Collagen Types I and III

Q: What is the difference between bovine and marine collagen?

Bovine collagen is rich in types I and III, found in skin, bones and tendons. Marine collagen, sourced from fish, is primarily type I. Comparative clinical trials have not established significant superiority of one over the other in measurable skin outcomes. The choice depends on dietary preferences and potential allergy restrictions.

Q: How long does it take to see results?

Clinical trials report measurable improvements in skin hydration and elasticity after 4 to 8 weeks of daily intake. Effects on bone density require longer follow-up, from 6 to 12 months. Consistency is key: results are observed with continuous supplementation, not intermittent use.

Q: What is the difference between type I/III collagens and type II collagen?

Types I and III make up the majority of collagen in skin, bones and tendons. Type II is specific to articular cartilage. Their structure and metabolic pathways differ. The Singular formula includes both categories to cover all connective tissues.

Q: Are collagen peptides suitable for vegetarian diets?

No. Collagen peptides are of animal origin (bovine in the Singular formula). Plant-based collagen does not exist: products labeled as such contain precursors or synthesis boosters, not collagen. To support endogenous production without animal sources, vitamin C and glycine are the key cofactors.

Q: At what age does collagen supplementation become relevant?

Endogenous collagen synthesis begins to decline from the twenties. This decline accelerates after age 40. Clinical trials have included adults aged 25 to 65, with positive results across all studied age groups. Relevance depends on individual goals and lifestyle.

Collagène hydrolysé · Hydrolyzed Collagen · Collagen Peptides · Peptides de collagène

PeptidesTissue structure

Structural aging is one of the least discussed yet most consequential dimensions of longevity. The quality of the extracellular matrix (the protein network that supports every tissue) directly determines skin, joint and skeletal function. Among the bioactives studied to support this matrix, hydrolyzed collagen peptides hold a substantial clinical evidence base, with dozens of published randomized trials.

Last updated: March 24, 2026

Mechanism of Action

After ingestion, digestive enzymes break down collagen peptides into short di- and tripeptides. These fragments partially resist complete degradation into free amino acids. They enter the bloodstream and accumulate in connective tissues, where resident cells recognize them. In the dermis, this recognition triggers a signaling cascade that directs fibroblasts toward a matrix synthesis program. In bone tissue, the same fragments promote the differentiation of osteoblasts (the cells that build bone matrix). This effect goes beyond a simple amino acid supply. The body interprets the presence of collagen fragments as a signal for tissue renewal.

Key Benefits

Strong
A meta-analysis of 19 randomized trials confirms a significant improvement in skin hydration. The effect appears after 4 to 12 weeks of daily supplementation.
Strong
The same meta-analysis reports a measurable increase in skin elasticity. This parameter directly reflects collagen network density in the dermis.
Moderate
Several placebo-controlled randomized trials show a reduction in wrinkle depth after 8 to 12 weeks of daily intake.
Moderate
A 12-month controlled trial in postmenopausal women showed an increase in bone mineral density at the spine and femoral neck.
Moderate
A 24-week trial in athletes observed a reduction in activity-related joint discomfort with 10 g of hydrolyzed collagen per day.
Moderate
In elderly men, combining collagen peptides with resistance training improved muscle mass and strength compared to placebo.
Emerging
A preliminary trial reports a reduction in nail breakage frequency and improved nail growth after 24 weeks of supplementation.

Dosage & Forms

Three collagen supplementation approaches coexist. Undenatured native collagen (type II, 40 mg/day) acts through an oral tolerance mechanism on joint discomfort. Gelatin collagen, partially hydrolyzed, has limited solubility and variable absorption. Hydrolyzed collagen peptides offer the best documented oral bioavailability.

The source (bovine, marine, avian) influences the amino acid profile. Clinical data show no clear superiority of bovine over marine for types I and III. Studied doses range from 2.5 g to 15 g per day. Skin trials use 2.5 to 5 g, joint trials 10 g, body composition trials 15 g. Singular uses a bovine types I and III matrix in the form of low-molecular-weight hydrolyzed peptides.

In the Singular Formula

Inclusion rationale

Type I collagen in the form of hydrolyzed peptides. Type I collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the human body, constituting approximately 90% of total collagen, found in skin, bones, tendons and ligaments. Its endogenous production decreases by approximately 1 to 1.5% per year from age 25, a process accelerated by UV exposure, smoking and oxidative stress. Enzymatic hydrolysis produces low-molecular-weight peptides for facilitated intestinal absorption. These peptides exert a dual action once absorbed: they supply the specific amino acids of collagen (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline) as raw material, and certain dipeptides such as Pro-Hyp act as cellular messengers by stimulating dermal fibroblast activity. Meta-analyses of randomized trials have shown improvement in skin hydration and elasticity after 8 to 12 weeks of supplementation at doses of 2.5 to 10 g/day. In the formula, type I collagen is part of a complete synthesis network: glycine and L-lysine (present in the formula) provide the precursor amino acids, while vitamin C (also present) is the essential cofactor for the hydroxylation of proline and lysine, the key step in collagen maturation. Without vitamin C, the collagen triple helix cannot stabilize.

Selected form

Hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides, types I and III, sourced from bovine skin. Enzymatic hydrolysis reduces the molecular weight to 1,000-5,000 daltons, enabling cold-water solubility and facilitating intestinal absorption compared to non-hydrolysed native collagen. This matrix provides the amino acids specific to collagen (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline), which are scarce in other dietary protein sources. Manufactured in Europe (Italy/Netherlands). No additives, no major allergens (other than bovine origin). Halal and Kosher certified. Quality: Halal and Kosher certified.

Formula dosage

0 to 10 g.

Synergies in the formula

Collagen peptides are part of a bioactive network whose roles complement each other at every stage of matrix renewal. Glycine and L-Lysine provide the fundamental amino acids of the triple helix. Vitamin C activates the hydroxylation required to stabilize this structure. Copper acts downstream: it is a cofactor of lysyl oxidase (the enzyme that cross-links collagen fibers into a resilient network). Zinc contributes to normal protein synthesis and participates in regulating matrix degradation enzymes. Hyaluronic acid fills the space between fibers and maintains connective tissue hydration. Astaxanthin protects existing fibers against oxidative degradation. Collagen type II extends tissue coverage by targeting cartilage, where types I and III are less abundant.

Safety & Precautions

Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are generally well tolerated. Adverse effects reported in clinical trials are rare and mild: transient digestive discomfort, increased satiety. The track record of use spans over two decades in published studies.

As the matrix is of bovine origin, it is not recommended for individuals with a known allergy to bovine proteins. It is not suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult a healthcare professional before supplementation. The supply chain meets European Union health standards, including controls related to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

Scientific Studies

Authors	Year	Type	Journal
Choi FD et al.	2019	Systematic Review	Journal of Drugs in Dermatology	View on PubMed
Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications Systematic review of 11 studies (805 subjects) concluding that oral hydrolyzed collagen supplementation improves skin hydration, elasticity and density.
König D et al.	2018	Randomised Controlled Trial	Nutrients	View on PubMed
Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Study 12-month controlled trial on 131 postmenopausal women showing increased bone mineral density with 5 g/day of collagen peptides.
Hexsel D et al.	2017	Randomised Controlled Trial	Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology	View on PubMed
Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails Trial on 25 subjects showing a 12% increase in nail growth rate and a 42% reduction in breakage frequency after 24 weeks.
Asserin J et al.	2015	Randomised Controlled Trial	Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology	View on PubMed
The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials Two randomized trials demonstrating significant increase in skin hydration and dermal collagen network density after oral supplementation.
Zdzieblik D et al.	2015	Randomised Controlled Trial	British Journal of Nutrition	View on PubMed
Collagen peptide supplementation in combination with resistance training improves body composition and increases muscle strength in elderly sarcopenic men: a randomised controlled trial Controlled trial on 53 elderly men showing significant improvement in lean mass and muscle strength with 15 g of collagen peptides combined with resistance training.
Proksch E et al.	2014	Randomised Controlled Trial	Skin Pharmacology and Physiology	View on PubMed
Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study Double-blind randomized trial on 69 women (35-55 years) showing significant improvement in skin elasticity after 8 weeks of collagen peptide supplementation.
Clark KL et al.	2008	Randomised Controlled Trial	Current Medical Research and Opinion	View on PubMed
24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain 24-week trial on 147 athletes showing significant reduction in joint discomfort with 10 g of hydrolyzed collagen per day.
de Miranda RB et al.	2021	Meta-analysis	International Journal of Dermatology	View on PubMed
Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis Meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials (1,125 participants, aged 20-70) confirming that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation significantly improves skin hydration and elasticity. Ingestion over 90 days is effective in reducing signs of skin aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between bovine and marine collagen?#[ + ]

How long does it take to see results?#[ + ]

What is the difference between type I/III collagens and type II collagen?#[ + ]

Are collagen peptides suitable for vegetarian diets?#[ + ]

At what age does collagen supplementation become relevant?#[ + ]

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