Collagen supplementation has become an established practice in offices and health clinics, driven by the growing demand for products that benefit skin, joints, muscles, and bone structures. Health professionals, such as doctors, nutritionists, physical educators, and pharmacists, play an important role in guiding and prescribing these supplements in a personalized way. This article explores the most suitable types of collagen and their clinical applications for different therapeutic objectives.

Collagen: structure and function in the body

Collagen is a structural protein that represents about 30% of the total proteins in the human body, responsible for the strength and elasticity of tissues such as skin, cartilage, ligaments, and bones. Composed primarily of glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, collagen acts as a supportive “blanket” that provides firmness and elasticity. Although there are 28 different types of collagen identified, types I, II, III and specialized peptides, such as Verisol® and Bodybalance®, are the most extensively studied and applied in clinical practice.

Main types of collagen and their applications

1. Type I Collagen

Type I collagen is the most abundant in the body and is present in the skin, bones, and tendons, playing an important role in the structural support of these tissues. It is mainly recognized for its support and elasticity properties, essential characteristics for skin health.

Potential Benefits:

• Reduction of wrinkles and expression lines

• Improves skin elasticity and hydration

• Strengthening nails and hair

This type of collagen is especially used by professionals who wish to support skin health, especially in aesthetic settings, and promote bone structure maintenance.

2. Type II Collagen

Type II collagen is found predominantly in cartilage, playing an important role in joint health and the ability to absorb shocks from movements. Unlike type I, which mainly supports skin and bones, type II collagen is essential for joint structure, helping to protect and regenerate these tissues.

Potential Benefits:

• Supporting joint health, helping cartilage elasticity and strength

• Potential to alleviate discomfort in worn joints

• Aid in inflammatory joint conditions, such as arthritis and osteoarthritis

Type II is widely indicated for active people and the elderly who require additional joint support to preserve joint mobility and health.

3. Type III Collagen

Commonly found along with type I, type III collagen is present in the skin, blood vessels, and muscles. This type provides elasticity, contributing to skin tone and tissue regeneration.

Potential Benefits:

• Support for muscle recovery and vascular integrity

• Contribution to cardiovascular health

• Benefits for skin structure and tone

Type III collagen is useful in recovery situations, whether in aesthetic settings (such as after skin firming treatments) or for muscle and vascular support in active patients and athletes.

4. Bioactive Collagen Peptides: Verisol® and Bodybalance®

In addition to conventional types of collagen, bioactive peptides such as Verisol® and Bodybalance® stand out due to their specific formulas, which offer optimized benefits.

Verisol®

Developed specifically for skin health, Verisol® is composed of hydrolyzed peptides that facilitate absorption and promote rapid positive effects on skin tissues. Studies indicate that these peptides act directly to improve elasticity, reduce wrinkles and increase hydration, playing an optimal role in skin health and potentiating aesthetic treatments.

Potential Benefits:

• Improves skin texture and firmness

• Reduction of signs of aging, such as fine wrinkles

• Contribution to the reduction of cellulite

These peptides can be prescribed for people seeking aesthetic results, as their optimized composition favors a more direct action on the skin.

Bodybalance®

Designed for muscle support, Bodybalance® it is a bioactive collagen peptide that aims at muscle recovery and the preservation of lean mass, especially in populations that face muscle loss, such as the elderly, those who practice physical activity, or individuals in the process of losing weight.

Potential Benefits:

• Supporting the preservation of lean body mass during aging processes

• Sarcopenia prevention

• Contribution to post-exercise muscle recovery

• Aid in the slimming process, preventing muscle loss

This collagen peptide is particularly relevant for athletes and older individuals, and is useful in preventing sarcopenia and promoting strength and vitality.

How to select the ideal type of collagen for each case

The choice of the type of collagen must consider factors such as the purpose of the treatment, the patient's profile and the expected duration of supplementation, thus being a strategy always based on the patient's individuality. Below are some key points for selection:

• Purpose of the Treatment: Differentiating between aesthetic (skin and hair), joint (cartilage support and mobility), or muscular (preservation and recovery of lean mass) objectives makes it easier to choose the most appropriate type of collagen.

• Duration and Continuity: Continuous collagen supplementation is recommended for at least 8 to 12 weeks so that its effects can be observed, since collagen is a structural protein that accumulates gradually.

Considerations for administering collagen

The administration of collagen requires some considerations for its effectiveness to be maximized, especially in relation to bioavailability and synergy with other nutrients.

Synergy with Nutrients

The combination of collagen with specific nutrients can enhance its effects:

• Vitamin C: Essential for collagen synthesis, vitamin C is a vital co-factor that acts on the production and stability of endogenous collagen, reinforcing skin elasticity and bone structure.

• Amino acids: Lysine and proline are essential amino acids in the construction of collagen, which can impact the structure of blood vessels and muscles.

• Antioxidants: Antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin E help protect cells from oxidative stress, preserving the integrity of collagen in the body.

• Minerals: Micronutrients such as zinc, magnesium, calcium, copper and others can be used as a synergistic strategy according to the objective of each patient, potentiating the use of collagen for a given clinical condition.

Monitoring and evaluation of the results

Clinical monitoring is an important step in evaluating the efficacy of collagen, as it allows us to observe whether the results are in line with the expectations of the patient and the health professional. In general, the results can be measured according to the improvements perceived in:

• Skin elasticity and reduction of fine lines: Verifiable in about 8 weeks with continuous use of around 2.5 g of bioactive peptides such as Verisol®.

• Improves the appearance of nails, hair and skin: Human skin is composed of 70% collagen. Studies indicate that supplementing 9g of hydrolyzed collagenhelps reduce wrinkles, moisturizes the skin and strengthens the nails.

• Improved joint mobility and reduced discomfort: Generally observed 2 to 3 months after starting treatment with 40 mg of collagen of type II.

• Maintenance or gain of muscle mass: Benefits such as the preservation of lean mass, especially with Bodybalance®, can be monitored in body composition tests.

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of collagen, combined with a deep understanding of its effects and benefits, is important so that health professionals can offer personalized and effective collagen supplementation. Regardless of the goal—whether it's skin health, joint support, or muscle recovery—collagen can be a valuable resource for promoting patients' health and well-being.