Collagen is often referred to as the most abundant protein in the human body—and for good reason. It plays a pivotal role in supporting connective tissue, maintaining joint health, and aiding in cartilage repair.
Over time, as we age, our body’s natural collagen production decreases, leading to joint stiffness, cartilage loss, and other signs of aging, like wrinkles and sagging skin.
Fortunately, introducing collagen supplementation into your daily routine can help counteract these effects.
Collagen supplements, particularly collagen peptides, have been gaining popularity for their proven beneficial effects.
From easing joint pain to promoting skin elasticity, research and clinical trials suggest there’s much to gain from regular use.
But with so many supposed “best collagen supplements” on the market, it can be difficult to choose a product you can truly trust.
This guide dives into all the essentials you need to know about collagen for healthy joints—covering its types, dosages, and benefits.
Plus, we’ll introduce you to Yonder’s Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides, a premium option that stands out for joint support.
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What Types of Collagen Make up the Joints in the human body?
The joints in the human body are primarily made up of Type II collagen, though other types of collagen are in the surrounding tissues. Here's a breakdown:
Type II Collagen
- Found predominantly in articular cartilage, which covers the ends of bones in joints.
- Provides tensile strength and elasticity, allowing cartilage to cushion and absorb impacts.
- Essential for maintaining joint health and function.
Type I Collagen
- Found in ligaments, tendons, and bones that support joint structures.
- Provides structural integrity and strength to these tissues.
Type III Collagen
- Found in the synovial membrane and blood vessels within joints.
- Provides elasticity and is often present alongside Type I collagen in connective tissues.
Type IX and XI Collagen
- Found in smaller amounts in cartilage, where they interact with Type II collagen to stabilize the cartilage matrix.
- Help to maintain the integrity and functionality of joint cartilage.
Together, these collagen types work to support and protect joints, enabling smooth movement and absorbing mechanical stress.
What Type of Collagen is Best for Joint Health?
Grass-fed & Pasture Raised Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen: There are at least 28 different types of collagen, but the most widely studied, with over 1,000 studies on PubMed is Bovine Collagen Peptides (Hydrolyzed), Types I and III supporting hair, skin, nail, joint health, and general non-muscle, soft tissue repair. Also bone density, gut health and heart health studies.
Types I and III make up the majority of collagen in the human body and are primarily responsible for maintaining the structure and function of various tissues, including skin, bones, cartilage, and connective tissues.
Why we do not use Type II collagen in our Yonder Collagen formula: Bovine Collagen Peptides (Hydrolyzed) collagen is pre-digested, reduced to shorter peptide chains to enhance digestion, absorption, and assimilation. The body then uses these peptides to reform collagen as needed. The body determines where the collagen is most needed and converts it into the necessary 'type.' Therefore, obsessing over the specific types of collagen in any source misses the point. The natural design of the body ensures it makes the right decision. Hence, there are numerous positive studies on Bovine Collagen Peptides (BCP) being effective for joint health as well.
Proven by consumers and clinical studies: The significant long-term growth of Bovine Collagen Peptides has been consumer-driven, with satisfied customers spreading the word due to effective results backed by clinical studies.
The best collagen for joint health is bioavailable hydrolyzed grass-fed & pasture raised bovine collagen: This form consists of shorter peptide chains that are easily absorbed by the body, allowing it to convert the peptides into the specific types of collagen needed to replenish areas with the greatest depletion. Collagen works from the inside out, which is why it can take time to see visible results. If your body is significantly depleted, the collagen will first repair internal structures like joints and soft tissues before reaching the outer layers, where changes are more noticeable. Internally, you'll feel the benefits as joint discomfort subsides, soft tissue injuries heal more quickly, and overall mobility improves.
Bioavailable hydrolyzed collagen, Yonder Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides excels at supporting connective tissue and joint recovery, making it an excellent choice for those looking to improve joint health.
Studies have shown that bovine collagen peptide supplements, like Yonder’s, improve collagen absorption and can make a noticeable difference in joint stiffness and mobility by boosting the body’s own collagen synthesis. Yonder has numerous testimonials on improved joint health. Including our own joint health improvements.
How Does Type III Collagen Support Joints?
Type III collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining joint health as a key structural component of cartilage within the extracellular matrix.
While it may not be the primary collagen type in joints, it is an essential part of the bone and joint matrix that supports flexibility and overall joint function.
This collagen type is particularly important in promoting healthy, flexible joints. At synovial joints—where bones meet—articular cartilage forms a thin, protective layer. ("Articular" simply means "relating to joints.") Damage to this cartilage, known as articular cartilage damage, can lead to inflammation, causing swelling, warmth, tenderness, stiffness, and pain in the affected area.
Type III collagen plays a vital role in supporting the healing and repair of joints, whether from age-related wear or injury.
Its presence in the cartilage matrix helps support recovery and keeps joints resilient and functional over time.
What is the Best Type of Collagen?
Did you know that 90% of the collagen in your body consists of Type I and Type III, the most abundant and essential forms?
You don’t need five different types of collagen or unnecessary additives to reap the benefits. In fact, these extras can dilute the effectiveness of the collagen your body relies on most.
To effectively boost your collagen levels, focus on what matters bioavailable hydroyzed collagen peptides, Bovine Collagen Peptides—Type 1 and Type 3 which is the most studied on PubMed with over 1,000 clinical studies and the most consumer driven results.
With Yonder, you get exactly what your body needs, offering maximum impact without the marketing gimmicks or inflated costs. Invest wisely and avoid paying more for less.
Why Yonder Chooses to Keep Additives Out of Their Formula
Our decision not to include Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, other types of collagen, or tryptophan in our formula is a deliberate choice rooted in a commitment to deliver the highest quality and most effective supplement. Here’s why:
1. Preserving Bioavailability
Adding Vitamin C or Hyaluronic Acid might sound beneficial, but it can actually harm the product’s integrity by being combined with the collagen peptides for long periods of time.
These ingredients can act as pro-oxidants, oxidizing collagen’s amino acids during storage and reducing their bioavailability.
This means they could compromise the very benefits you’re seeking from collagen supplementation.
2. The Case for Real Food Sources
Most people don’t need extra Vitamin C in their supplements. The recommended daily intake of 90 mg can be easily met through a balanced diet, with foods like oranges, sweet potatoes, bone broth, or freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Consuming Vitamin C through real food supports collagen synthesis and provides additional vitamins and minerals essential for the process.
Collagen synthesis requires more than just Vitamin C—it relies on nearly every vitamin in your diet, making whole foods the best option to support your body’s natural processes.
To learn more about how to optimize your collagen in your body check out: 5 Expert Tips to Maximize Your Collagen Peptide Benefits
3. Maintaining Potency
Bioavailable Bovine Collagen Peptides, Type I and Type III collagen account for 90% of the body’s collagen and are the most effective for promoting youthful levels.
Adding other, less effective types of collagen diminishes the formula’s potency. We ensure a more efficient and targeted supplement by focusing solely on the most impactful types.
4. Why We Skip Tryptophan
While tryptophan is an essential amino acid, adding it to collagen supplements is unnecessary. Here’s why:
Fragility of Tryptophan: Tryptophan is a delicate amino acid, and the process of incorporating it into collagen powders can destroy it, reducing effectiveness and potentially creating harmful toxins. This is similar to the risks associated with adding Vitamin C to collagen products.
Adequate Dietary Sources: Most people already consume enough tryptophan through a balanced diet. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), adults need 250–425 mg of tryptophan per day, which can easily be achieved through common foods rich in trypophan. Like the following:
- Dairy
- Chicken
- Steak
- Tofu
- Salmon
- Eggs
These examples show that meeting your daily tryptophan needs is simple with a balanced diet, eliminating the need to add it to collagen supplements.
5. Avoiding Unnecessary Costs
Including unnecessary ingredients, like Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, or additional amino acids, often adds to the cost of a product while diluting its potency and effectiveness. We prioritize substance over marketing gimmicks, ensuring you get a targeted, high-quality product without unnecessary extras. So many companies are also trademarking blends to differentiate themselves and justify higher prices, which simply is almost always just a marketing angle and not superior to pure Bovine Collagen Peptides.
In summary, our formula is designed with a singular focus: delivering collagen in its most potent and bioavailable form.
By skipping unnecessary additives, we maximize the supplement’s effectiveness while encouraging a balanced, nutrient-rich diet to support your overall health.
Is Bovine or Marine Collagen Better for Joints?
When choosing a collagen supplement, understanding the differences between bovine collagen and marine collagen is critical.
Bovine Collagen:
- Derived from cows, it primarily contains Type I and III collagen, which are excellent for supporting connective tissue.
- Products like Yonder Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides are sourced from pasture-raised, grass-fed cows, ensuring they are glyphosate-free and devoid of harmful toxins. This ethical and clean sourcing makes bovine collagen products like Yonder a top-tier choice for joint and cartilage repair.
Marine Collagen:
- Extracted from fish, marine collagen is highly bioavailable, meaning it is quicker to absorb. However, it primarily supports skin health rather than joints. There’s also the added risk of heavy metals contaminating some marine collagen products, making it vital to choose carefully. We steer clear from marine collagen due to its ability to source clean without higher levels of heavy metals and other toxins.
For joint health, bovine collagen, like Yonder’s, offers a better balance of benefits thanks to its fortified Type I and III collagen content, which supports joint function and aids soft tissue repair.
It’s also more cost-effective than marine collagen for the average consumer.
Are Collagen Peptides the Same as Collagen Gelatin?
No, collagen and gelatin are not the same, though they share a common source—cartilage—and have an identical amino acid composition.
The key difference lies in their form and functionality.
Collagen peptides are hydrolyzed, meaning they are broken down into smaller peptides, making them easier to mix into liquids and absorb by the body.
On the other hand, gelatin has a natural gelling or thickening property, making it ideal for various cooking and baking applications.
While both provide the same collagen amino acids, their unique properties cater to different uses and benefits.
To learn a more comprehensive breakdown of the differences, check out our article: Gelatin Bone Broth vs Collagen Peptides: Which is Better?
Is 20 Grams of Collagen a Day Too Much?
The appropriate daily dose of collagen varies depending on your health goals and individual needs.
Research suggests that consuming 10–20 grams of collagen daily yields positive results, particularly for joint pain, bone health, and skin hydration.
While clinical studies have shown that higher doses (up to 40 grams) are safe, sticking to the 10–20 gram range is practical and effective for most individuals.
Yonder Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides offers a 10-gram serving size, making it easy to incorporate a proper dose for daily joint maintenance.
For individuals dealing with specific conditions, such as postmenopausal women experiencing bone loss or individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, consulting a healthcare provider can help tailor the dosage to their needs.
Here is a guide on how much collagen to take:
The amount of collagen you need depends on various factors such as age, stress levels, etc. Here is a recommended daily dose based on desired effects:
- 5-10 grams of collagen each day Increases glycine and proline production which supports your body in making collagen.*
- 10-20 grams per day: Boosts energy, promotes weight management, supports gut health and digestion, and enhances skin, hair, joint and nail health.*
- 20-40 grams per day: Supports overall health, more comfortable movement, cellular rejuvenation, digestive system support, weight loss, and muscle building.*
What is the Most Absorbable Collagen?
Collagen hydrolysates, also known as collagen peptides, are among the most easily absorbed collagen forms due to their smaller peptide chains.
These are broken down in the supplement’s production process to enhance bioavailability.
Yonder Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides excels in this area, as it’s formulated for maximum absorption.
Its powder dissolves seamlessly into beverages, allowing the essential amino acids (like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline) to be effectively utilized by the body.
Mix it with foods or drinks rich in Vitamin C to stimulate natural collagen production for better results.
Related Post: 9 Ways to Use Yonder Collagen
Does Collagen Support Joint Health?
Without a doubt, collagen supplementation offers vast beneficial effects on joint function.
Research consistently shows its value in reducing joint pain and encouraging cartilage repair. Those with conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or excess weight often report significant improvements in mobility and reductions in joint stiffness.
For example, individuals with symptoms of osteoarthritis have shown improvements in pain and physical performance after regularly taking collagen peptide supplements.
Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effects of collagen contribute to a healthier overall joint environment.
With Yonder Collagen Peptides, these benefits are amplified thanks to their clean, toxin-free formulation. Not only does it promote joint health, but it also strengthens surrounding connective tissue, allowing for better overall mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Collagen for Joint Health
Does Collagen Help with Knee Pain?
Yes, clinical studies support collagen’s role in reducing knee pain, particularly in individuals facing age-related cartilage loss or high physical stress on the joints.
Incorporating Yonder Collagen daily could aid recovery from joint discomfort caused by aging, repetitive use, or autoimmune diseases.
What are the Best Collagen Supplements for Joint Pain?
The best collagen supplements focus on purity, bioavailability, and clean, high-quality ingredients for optimal results.
Among the top options, Yonder Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides stands out for its ethically sourced formula, derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle.
This highly absorbable supplement supports healthy skin, hair, nails, and joints, making it a trusted choice for those seeking effective joint supplements and overall wellness support.
Its commitment to sustainability and premium sourcing further sets it apart in the crowded supplement market.
Related Post: How We Source and Make Our Collagen: Our Commitment to Quality
Is Collagen Better Taken with or Without Food?
To maximize absorption, experts often recommend taking collagen supplements on an empty stomach or alongside a source of Vitamin C, such as orange juice or citrus fruit. However, to optimize your collagen with Vitamin C, you just need to consumer Vitamin C within 24 hours of consuming your collagen peptides. They do not have to be consumed together to enhance collagen production.
Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, helping the body process and utilize collagen more effectively.
Can Collagen Help with Other Issues Like Skin or Gut Health?
Absolutely. Collagen isn’t just limited to joint benefits—it improves skin elasticity, wound healing, and even gut health by supporting the integrity of your intestinal lining.
Related Post: 10 Proven Benefits of Collagen Peptides for Women
What Role Does Bone Broth Play in Collagen Supplementation?
While bone broth contains natural collagen, it often lacks the concentration and convenience of products like Yonder Collagen Peptides, making it less effective as a primary collagen source. Homemade bone broth is very nutrient dense and has a lot of benefits.
If you have the time and interest to make homemade bone broth, check out our recipes:
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right collagen supplement can feel overwhelming, but choosing products that balance quality, efficacy, and ethical sourcing is key.
Yonder Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides stands out as a market leader, supporting healthy joints, skin, bones, and nails, all while maintaining the highest standards of purity and safety.
Its glyphosate-free, grass-fed formulation promotes a holistic path to wellness that supports the human body from the inside out.
You can bolster your joint health and overall vitality by blending Yonder into your daily routine—whether in a morning coffee, smoothie, or baking recipe.
For anyone ready to invest in their joint health, the good news is that Yonder Collagen Peptides makes that leap simple, clean, and effective.
Shop Yonder Clean Collagen:
Grass-fed Collagen Peptides (Flavorless)
We're Sheri and Gina, the founders of Yonder, a clean collagen company born from our childhood friendship and shared health struggles. Through our faith and dedication to natural wellness, we discovered the transformative power of clean nutritional ingredients, including pure collagen peptides. Now, we want to share this with you. Trust in our firsthand experience and join us on the path to optimal wellness with Yonder - pure, clean, and potent. To learn more about our story and mission, visit our 'Our Story' page.
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