Advanced Collagen Plus Review: 5 Collagen Types, Clinical Evidence & What to Expect

What Is Advanced Collagen Plus — and Why Five Types?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body — and after your mid-20s, your body produces less of it each year. Advanced Collagen Plus from Advanced Bionutritionals is a hydrolyzed collagen powder formulated in response to age-related collagen decline, combining five distinct collagen types from four separate animal origins: grass-fed bovine, pasture-raised chicken, wild-caught marine fish, and organic eggshell membrane.

Most collagen powders on the market rely on a single source — usually bovine — which provides Types I and III. This is meaningful for skin support, but it leaves out Type II (the primary collagen in cartilage), Type V (found in cornea, hair, and nail tissue), and Type X (associated with bone and joint matrix formation). Advanced Collagen Plus includes all five, plus biotin for hair and nail keratin production, and chondroitin sulfate, which research associates with cartilage support. If you're researching the best skin supplements with meaningful multi-tissue coverage, the five-type approach is a key differentiator.

The formula is hydrolyzed — meaning the collagen has been broken down into smaller peptide fragments through heat and enzymatic processing. This matters because intact collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed through the gut wall. Hydrolysis reduces the protein into dipeptides and tripeptides, particularly proline-hydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp), which research suggests can be detected in the bloodstream after oral ingestion. These smaller peptides may then stimulate fibroblasts — the cells that produce collagen — to increase their output, a mechanism studied extensively in skin research.

Advanced Collagen Plus is manufactured in a GMP-certified, FDA-registered U.S. facility. The formula is non-GMO, soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Each purchase includes a 90-day satisfaction guarantee — full refund even on an empty bag, with only return shipping paid by the customer.

Clinical Evidence: What Research Says About Hydrolyzed Collagen

For skin health, a comprehensive 2023 meta-analysis by Pu et al. published in Nutrients analyzed 26 RCTs with 1,721 total participants. Hydrolyzed collagen significantly improved skin hydration (Z=4.94, p<0.00001) and elasticity (Z=4.49, p<0.00001) versus placebo.

Subgroup analyses found that collagen from different animal sources produced comparable effects, and that longer supplementation produced stronger results. Active adults and athletes who use collagen as part of a broader recovery routine often explore cognitive and physical performance supplements alongside structural support — addressing both connective tissue recovery and mental edge.

For hair, a 2024 randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial by Reilly et al. (PMC11254459) enrolled 140 participants aged 40–60 and supplemented them with hydrolyzed collagen plus vitamin C daily for 12 weeks. The researchers used confocal microscopy and high-resolution ultrasound to measure actual collagen content in the dermis — not just self-reported changes.

They found increased collagen in the papillary dermis, along with improved skin hydration, elasticity, wrinkle appearance, and scalp condition. The authors noted this was among the first trials to demonstrate simultaneous improvements in skin and hair/scalp in the same cohort. Hair and nail support is also covered in our overview of supplements for hair and nail strength.

For joint support specifically, the 2024 meta-analysis by Simental-Mendía et al. (Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology) pooled 11 RCTs with 870 participants and found that collagen supplementation produced statistically significant improvements in knee osteoarthritis pain and WOMAC total scores. The effects were maintained across different collagen forms and dosing protocols. It's important to note that this research was conducted in people with diagnosed osteoarthritis — Advanced Collagen Plus is not a treatment for any condition, but its Type II collagen and chondroitin sulfate content align with what has been studied in this context.

An honest reading of the evidence also acknowledges limitations. A 2025 meta-analysis by Myung and Park (American Journal of Medicine) found that when studies with pharmaceutical funding and lower methodological quality were excluded, effect sizes diminished. Not all collagen research is equal — independent, higher-quality trials including Pu et al. 2023 and Reilly et al. 2024 retain statistically significant findings for hydration and elasticity.

The digestive enzyme formula angle is also relevant here — gut absorption efficiency affects how much collagen peptide reaches circulation, which may explain some variability in results across individuals. For those looking to put this evidence into practice, Advanced Collagen Plus is formulated around the collagen types studied in this research, combining Types I, II, III, V, and X in a single hydrolyzed powder.

Collagen Types in the Formula: Tissue Associations and Research Context

Types I and III (grass-fed bovine): These are the most abundant collagen types in the human body — primary structural proteins in skin, tendons, and ligaments. Type I makes up roughly 90% of the body's total collagen and provides tensile strength. Type III contributes to skin elasticity and is found in blood vessels and organs.

Bovine-sourced collagen is among the most studied forms for skin aging outcomes — the meta-analyses showing improvements in hydration and elasticity primarily involved bovine peptides. Most single-source collagen powders contain only these two types, making them the well-documented baseline.

Type II (pasture-raised chicken): Type II collagen is the dominant protein in articular cartilage — the tissue that cushions joints at the knee, hip, shoulder, and spine. As collagen declines with age and mechanical wear accumulates, research on cartilage biology indicates that cartilage thins and becomes less resilient over time.

Research on Type II supplementation focuses primarily on osteoarthritis outcomes, with the Simental-Mendía 2024 meta-analysis providing the most current pooled evidence. Chondroitin sulfate — also in the formula — is studied as a structural cartilage component alongside Type II in joint research. Those using circulation and fluid balance supplements alongside collagen may see improved nutrient delivery to joint tissue, which has poor direct blood supply.

Type V (wild-caught marine fish): Type V collagen is found in the cornea, skin layers, hair follicles, and the placenta. Marine collagen has attracted research interest because its peptide profile — particularly in collagen from fish skin — appears to be absorbed efficiently. Marine-sourced collagen also provides a dietary alternative for those who avoid land animal products, though it is not suitable for people with fish allergies. In the context of Advanced Collagen Plus, the marine-derived component contributes Type V collagen — a type associated with nail and hair follicle tissue — to the multi-source blend. Biotin in the formula provides additional keratin support for the same tissues.

Type X (organic eggshell membrane): Type X collagen is found in growth plate cartilage and contributes to the bone matrix. Eggshell membrane is a rich natural source of collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid — multiple joint-relevant compounds in a single ingredient. A 2009 randomized controlled trial (Ruff et al., Clinical Rheumatology) found promising results for joint comfort with eggshell membrane supplementation at 8–12 weeks, though this ingredient is less studied than bovine or marine collagen sources.

Understanding how collagen fits within an overall approach to carbohydrate and blood sugar balance is also relevant — glycation, the process by which excess blood glucose damages proteins, is one of the primary mechanisms that accelerates collagen degradation in skin and joints.

A note on evidence depth: Types I and III carry the deepest clinical base, supported by multiple meta-analyses. Type II has strong joint research behind it. Types V and X have more limited human trial data — their inclusion reflects structural rationale and early-stage research rather than the same breadth of evidence as bovine collagen.

How Advanced Collagen Plus Compares to Single-Source Products

The collagen supplement market includes everything from single-ingredient bovine peptide powders to complex multi-source formulas. Price, source, type diversity, and added ingredients are the key differentiators. Advanced Collagen Plus sits at the premium end of the multi-source category, pricing at approximately $49.95 per bag for a single purchase, with bundle pricing reducing the per-bag cost. Among anti-aging strategies, collagen supplementation is notable for having both clinical depth and practical daily-use ease.

The core advantage of a five-type formula is tissue coverage. A product that provides only Types I and III — the typical bovine-only offering — may support skin and ligament collagen but provides no Type II for joint cartilage and no Type V for hair and nails. If your goals span more than one tissue category, a multi-source formula more closely reflects the range of collagen types found throughout the body's connective tissue network. Advanced Collagen Plus combines all five types in a single unflavored daily serving, which simplifies a routine that would otherwise require multiple separate supplements.

The formula's flavorless, instantly-dissolving powder format is a practical advantage over capsule alternatives, particularly at the doses typically used in clinical research (5–15 grams of hydrolyzed collagen per day for skin; lower doses for joint-specific Type II). Capsules limit the amount of collagen per serving significantly — achieving 10 grams from capsules would require 8–12 capsules daily, which most people don't sustain.

Collagen Supplement Types: Evidence Comparison

How to Use Advanced Collagen Plus: Dosing and Timing Considerations

Clinical research on hydrolyzed collagen uses daily doses ranging from 2.5 grams to 15 grams depending on the target outcome. Skin studies typically use 2.5–10 grams per day; joint studies often use higher doses. Checking the label for the exact serving size of Advanced Collagen Plus and comparing it to the doses used in the relevant clinical trials helps set informed expectations.

Timing and consistency are key variables in collagen supplementation. Mitochondria and fibroblasts — the cells that synthesize collagen — follow circadian patterns. Taking collagen at a consistent time each day, with a meal that includes some protein and vitamin C, may support absorption and utilization. Vitamin C is a required co-factor for collagen synthesis; without adequate vitamin C, the hydroxylation step that stabilizes collagen's triple-helix structure cannot proceed properly. If your diet is low in citrus, bell peppers, or other vitamin C sources, pairing collagen with a vitamin C supplement is worth considering.

Eight to twelve weeks is the minimum meaningful trial period based on clinical timelines. Skin researchers measure changes at 4, 8, and 12 weeks — most significant effects appear in the 8–12 week window. Joint outcomes may take longer, given how slowly cartilage remodels.

People who try collagen for two or three weeks and conclude it doesn't work are evaluating on a shorter timeline than clinical research uses. For those managing weight alongside skin and joint goals, understanding how metabolic health and weight management supplements interact with glycation may offer a useful complementary perspective.

Advanced Collagen Plus's flavorless powder format makes consistent daily use straightforward. Adding one scoop to morning coffee or a smoothie takes seconds and adds no discernible taste or texture. Published collagen research reflects results achieved with daily supplementation over weeks — compliance, taking the supplement regularly rather than sporadically, is consistently associated with stronger outcomes across the included trials.

Safety Considerations: Who Should Ask a Doctor First

Hydrolyzed collagen supplements have a well-established safety profile. The 2023 meta-analysis by Pu et al. reviewed adverse event data across the included trials and found no serious adverse effects associated with collagen supplementation. Mild and transient gastrointestinal symptoms are the most commonly reported issue, and these appear infrequently. Advanced Collagen Plus is free from soy, dairy, gluten, and artificial additives — the primary allergy and intolerance triggers that affect many supplement users.

However, certain individuals should consult a healthcare provider before starting. People with known allergies to fish, eggs, or poultry should review the ingredient list carefully — Advanced Collagen Plus contains marine (fish-derived) collagen, organic eggshell membrane, and chicken-sourced Type II collagen. Individuals with shellfish allergies are generally not at risk, as the marine collagen in this formula comes from fish, not shellfish, but confirming the specific species source with the manufacturer is advisable.

People taking blood-thinning medications should discuss any new supplement with their physician. Collagen and chondroitin sulfate are not known anticoagulants, but any significant dietary protein change may theoretically affect medication dynamics. Pregnant or nursing individuals should seek medical guidance before use, as clinical data in this population is limited. Cancer patients undergoing active treatment should consult their oncologist, as the metabolic effects of supplemental amino acids from collagen may need to be considered in the context of treatment.

Collagen is not a substitute for medical treatment of skin conditions, joint disease, or hair loss. If hair loss is sudden, patchy, or accompanied by scalp inflammation, a dermatological evaluation is appropriate before attributing it to collagen deficiency. Joint pain that is severe, sudden, or associated with swelling and fever warrants medical evaluation. For general support of the connective tissue changes that accompany natural aging, Advanced Collagen Plus is a transparently sourced, multi-type collagen powder with a safety profile consistent with published research on hydrolyzed collagen supplementation.

Answers to Common Questions

What is Advanced Collagen Plus and who makes it?

Advanced Collagen Plus is a hydrolyzed collagen powder made by Advanced Bionutritionals, a supplement company founded by integrative medicine physicians including Dr. Frank Shallenberger. The formula contains five collagen types — I, II, III, V, and X — sourced from grass-fed bovine, pasture-raised chicken, wild-caught marine fish, and organic eggshell membrane. It also includes biotin and chondroitin sulfate. The product is made in a GMP-certified, FDA-registered U.S. facility and is non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

What types of collagen are in Advanced Collagen Plus?

The formula contains all five major supplement collagen types. Types I and III come from grass-fed bovine and are associated with skin and hair structure. Type II from chicken is the collagen type studied in joint cartilage research — the Simental-Mendía 2024 meta-analysis found significant improvements in knee pain with collagen supplementation. Type V from wild-caught marine fish is linked to nail and hair follicle tissue. Type X from organic eggshell membrane contributes to bone and joint matrix support. Most single-source products only contain Types I and III — the five-type approach covers a broader range of connective tissue targets across skin, joints, hair, and nails.

How long does it take to see results from Advanced Collagen Plus?

Clinical trials measuring hydrolyzed collagen effects on skin typically run for 8 to 12 weeks of daily use — and this is when most statistically significant changes are observed. Joint outcomes in collagen research may take longer, given the slower pace of cartilage tissue remodeling. The 90-day money-back guarantee on Advanced Collagen Plus covers a full 12-week period, which aligns with the duration used in published clinical trials on hydrolyzed collagen.

Can Advanced Collagen Plus help with joint discomfort?

Advanced Collagen Plus contains Type II collagen from chicken cartilage and chondroitin sulfate, which are among the most studied ingredient combinations in joint cartilage research. A 2024 meta-analysis (Simental-Mendía et al.) pooling 11 randomized controlled trials with 870 participants found that collagen supplementation produced significant improvements in knee pain and function scores. The supplement is not a medical treatment, but its joint-relevant ingredients are consistent with what has been clinically studied for cartilage support.

Is Advanced Collagen Plus safe to take daily?

Hydrolyzed collagen has a strong safety record in published clinical research. Advanced Collagen Plus is free from common allergens including soy, dairy, and gluten, and is manufactured to GMP standards. People with allergies to fish, eggs, or chicken should review the ingredient sources carefully, as all three are present in this formula. As with any supplement, people who are pregnant, nursing, managing a chronic condition, or taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before starting.