Collagen is the main structural protein in the body. It serves as a key building block of our bones, teeth, muscles, skin, joints and connective tissue. The name is derived from the Greek word “kolla”, meaning glue, and “gene”, meaning to produce. The collagen molecule is composed of 3 intertwined chains forming the structure of the so-called helix. It is to this structure that cartilage tissues owe their strength and resistance. The collagen molecule contains 19 amino acids. Collagen makes up more than 1/3 of the total amount of protein in the body, but its production in the body gradually decreases with age. Collagen is also the main protein contained in the skin. Collagen itself makes up 80 to 90% of the skin’s weight, if we exclude water, it gives our skin resilience and firmness.
Functions and effects of collagen in the body
- Collagen maintains youthful looking skin, increases its elasticity and hydrates it, strengthens skin cells, reduces unwanted wrinkles and cellulite
- Collagen It is important for healthy hair – it prevents damage to hair follicles, promotes hair growth and thickening, and also helps maintain good nail quality
- Collagen improves joint mobility and functionality, has anti-inflammatory effects, is also excellent in the treatment of arthritis
- Collagen increases bone mineral density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis
- Collagen helps to better digestion – restores and strengthens the intestinal lining for healthy bowel function
- Collagen also supports heart health – proline (an amino acid) helps flush out fat in arteries and lowers high blood pressure
Types of collagen
- Type I collagen: makes up the largest part of collagen in the human body, up to 90%. It consists of dense fibers that form the structure of skin, bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, connective fibers and teeth, making up to 90% of our skin, nails, bones
- Type II collagen: It is made up of looser fibers found in elastic cartilage, which has the task of absorbing shocks in joints, helping to build cartilage and maintain the intestinal mucosa
- Collagen Type III: Forms the structure of muscles, organs and arteries, found in fast-growing tissues. This type is part of mainly young organisms, and later it is gradually replaced by type I collagen, it is important for cardiovascular function
- We can also mention collagens of types IV and V, which are found in various membranes, on cell surfaces, in hair and placenta.
Collagen production in the human body
Although a young body can produce collagen on its own, it is already around 25. One year of life, the production of collagen itself decreases significantly and its production in the body decreases, by about one 1.5 percent with each passing year. After 45. In the year of life, collagen is almost no longer produced. Collagen supplementation should therefore be in the interest of every person who wants to maintain a healthy body with a functional musculoskeletal system, healthy skin, hair and nails for as long as possible.
Our body produces collagen as a so-called collagen. Procollagen, the basic form of collagen, made up of the amino acids glycine and proline. However, it also needs enough vitamin C. So if you would like to increase collagen production with a normal diet, first of all you need enough vitamin C – in fruits and vegetables. You can also focus on getting proline, glycine and copper, with adequate protein intake in your diet.
Factors that degrade collagen production in the body
- consuming excessive amounts of refined carbohydrates and sugar – these substances make it virtually impossible to reconstruct collagen cells, under normal circumstances collagen has the ability to “repair” itself
- Excessive exposure to sunlight without adequate protection factor in lotions and sunscreens – reduces the production of new collagen
- Smoking – a very crucial factor in which collagen production decreases rapidly. This can lead to impaired wound healing and the early appearance of wrinkles.
