen Type I is like the multi-tool of the collagen world. It’s abundant throughout your body, especially in your skin, bones, and tendons. It’s also the type of collagen that often appears in beauty supplements because it can support skin elasticity and hydration, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This was a huge selling point for my grandmother, who wasn’t about to turn down the possibility of fewer wrinkles.
But beauty aside, Type I collagen is also crucial for athletes and fitness lovers like myself. When I started using it, I noticed a difference in my post-workout recovery time. My muscles felt less sore, and my body just seemed to “bounce back” faster. Studies show that Type I collagen helps repair microtears in muscles and supports joint stability, so if you’re someone who loves high-intensity workouts or just wants to stay active as you age, this is your type!
Sources for more information on Collagen Type I:
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28405996/
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28986602/
Collagen Type II: Joint Protection and Flexibility
Then, there’s Collagen Type II, which is mostly found in cartilage. If you’ve ever felt like your joints are stiff or sore after a long run or workout, this might be the collagen type you’re missing out on. For my grandmother, who’s always on her feet, this was like a miracle supplement. Collagen Type II is known to cushion the joints, providing support where it’s needed most. For anyone dealing with joint issues, this type of collagen is a game-changer.
When I added Type II to my daily routine, I could feel a difference in my knees, especially during heavy leg days. And the best part? It’s not just temporary relief—Collagen Type II actually promotes joint health long-term by rebuilding cartilage. It’s one of the main reasons I swapped out my old protein powder for a collagen-based one!
Sources for more information on Collagen Type II:
Collagen Type III: Flexibility and Vascular Health
Now, let’s talk about Collagen Type III. This type is often found in our skin, blood vessels, and intestines. Type III collagen works closely with Type I and is essential for keeping your blood vessels strong and flexible, which is crucial for circulation and heart health. When my grandmother started using it, she actually noticed a difference in her energy levels—likely due to the improved blood flow and vascular health.
For me, Collagen Type III has been amazing for recovery and muscle support. It turns out that by strengthening the “soft tissues,” Collagen Type III can prevent strain injuries and support flexibility. This is great news for anyone who’s active, as it means more elasticity in your muscles and better overall endurance.
Sources for more information on Collagen Type III:
- NCBI - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26538304/
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7202830/
How I Integrated Collagen Into My Daily Routine
So here’s where the real magic happened—I started adding collagen to my daily smoothies, and I’ve honestly never looked back. At first, it felt a bit like I was cheating on my usual whey protein, but as I learned more about collagen, I realized I was gaining so much more. Unlike regular protein powders, collagen is packed with amino acids like glycine and proline that directly benefit your connective tissues.
For me, the convenience factor was key. Just one scoop of a high-quality collagen supplement gives you a solid dose of Types I, II, and III, which covers everything from joint health to muscle recovery. And trust me, if you’re anything like me—juggling workouts, work, and family—it’s so worth it.
That’s why I love 13Lives’ Collagen Protein Isolate. It has all three collagen types in one formula, making it the perfect addition to my routine, without needing multiple supplements. Whether I’m blending it into my morning smoothie or stirring it into a post-gym shake, I know I’m supporting my joints, skin, and overall strength from the inside out.
The Unexpected Benefits: Skin, Hair, and Beyond
One thing I didn’t expect when I started using collagen was the change in my skin and hair. I had mostly been focused on the fitness benefits, but after a couple of months, I started to see that my skin was more hydrated, my hair was stronger, and I was even noticing a bit of a glow. Collagen Type I, in particular, has been shown to help with skin elasticity and hydration, and it’s the reason why so many beauty products include collagen.
My grandmother was also thrilled with the beauty benefits—she even jokes that it’s her “fountain of youth!” And who am I to argue? Whether you’re in your 20s or your 70s, collagen has something to offer, inside and out.
Final Thoughts: Collagen for Lifelong Health
Collagen has truly become a staple in my household. Whether it’s helping my grandmother keep up with her gardening or giving me the recovery boost I need after a workout, this supplement has made a difference. If you’re looking for a way to support your body from the inside out, I can’t recommend collagen enough. Give it a try and see how it works for you—who knows, you might just be as hooked as we are!
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of collagen, I highly recommend trying out 13Lives Collagen Protein Isolate. It’s the only protein powder I’ve found that includes all three types of collagen, giving you a full spectrum of benefits. Your joints, skin, and muscles will thank you!
