Collagen is a protein manufactured by cells called fibroblasts, is present in all animals, including the human body. Its role is to maintain the various structures within the organism glued together.
It's the most abundant protein molecule, with approximately one in every four proteins in the body being collagen (about 7% of a human's body mass). As you can see, it's a huge deal.
What is collagen used for?
Collagen binds connective tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, bones, cartilage, blood and adipose tissue, and organs), acting as a support element that keeps the body together.
It plays a crucial role in the formation of fibers that create the body's structures. Therefore, it's responsible for the firmness, elasticity, and essential hydration of these structures.
Collagen fibers can blend with various substances and minerals. For bones, the combination of collagen with calcium crystals forms a hard and rigid structure. In the skin, it mixes with elastin, creating a net-like structure. In cartilage, it combines with elastin and other substances, forming a gel that absorbs impacts from joint movements. This applies to all structures and tissues in the body.
Types of collagen
There are more than 19 types of collagen, depending on the tissue it acts upon and the substances with which it combines. It's considered not as a single protein but rather as a family of closely related yet different molecules.
The main types include:
- Type I: Mainly found in bones, cornea, dermis, and tendons. It forms fibrous striated structures that group and chain, providing elasticity and strength to body tissues.
- Type II: Present in cartilage, some embryonic structures, and the vitreous humor of the eye. Provides resistance to these tissues under intermittent pressures.
- Type III: Found in muscle tissues, veins, and skin. It acts as a support for organs that can expand and contract.
- Type IV: Mainly present in the skin, providing support and the ability to filter different substances.
- Type V: Primarily found in organs and tissues inside the body. Its function is associated with Type I, providing resistance to tissues.
Why do you need to supplement?
As the years pass and the body ages, collagen production gradually decreases, around 1% per year.
This decline begins around age 25 but becomes noticeable after entering the 30s. By 40, the body produces only half the collagen compared to adolescence.
This reduction in production leads to various issues, including loss of skin elasticity and flexibility, wrinkles, joint and muscle pains, osteoporosis, vision deterioration, circulatory deficiencies, dental and gum discomfort, and hair and nail problems.
In other words, the typical deterioration of aging.
Supplementing collagen becomes a good option around the age of 30, providing your body with nutrients it can no longer produce on its own.
As a natural component of the body, mainly composed of amino acids, anyone can take it. Check labels to ensure ingredient quality, such as the premium MO4T collagens available at Noova.