Collagen Explained: Types, Marine, Bovine and Keto Collagen
Collagen Explained: Types, Marine, Bovine and Keto Collagen
Understand collagen types, sources and formats, with practical examples from PER4M and Applied Nutrition powders.
By Evolution Supplements · Updated 4 November 2026
What is collagen?
Collagen is a structural protein found throughout the body, including skin, tendons, ligaments, bones and cartilage. It helps give different tissues their organisation and mechanical properties.
The body makes its own collagen using amino acids and other nutritional inputs. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of tissues including skin, cartilage and bones.
Supplemental collagen is usually animal-derived and prepared as a powder, capsules or a combination product. Collagen consumed in food or supplements is digested; it does not travel intact directly to a chosen wrinkle, tendon or joint.
Types I, II and III explained
Type
Common locations in the body
What to understand
Type I
Skin, tendons, ligaments and bone.
A common source type for collagen peptide products.
Type II
Cartilage.
Undenatured type II and hydrolysed products have different formulations and research.
Type III
Skin, blood vessels and other connective tissues.
Often discussed alongside type I in bovine-source material.
Type numbers describe the original protein structure and tissue distribution. A bigger list of types is not automatically a better supplement. Source, processing, amount and the specific evidence all matter.
Marine versus bovine collagen
Marine collagen commonly comes from fish material such as skin or scales and is often associated with type I. Bovine collagen comes from cattle-derived material and commonly supplies material associated with types I and III.
The source tells you about origin and dietary suitability. It does not establish that marine collagen is always superior or that bovine collagen can only serve one purpose.
Fish-derived collagen is relevant to fish allergies. Neither source is suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Products described as vegan “collagen builders” usually supply nutrients intended to support the body's own processes, rather than conventional animal collagen.
Hydrolysed collagen, peptides and undenatured type II
Hydrolysed means the collagen has been broken into smaller chains called peptides. “Collagen peptides” and “collagen hydrolysate” are commonly used descriptions for this format.
Hydrolysis changes the original structure, so it is not useful to assume a hydrolysed type label directs the product to a specific body part. The preparation and trial matter more than that shortcut.
Undenatured type II collagen is a separate format designed to retain particular structural features, often studied at much smaller amounts. Its proposed action and dosing are not interchangeable with gram-sized servings of hydrolysed peptides.
Do not use a 40mg undenatured product and a 10g peptide powder as if the numbers represented equivalent versions of the same preparation.
What does research show for skin, joints and training?
Skin
Some trials and pooled analyses report improvements in skin hydration or elasticity. A 2025 review found positive overall results but no clear benefit in higher-quality or non-industry-funded subgroups. Study quality and funding therefore affect how confidently the findings can be interpreted.
Collagen can be a chosen nutritional addition, while a guaranteed anti-ageing or wrinkle-removal result is not established.
Joints and connective tissues
Reviews of collagen derivatives in osteoarthritis report improvements in some pain and function measures. Those studies use different preparations and concern a particular condition; they do not prove cartilage regrowth or prevention of gym injuries.
Exercise studies also examine tendons, strength and body composition, with some encouraging results but variation in methods and certainty. Appropriate loading, rehabilitation where needed and wider nutrition remain important.
Protein and muscle building
Collagen has a distinctive amino-acid profile, rich in glycine and proline-related amino acids. It does not provide the same balance of essential amino acids as a complete protein source. It can complement a routine that already includes suitable protein foods rather than serve as the sole protein source.
PER4M Multi-Blend Collagen powder
PER4M Multi-Blend Collagen combines 5g marine collagen and 5g bovine collagen per listed daily serving, giving 10g total collagen, with added vitamin C.
The dual-source format offers marine and bovine collagen in one powder. Flavoured and unflavoured options vary by size and formulation, so follow the selected tub's preparation directions and complete ingredient panel.
Vitamin C has its own established collagen-formation role. Its inclusion should not be interpreted as proof that a particular skin or joint result is guaranteed. The formula contains fish-derived material and cattle-derived collagen.
Applied Nutrition Keto Collagen powder
Applied Nutrition Keto Collagen 325g combines 10g hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides with 3g MCT per 13g serving. MCT means medium-chain triglycerides, a type of dietary fat.
“Keto collagen” describes the format and its fit with a low-carbohydrate nutrition plan. It is not a new collagen type and does not mean the powder automatically puts someone into ketosis or causes fat loss.
The unflavoured powder is listed for mixing into a preferred hot or cold drink or food once daily. A 325g tub provides approximately 25 servings. The panel lists 9.5g protein and zero carbohydrate and sugar per serving; the MCT contributes dietary fat.
Choose it if the bovine collagen and MCT combination fits how you want to use the product. Check current availability on the product page; an active listing is not a promise that it is in stock.
Compare the collagen amount as well as total scoop weight. Flavouring, vitamin C or MCT can make the complete serving weigh more than its collagen content.
Do Hair Skin & Nails capsules contain collagen?
Applied Nutrition Hair Skin & Nails does contain collagen: its current listing declares 200mg hydrolysed marine collagen per two-capsule serving, alongside biotin, zinc and other ingredients.
That is a different format and amount from a powder supplying 10g collagen. It is a broader beauty-focused combination rather than an equivalent powder serving. Check fish and soya allergens, and tell healthcare professionals about its high biotin content before blood tests because biotin can interfere with some results.
Collagen FAQs
Is keto collagen a different collagen type?
No. It describes a formula designed around a low-carbohydrate format, here using bovine collagen plus MCT.
Does type I collagen only help skin?
Type I occurs in several tissues, and an oral type label does not direct the product to one body part.
Can I mix collagen into coffee?
Follow your selected product's directions. Applied Keto Collagen is listed for hot or cold drinks and food; check the selected PER4M formulation for preparation.
Should I take both collagen powders?
They provide overlapping collagen servings. Compare the formats and choose around your preferences rather than assuming both are needed.
Explore the related range
Check the current ingredients, serving directions and availability before choosing.
General information for adults. Follow product directions and check allergens. Seek qualified advice if pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a medical condition. Supplements should complement a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
