Collagen is a type of protein. Fibrous in nature, it connects and supports other bodily tissues, such as skin, bone, tendons, muscles, and cartilage. It also supports the internal organs and is even present in teeth. There are more than 25 types of collagens that naturally occur in the body.
Collagen is one of the most plentiful proteins present in the bodies of mammals and humans. In fact, it makes up about 25 percent of the total amount of proteins in the body. Some people refer to collagen as the glue that holds the body together. Without it, the body would, quite literally, fall apart.
Possessing great tensile strength, collagen functions in a manner that is very different from many other types of proteins. For example, it can be found both inside and outside of cells. Collagen fibers are important in contributing to the external structure of cells. However, they are present on the inside of some cells as well.
Collagen works hand-in-hand with elastin in supporting the body’s tissues. Basically, it gives body tissues form and provides firmness and strength; elastin gives the same body tissues much need flexibility. This combination of collagen and elastin is very important in many parts of the body, including, but not limited to, the lungs, bones, and tendons. Even the blood vessels rely on both collagen and elastin.
Often, collagen is discussed in relation to the skin. It works with keratin to provide the skin with strength, flexibility, and resilience. As people age, however, collagen degradation occurs, leading to wrinkles. As such, it is an important substance for those looking for ways to fight the visible effects of aging on the skin. Some skincare professionals actually advise people on ways to stimulate the production of collagen in skin cells. In addition to being so important in the body, collagen also has many medical uses. It is even used in treating and managing serious burns.
Since collagens are so important within the body, it stands to reason that collagen deficiencies can be problematic. In fact, there are some genetic diseases that are associated with collagen deficiencies. For example, osteogenesis imperfecta, commonly referred to as brittle bone disease, results from a significantly decreased level of collagen. It can also result from the presence of collagen that is of lower quality than normal.
Collagen is an important structural component of the body's connective tissues. Collagen supplements in oral, topical and injectable forms have various reported benefits. These supplements are widely available, but it's a good idea to check on the potential benefits and associated safety risks and to consult your doctor before making a purchase.
Collagen is a highly abundant compound found in the connective tissues of animals, such as the skin, cartilage, bone, tendons and ligaments. The collagen molecule is composed of a triple coil of peptide strands and is a crucial molecule for the structure and function of all connective tissues of the body. Collagen is synthesized by the body from amino acids you consume in your diet but is also present in animal-derived foods or nutritional supplements.
Various collagen supplements are available on the market for various applications. Oral collagen supplements are readily available in pill form over-the-counter to help ease the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
The benefits of the array of available collagen supplements are questionable. Since collagen is produced naturally by the body from food, it is very uncommon to have a deficiency. The use of oral collagen supplements to help ease conditions such as osteoarthritis has not been proven effective.
The most obvious safety concern of oral collagen is that it is considered an over-the-counter supplement and is not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, the supplements' safety and efficacy cannot be verified.