Collagen protein is the most common type of protein in your body, accounting for 30% of the body’s total protein.
Protein is essentially long chains of amino acids which are found in different structures and sequences within the body, due to this they have a range of roles, functions and uses.
Collagen is made up of the following amino acids – proline, glycine and hydroxyproline.
Whilst there are 5 types of collagen in your body, overall collagen plays a primary role in maintaining the health of your :
- Skin
- Muscles
- Tendons
- Bones and bone density
- Ligaments
- Connective tissues
Collagen is also found in your cornea, blood vessels and other organs.
Whilst collagen can and does help those who are older in the maintenance of their body, it is a supplement that is also taken by athletes, gym-goers and beauty practitioners due to the general daily wear and tear on their bodies incl. skin, to improve the longevity of collagen so they can participate in their hobbies / professions for longer, and to boost recovery and replenishment.
What happens to collagen as I get older?
As you get older, your body begins to produce less collagen, and the collagen it does produce often takes longer, and at a lower quality than when you were younger, this is why people take collagen supplements.
Whilst your body produces less, due to the wear and tear of age, the existing collagen in your body begins to break down and isn’t replenished as regularly.
An example of this is cartilage which is between your bones, as the collagen breaks down, if it isn’t replenished sufficiently, your bones begin to rub against each other creating joint pain and leading to osteoarthritis.
What does collagen help with?
Collagen in general, whether that is the collagen produced by your body or the collagen in powder form can provide the following benefits:
- Preventing wrinkling or sagging skin by improving elasticity and hydration.
- Prevents a sunken look around around your eyes and face.
- As your bones are mainly made of collagen, supplements can help prevent low bone density, improve bone mass and reduce the risk of bone fractures.
- Helps to boost muscle mass and prevent weakening including any muscle aches.
- Promotes flexibility in your tendons and ligaments, reducing stiffness.
- Prevents joint pain and reduced mobility because of worn cartilage.
- Improves blood flow and blood clotting.
