Collagen Types and Forms Compared: Bovine, Marine, Type I, II and III (Canada)

Short answer: most collagen powders and capsules sold in Canada contain hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides), which is collagen already broken into small pieces so it dissolves easily. The main differences between products are the source (cattle or fish), the collagen types named on the label (I, II, III) and any added ingredients. The evidence that collagen supplements improve joints or skin is mixed and often of low certainty, so treat them as an optional protein supplement rather than a proven treatment. Pick by source, allergies and label wording, and check the NPN.

Collagen types and forms compared

"Hydrolyzed" means the collagen has been broken into smaller peptides so it dissolves in hot or cold liquids. Most of the products above are powders; Genacol Pain Relief is a capsule that pairs hydrolysed collagen with glucosamine, MSM and botanicals, so read its cautions separately.

What does the evidence say?

We searched for a Cochrane review of collagen supplements for skin, joints or bone and did not find one, so we have to rely on other published reviews. A 2012 systematic review of collagen derivatives in osteoarthritis concluded there was insufficient evidence to recommend their general use for osteoarthritis, with the overall quality of evidence rated moderate to very low. A 2025 network meta-analysis that compared seven supplements with placebo for knee osteoarthritis pain ranked Boswellia highest; collagen ranked low for pain relief and did not show a significant pain benefit compared with placebo. For skin, a 2026 umbrella review of systematic reviews (published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum) reported benefits for skin hydration and firmness with long-term use but called for better trials, so the evidence for skin is mixed and still being studied; evidence for bone is limited. In short: results are mixed, certainty is low, and collagen does not replace exercise, weight management and care from your doctor for joint pain.

The Canadian angle

• NPN. A licensed collagen product carries a Natural Product Number. The Designs for Health pages on our site say the label shows the NPN. Look it up in the Licensed Natural Health Products Database (see our guide).
• Wording. Licensed claims are modest, for example "source of amino acids that help in collagen formation" and "helps to support skin elasticity" on the Designs for Health labels. Be cautious of pages promising wrinkle removal or cartilage regrowth.
• Health Canada monograph. We did not find a dedicated collagen monograph, so check each product's licence in the database for its approved uses and cautions.
• Dietary protein. Our protein powder guide covers other protein supplements.

Who it may not suit, and interactions

• Fish allergy. The Genuine Health marine collagen label says to avoid it if you have a fish allergy.
• Beef sensitivity. The Vital Proteins page says it is not suitable if you are sensitive to bovine protein, and the NFH page advises people with a beef allergy or sensitivity to avoid it.
• Biotin and lab tests. HSN Beauty Collagen contains biotin, which the label says can interfere with some lab tests. Tell your doctor before blood work.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. The Designs for Health, Genuine Health and Vital Proteins labels advise asking a health professional first.
• Medicines and conditions. Ask before use if you take medication or have a medical condition. Combination products such as Genacol, with white willow and glucosamine, call for extra checks: ask first if you are allergic to ASA or shellfish, take blood thinners, have diabetes, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Digestion. Mild bloating or gas can happen at first; reducing the amount and building up gradually is the label advice.

How to choose

1. Decide the source you can use: bovine or marine.
2. Read the collagen types and any added ingredients (lysine, biotin, silica, botanicals).
3. Check the serving size, since scoops differ: Vital Proteins lists about 10 g per scoop, Genuine Health about 7 g.
4. Look up the NPN and the licensed claims.
5. Give it a fair trial on the label dose, and stop if you notice side effects.

Browse related products in our Healthy Joints collection.

When to see a doctor or pharmacist

• For a joint that is hot, red or swollen, or pain after an injury.
• For joint pain that lasts or limits daily activity: you may need a diagnosis, not a supplement.
• If you take blood thinners or diabetes medication, or have allergies to fish, shellfish or beef.
• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a skin condition you want to treat.

Sources

• Health Canada. Licensed Natural Health Products Database (to check an NPN and its approved uses).
• Symptomatic and chondroprotective treatment with collagen derivatives in osteoarthritis: a systematic review. PubMed 22521757.
• Umbrella review of collagen supplements and skin outcomes. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. 2026 (16 systematic reviews; search PubMed for the title).
• Comparative effectiveness of nutritional supplements in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a network meta-analysis. PMC12348802.
• Product details: the Canadian product pages linked above (NFH, Vital Proteins, Genuine Health, Designs for Health, Genacol).

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about your own situation.