Collagen - properties, effects and what it does (47 facts)

Collagen glues you together. Quite literally, because in Greek kolla means glue. It is the most common protein in your body. It keeps your intestines tight, your skin supple, your nails strong and your joints oiled. It's not for nothing that collagen is called the protein of youth.

Unfortunately, around your 25th birthday (happy birthday?), your body finds that it has done its job and settles down. With each passing year, you produce less and less collagen - you can see it with the naked eye and feel it in your joints.

Some of this is not just a result of the fact that your body has done its job.

Some of these problems can be solved by supplementation. That's why, together with a team of doctors, nutritionists and pharmacists, we present the most important information about collagen, which can help you to preserve your everlasting youth.

If you are primarily interested in collagen supplementation, see:

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• The most powerful collagen
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• Collagen for joints
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• Facial collagen
• Collagen for wrinkles
• Collagen for skin
• Collagen for hair
• Collagen for cellulite
• Collagen for stretch marks
• Collagen for acne

What is collagen?

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Collagen is an essential building protein in the body of humans and animals. It forms the skin (makes up over 70% of the weight of the dermis), bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, connective tissue and fibres. Collagen accounts for 30% of all proteins in the human bodyand. There are approximately 28 types of this protein. The most important is type I .

As you can see, collagen is your main building block - it makes your skin firm, your bones hard and your joints limber. If it's lacking in the right amount, there's no health or beauty.

Which collagen to choose?

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Pull out a magnifying glass and point it at:

• Collagen content - the best formulations contain between 2.5 and 15 grams of hydrolysateand.
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• Purity of formulation - the absence of unnecessary fillers is an advantage of some supplements.
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• Additional active ingredients - valuable vitamins and minerals support collagen production and absorption.
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• Research - selected supplements boast laboratory tests that confirm the safety of the supplements.
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• Form - collagen in cream is a no-go, this you already know, however the choice between liquid, powder (collagen in sachets) or tablets is yours.
• Origin - some manufacturers source collagen from farmed fish, while others fish from wild animals, taking care of the environment.
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Hydrolysed collagen, freeze-dried collagen and collagen peptides - what is it all about?

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When choosing the ideal product, you will come across concepts like these:

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• natural collagen,
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• collagen,
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• collagen peptides,
• collagen hydrolysate,
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• lyophilized collagen,
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In brief: hydrolysed collagen = collagen peptides. Hydrolysis is the process, peptides are its product. Nothing suspicious is going on here - in the end, we have the best-absorbed protein with significantly reduced allergenicity and increased efficacyand.

Lyophilised collagen is made by freezing natural collagen and evaporating the water from it . Just like 'dried' raspberries. As a result, the collagen has a smaller volume and fits into, for example, a small capsule .

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See also:

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• Which collagen to choose - a guide
• What is the best absorbed collagen
• What is the molecular weight of collagen
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What are the types of collagen?

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There are about 28 types of collagen. However, it all depends on who is counting and how they are doing it. Well, scientists! Less about specific numbers. For you, the most important types are: I, II, III, V and X (to be sure - these are Roman numerals, not letters)and.

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Type I

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Type I collagen is the most important type of youth protein in the body. It is also the best studied. It accounts for up to 90% of all collagen in your body. It is mainly found in the dermis, tendons, bones, ligaments and internal organsand.

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Per gram, type I collagen is stronger than steel.

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Type II

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Type II collagen is responsible for building bone and cartilage tissue. If you suffer from joint or bone pain, this is your type - the strongest collagen for joints. Supplementation with the second type of collagen can relieve pain and stiffness, as well as prevent diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritisand.

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Where does type II collagen occur?

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Type II collagen is a structural component of the cartilage of the glabrous surfaces of joints. It is also found in other tissues and in the retina, sclera and lens of the eyeand.

Type III

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Third on the list, but second most important. It makes up about 5-20% of all collagen in your body. It is crucial for the proper functioning of the circulatory system. It is a structural component of the uterus, intestines and blood vessels - its deficiency can lead to damage to these organsand.

Type III collagen is the best mate of type I collagen - they work together on most processes in the bodyand.

Type V

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Type V collagen is also known as fibrous collagen. It is a key protein in the process of fibril formation. It is responsible for the structure of the bone matrix, cornea, liver, lung and placenta. It cooperates with types I, II and III.

Type V collagen is essential for normal hair and eye healthand.

Type X

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Type X collagen is an important building block of bone. It is also found in cartilage, and a deficiency of it (as well as a deficiency of type II collagen) can lead to osteoarthritis, for example. Most commonly, doctors recommend supplementing with type X collagen after a bone fracture or break, as it speeds up recoveryand.

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What effects does collagen provide?

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You hear collagen, you think shiny hair, strong nails and firm skin. It's all there. However, the protein of youth isn't just about beauty - it's also about overall health and proper functioning of the body.

See what collagen helps:

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Makes skin firmer

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Collagen is the main component of your skin - it makes up about 70-80% of its dry weight. It is responsible for the structural and mechanical properties of the dermis. It strengthens, firms and moisturises the complexion. As we age, collagen production slows down, which can result in dry skin and the formation of wrinkles.

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Reduces wrinkles

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Using youth protein can delay the appearance of wrinkles. Studies suggestand that taking collagen supplements orally increases skin elasticity and reduces visual aging. Collagen will also help you to eliminate facial discolouration.

See also:

• Effects of drinking collagen
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Alleviates acne

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Wounds, small scars and blemishes from scratching acne pimples - all of us with acne-prone skin know it. Collagen for acne can support and speed up the healing process of these woundsand, and, in the form of injections, help heal scars.

Collagen supplementation alone will not cure acne - you'll need to see a dermatologist for that.

Cover scars

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Collagen strengthens the dermis layer of the skin and makes it thicker and more elasticand. The firmness of the skin helps to stretch scars. This allows them to be less visible. Collagen can also help with wounds, burns and varicose veins.

Collagen supplemented orally, however, will not eliminate scars 100% - injections may be more beneficial.

Reduces stretch marks

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Collagen firms and elasticises the skin covering the areas where stretch marks are most likely to appearand. Systematic supplementation and a healthy diet can regenerate the skin and prevent the formation of stretch marks.

If you are looking for a more effective method than standard supplementation, as with scars, rely on collagen injectionsand.

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I think treating psoriasis with collagen is a big misnomer. The protein helps to improve skin hydration, but psoriasis is a chronic, multisystem inflammatory disease with an immune basis. Therefore, collagen won't help much and certainly won't cure it.

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Strengthens joints

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Collagen is involved in the production of joint lubricant, which reduces joint friction - this is particularly important for healthy knees. The less collagen you produce, the less synovium you produce.

Without adequate glide, cartilage rubs painfully. Over time, you can even develop osteoarthritis.

A joint without synovial fluid is not a problem.

A joint without lubricant is like a bicycle pedal without grease - seemingly working, but noisy; seemingly going, but reluctant. And at the end of it, trach, something can break.

It's not like that.

How collagen works for joints:

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• rebuilds cartilage tissue,
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• improves flexibility,
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• reduces pain,
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• increases mobility,
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Nourishes hair

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The basic component of hair is keratin. For its production, it requires amino acids, which you can provide to your body along with collagen (e.g. proline). The protein of youth can strengthen hair and prevent hair loss or breakageand.

How else does collagen work for hair?

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• Can reduce progressive greying .
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• Improves the condition of the scalp, which is the base for newly emerging hair .
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Hardens nails

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Nails, like hair, are made up mainly of keratinand. Collagen supplementation can give your nails elasticity and make them more resilient to damage. What's more, research suggests that supplemented collagen positively affects the rate of nail growth .

Improves immunity

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Collagen can support your immunity. It provides the body with numerous amino acids, including glutamine, which supports the immune system. Collagen also stimulates immune cells, so it can reduce the healing time of infectionsand.

Collagen also improves the health of your gut. And it's not only important for your digestive system, but also your immune system. Up to 70-80% of immune cells are found right in the gutand.

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Collagen supports the regeneration of the intestinal or gastric mucosa. Therefore, supplementation is beneficial for inflammation. I can recommend it to people who are struggling with, for example, stomach ulcers or intestinal diverticula.

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Care for the heart

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Collagen provides your arteries and blood vessels with the right structure to ensure adequate blood flow. A deficiency of the youth protein causes the arteries to become less elastic. The result can be atherosclerosis and, in the long term, even a stroke or heart attackand.

Despite the promising results, further research is needed to definitively confirm the effects of collagen on heart health.

Builds the skeletal system

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Collagen gives your bones structure. More years, less collagen - you increase your risk of developing, for example, osteoporosis (a condition manifested by low bone density and a higher risk of fracturesand).

Collagen supplementation may reduce bone degradation. In some trials, people taking collagen after 12 months had up to 7% higher bone density . However, further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of collagen supplementation for bone health.

In which foods is collagen present?

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If the thought of skins, cartilage and giblets makes you think fuj, you're left with supplementation - you'll be choosing an equivalent product in a moment.

Collagen-rich products include:

• beef or pork bone broth,
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• chicken with skin,
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• cicken feet,
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• sardines,
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• guts (liver, heart, brain, kidneys),
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• gelatin,
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• seafood (lobster, prawns, octopus, squid),
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• meat and cartilage,
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• meat jellies,
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What nutrients support collagen production?

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You know what to eat to provide collagen. Now see what will help you assimilate this protein effectively:

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The most effective collagen preparations contain vitamin C or its natural form (e.g. rosehip extract), which is better absorbed. The presence of vitamin C is often more important than the protein dose itself, as this vitamin contributes to the body's proper absorption of collagen.

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In which fruits and vegetables is there collagen?

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In none. Collagen is an animal protein that is not present in plants. However, some vegetables and fruits can aid collagen synthesis and absorption (via vitamins and minerals).

Vegetables and fruits that particularly support the body's production and absorption of collagen are:

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• citrus (oranges, grapefruit, lemons),
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• red and green peppers,
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• tomatoes,
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• leaf vegetables (broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts),
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• beans,
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• avocados,
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• berries,
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• garlic,
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• pumpkin,
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Some herbs and spices, rich in vitamin C or amino acids, can also be helpful:

• wild rose,
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• acerola,
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• clover,
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• field horsetail,
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• lance grass,
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• bear garlic (containing additional sulphur).
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Collagen in vegetarian and vegan diets

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Unfortunately. Vegan collagen does not exist. All supplements are of animal origin, mainly fish, beef and pork.

Vegetarians and vegans may have more problems with collagen deficiency. If you don't eat fish and meat, be sure to cut into the vegetables and fruits listed above.

Vegetarians and vegans may be more deficient in collagen.

Scientists and manufacturers are working on genetically modified collagen from yeast or bacteria. Research is also underway to enable the production of 'plant-based' collagen from bamboo or rice. For now, however, only pescatarians have their options (pescatarians meaning 'vegetarians who eat fish').

Collagen deficiency

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In women, the collagen degradation process starts faster than in men. This is due to a disruption of the oestrogen economy. Problems with hormone secretion by the reproductive system translate into collagen synthesis in the body. Therefore, it is worth taking care of correct hormone levels, ovulation and menstruation, as well as seeing a gynaecologist regularly and having your hormones TSH, oestradiol, progesterone, LH and FSH checked once a year.

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Causes of collagen deficiency and:

• You are getting older.
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• You're eating too little collagen, protein, vitamins and minerals.
• You're not eating enough.
• You spend too much time in the sun (remember filtration creams).
• You have too much sun.
• You have a genetic predisposition.
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• You abuse alcohol.
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• You eat too much sugar.
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• You smoke cigarettes.
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• You stay in extreme temperatures.
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• You are affected by environmental pollutants.
• You are not taking proper care of your body.
• You do not take adequate care of sleep hygiene.
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• You live under constant stress.
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What do you know about collagen deficiency?

Your entire body is supplied with collagen to some degree. If you don't have enough of the youth protein, you will observe:

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You will be concerned about the state of your skin

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• Wrinkles,
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• Dry and flabby skin,
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• cellulite,
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• stretch marks,
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• lack of skin firmnessand.
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Hair is damaged and nails are brittle

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When the body lacks collagen, hair becomes dull, no longer frizzy and the ends begin to splitand.

Equally unpleasant things start to happen to nails - they become brittle and less aesthetically pleasing .

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If you want to improve the appearance of your hair, then rely on external preparations such as conditioners or masks. If you are looking for a product that will provide you with the amino acids needed to build collagen - bet on collagen hydrolysate. Its effects have been proven in studies.

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Your joints hurt

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When there is too little youth protein, joints become stiff, painful or swollenand. This can even result in mobility problems and, in the long term, diseases such as osteoporosis or arthritis .

Other symptoms of collagen deficiency include:

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• reduced immunity,
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• longer recovery (after injuries),
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• circulatory problems,
• decreased immunity.
• decreased appetite,
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• breakage of bones,
• problems with the eyes,
• problems with the eyes,
• problems with the eyes,
• problems with the eyes.
• problems with the eyes,
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How to prevent collagen loss from the body?

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As you can see, there are a multitude of factors that damage collagen. To prolong your collagen youth and replenish collagen in your body:

• Stay on a proper diet full of collagen-rich foods.
• Get a healthy diet.
• Care for a healthy lifestyle, limit alcohol, try to quit your addictions.
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• Try to move more to strengthen your bones and muscles.
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• Try to get a good night's sleep.
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• Consider cosmetic treatments, such as microneedling.
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• Stake appropriate supplementation.
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Collagen supplementation

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Most often you will find hydrolysed collagen in dietary supplements. Research suggests that taking 2.5-15 grams of such collagen per day is both effective and safeand.

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Lesser doses of the youth protein can also theoretically help, but you will wait longer for results .

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What will the different portions of collagen work for?

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• 2.5 grams positively affects skin health and hydrationand.
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• 5 grams improves bone density and supports your joints .
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• 15 grams helps increase muscle mass .
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Is collagen safe?

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Don't be alarmed, collagen for drinking and in tablets is safe. After all, collagen is simply a protein and occurs naturally in our bodies. Taking it in most cases has no side effectsand.

Is there a 'but'?

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An obvious contraindication to taking collagen is allergies to the ingredients in a particular product. If you are intolerant to fish or seafood, choose beef or pork collagensand.

Other contraindications to drinking collagen include:

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• kidney problems (collagen can then only be taken after consultation with a doctor),
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• pregnancy and breastfeeding (supplementation is allowed after a green light from a specialist),
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• diabetes (in the case of collagen containing sugar or selected sweeteners),
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• interactions with medications (if you are taking other supplements or medications, ask your pharmacist or doctor about interactions).

Can I buy myself collagen for my pets?

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A literal horse dose of collagen? Bad idea.

Animals have different organisms to humans and age differently, so they need different doses of collagen. Besides, collagen supplements for animals may contain special additives, and such substances will only harm you. Not to mention the potential differences in production standards.

Doctor's opinion on collagen supplements

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Collagen administered orally (e.g. in tablet, liquid or dissolved powder form) can be used for its synthesis in the body. The two amino acids proline and lysine play the most important role in this process.

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Can excess collagen be brought about?

You can, but you would have to go to great lengths to bring about collagen excess. Most often supplementation of this protein is safeand. However, if you significantly exceed the dosage recommended by the manufacturer, you may experience unpleasant symptoms such as:

• thickening of the skin,
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• digestive problems,
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• congestion, constipation or diarrhoea,
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In most cases, once the dosage of the supplements is reduced, the symptoms will disappear. However, if you have stopped taking collagen and you continue to experience side effects - see your doctor.

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Side effects of collagen supplementation

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Side effects of supplemented collagen are rare. They can include allergic reactions and stomach problems. More side effects are associated with injectable collagen - swelling or redness of the skin, infection, skin rash or scarring. Some people may also be allergic to collagen. They will then experience a rash, swollen skin or difficulty breathing with supplementationand.

Facts about collagen

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How is collagen structured?

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The basic building blocks of collagen are amino acids - compounds that are responsible for the structure of all proteins in the body. Collagen is mainly made up of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, but there are other amino acids in its composition. Together, they form three chains in the form of a triple helixand.

How does the body produce collagen?

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The process of collagen synthesis (production) most often takes place in the fibroblast cells in the dermis. These are responsible for the production of collagen and other supporting (skeletal) tissues.

Collagen synthesis takes place in the dermis.

Collagen synthesis occurs both inside and outside the celland.

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Where is collagen used?

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Cosmetics

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Because of its valuable properties on skin, hair and nails, collagen is an ingredient in many cosmetics (e.g. creams, serums, gels, masks or lotions). It is most often added to them in the form of a hydrolysate - so it is more easily absorbed.

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Some preparations contain pure collagen, while others also contain ingredients that support its production, e.g. (vitamin C or hyaluronic acid).

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Note that collagen in cream does not produce the expected results on the skin.

Why does collagen in cream not work?

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Since collagen is good for the skin, you might think that applying it directly to the skin would be super effective. Unfortunately.

When you apply collagen in a cream, you are not giving your skin its due benefits. That's because the collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the dermis.

Collagen in a cream does not provide the right benefits to the skin.

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Collagen applied to the skin (e.g. in cream form) will not provide the benefits that most manufacturers write about. The smooth skin you may get when using such products is a temporary effect - collagen temporarily and seemingly moisturises the skin, but never reaches the dermis.

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Supplements

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Creams - no. Dietary supplements - yes. Quality collagen powder, liquid, tablets or capsules make sense.

Research suggests that collagen in supplement form (regardless of form) can effectively support our beauty, as well as our joints or immunityand.

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There are no collagen preparations on the market with drug status. All products you can purchase are dietary supplements.

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See also:

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• Drinking collagen
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• Collagen powder
• Collagen in sachets
• Liquid collagen
• Collagen in tablets
• Collagen in capsules
• Collagen for horses: doctor's opinion

Summary

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