Collagen Type III
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Collagen Type III (Type III Collagen (Collagen Alpha-1(III) chain)) is a dietary supplement with 11 published peer-reviewed studies involving 1,171 participants, researched for Skin Elasticity, Wound Healing & Scar Reduction, Vascular & Structural Tissue Health.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Skin Elasticity
StrongWound Healing & Scar Reduction
ModerateVascular & Structural Tissue Health
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Skin Elasticity
To investigate the effects of a 12-week oral hydrolysed collagen supplement (type I/III fractions) on skin collagen, hydration, elasticity, wrinkles, scalp, and hair.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of a 12-week oral hydrolysed collagen supplement (type I/III fractions) on skin collagen, hydration, elasticity, wrinkles, scalp, and hair.
Dose
Daily marine collagen + vitamin C supplement
Participants
46 women aged 40-65
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Significant improvements in skin collagen density, elasticity, hydration, and wrinkle reduction vs placebo. Scalp and hair quality also improved. Type I/III collagen blend supported dermal architecture.
How They Measured It
High-frequency ultrasound (skin collagen density), Cutometer, VISIA imaging, trichoscopy
To review the evidence for oral collagen supplementation (type I/III combinations) on skin anti-ageing outcomes.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To review the evidence for oral collagen supplementation (type I/III combinations) on skin anti-ageing outcomes.
Dose
Various
Participants
1,125 participants across 19 studies
Duration
4–24 weeks
Results
Type I and type III collagen combinations consistently improved skin elasticity and hydration. Type III collagen's role in maintaining dermal pliability and extensibility was highlighted as synergistic with type I.
How They Measured It
Pooled data on skin elasticity, wrinkle depth, hydration
Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of CollaSel PRO(®) Type I and Type III Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of CollaSel PRO(®) Type I and Type III Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
The effect of supplementation with type I and type III collagen peptide and type II hydrolyzed collagen on pain, quality of life and physical function in patients with meniscopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
The effect of supplementation with type I and type III collagen peptide and type II hydrolyzed collagen on pain, quality of life and physical function in patients with meniscopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Effect of supplementation with type 1 and type 3 collagen peptide and type 2 hydrolyzed collagen on osteoarthritis-related pain, quality of life, and physical function: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
Effect of supplementation with type 1 and type 3 collagen peptide and type 2 hydrolyzed collagen on osteoarthritis-related pain, quality of life, and physical function: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
A Standardized Boswellia serrata Extract Improves Knee Joint Function and Cartilage Morphology in Human Volunteers with Mild to Moderate Osteoarthritis in a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
A Standardized Boswellia serrata Extract Improves Knee Joint Function and Cartilage Morphology in Human Volunteers with Mild to Moderate Osteoarthritis in a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Effect of Vitamin D3, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Exercise on Serum Sclerostin Levels and Bone Turnover Markers
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
Effect of Vitamin D3, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Exercise on Serum Sclerostin Levels and Bone Turnover Markers
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Ultraviolet radiation-induced degradation of dermal extracellular matrix and protection by green tea catechins: a randomized controlled trial
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
Ultraviolet radiation-induced degradation of dermal extracellular matrix and protection by green tea catechins: a randomized controlled trial
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Wound Healing & Scar Reduction
To evaluate recombinant human collagen type III chain (RHC III) for wound healing and hypertrophic scar prevention.
Study Type
Mechanistic and early clinical study
Purpose
To evaluate recombinant human collagen type III chain (RHC III) for wound healing and hypertrophic scar prevention.
Dose
RHC III chain preparations
Participants
Wound healing cohort
Duration
12 weeks
Results
RHC III chain effectively improved wound healing and reduced hypertrophic scarring. RHC III was endocytosed by wound fibroblasts, promoting scar-free recovery. Type III is the first collagen deposited in granulation tissue.
How They Measured It
Wound healing rate, scar assessment, fibroblast endocytosis activity
To evaluate the roles of different collagen types in wound healing and tissue remodelling.
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To evaluate the roles of different collagen types in wound healing and tissue remodelling.
Dose
Not applicable (mechanistic review)
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Type III collagen is the first collagen deposited during wound healing (granulation tissue) before remodelling to type I. Inadequate type III collagen leads to poor wound tensile strength and increased scarring.
How They Measured It
Histological analysis, collagen fibre assembly, biomechanical wound assessments
Vascular & Structural Tissue Health
To review the structural role of type III collagen in blood vessels, skin, and connective tissue.
Study Type
Mechanistic review
Purpose
To review the structural role of type III collagen in blood vessels, skin, and connective tissue.
Dose
Various
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Type III collagen is abundant in blood vessel walls, skin, and hollow organs. Deficiency (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV) causes catastrophic vascular rupture. Supplementation with type I/III collagen peptides may support vascular wall integrity.
How They Measured It
Tissue biomechanics, collagen composition assays
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Collagen Type III research
There are currently 11 peer-reviewed studies on Collagen Type III (Type III Collagen (Collagen Alpha-1(III) chain)), involving 1,171 total participants. Research covers Skin elasticity & pliability, Wound healing & scar reduction, Vascular & structural tissue health. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (8 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Collagen Type III has been researched for: Skin elasticity & pliability, Wound healing & scar reduction, Vascular & structural tissue health. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 8 out of 11 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
