Collagen...part 1

What is collagen?

Collagen is a powerful protein naturally produced by our body and is mainly composed of two amino acids, Glycine and Proline. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the animal kingdom. In humans, it constitutes about 33% of the total protein in the body and about 75% of the dry weight of the skin. It is the most abundant substance in the extracellular matrix (the space between cells).

What is the role of collagen in our body?

There are more than 20 different types of collagen, however, 90% of the collagen in our human body is made up of types I, II and III.

Types of collagen

• Type I

Skin, tendons, vessels, organs, artery walls, bones, teeth. 75% of the collagen in the body is the type I.

• Type II

The 8.8% of the collagen in the body is type II. Joints and locks. The articular cartilage with content in the joints around 50 – 55% and in the cartilages of the joints around 85 – 90% and in the eyes.

• Type III

Connective tissue, blood vessels, muscles, skin. 15% of the collagen in the body is type III, a significant component of tissues such as the skin, lungs and blood vessel walls where type 1 collagen is usually found alongside it.

At this point, we can stop! Since almost everything in our body is made of collagen, why must extra collagen be taken?

Epithelial cells are responsible for producing collagen and elastin in the body. After a certain age, shortly after thirty, production begins to decline, usually by 1.5% per year. Of course, this depends mainly on each person's quality of life, such as exercise, diet and genes.

Type II collagen

Is the main component of articular cartilage. The collagen protein content is between 50% to 55% (less than type I and III) and contains mucopolysaccharides (carbohydrates) found naturally in the body, 45% to 50%. Mucopolysaccharides contain glucosamine (15 – 17%), chondroitin (14 – 16%), and hyaluronic acid (16 – 17%), the main component of synovial fluid and amino acids needed to create type II collagen cells.

Collagen Type II protein consists of eighteen amino acids. Each amino acid's percentage and molecular weight differs from that found in Type I & II. Additionally, Type II is low in hydroxyproline and has traces of hydroxylysine. The critical difference is that type II collagen helps maintain cartilage tissue.

Osteoarthritis is the natural wear and tear of our joint cartilage. The body's ability to produce type II collagen decreases as we age, and type II collagen protein is required to maintain cartilage tissue health.

Chicken breast contains natural hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and chondroitin and is the safest and most effective source of type II collagen.

So if you have pain in your knees, back, or joints, you should use type II collagen products exclusively for joints.

This supplement contains type II collagen and glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid, which help lubricate the joints.

To ensure you take collagen products next time, you've chosen the right type to deliver the desired results.

Type II for joint problems and pain, and Type I and III for beautiful, shiny skin, nails and hair.

Regardless of the type, collagen's primary role is to help tissues stretch without tearing. It also contributes to the body's movement, stability, shape of tissues, and other internal structures.

Think of collagen as the "glue" that holds our bodies together. Our skin moves when we move, resets, and bounces when pressed.

The Difference Between Type I & III Collagen and Type II Collagen

Scientific studies show that more than 90% of the collagen found in the body is type I & III collagen.

This protein consists of nineteen amino acids responsible for the body's growth and maintenance, with very high percentages of glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline found in the skin and muscles.

Type II Collagen consists of eighteen amino acids and improves the function of articular cartilage. Collagen I & III and Collagen II should not be combined because they have different types of amino acids. If taken together, the two proteins will bind together, forming a complete protein, so the body will not recognize it as collagen. If you want to take both sources of collagen protein, you should do so at least one to two hours apart.

Where does collagen come from?

The collagen used to make supplements comes from four primary sources: beef, chicken, pork and fish (seafood).

The health and nutrition of the animal are extremely important. Animals fed a natural diet and allowed to graze in pastures or swim freely in the ocean are healthier than confined factory-farmed animals. Their collagen is stronger and produces a cleaner and more effective supplement.

My favourite form of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation comes from grass-fed, pastured cows.

Is collagen a protein / what is collagen protein?

But, in general, collagen supplements are rich in amino acids essential for collagen synthesis, including glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. And this is why collagen supplements are sometimes called "collagen proteins".

However, it is worth noting that collagen supplements also contain various other amino acids required for many other vital functions. So nothing goes to waste!

What is collagen powder?

As mentioned above, hydrolyzed collagen supplements (e.g. collagen peptides) are usually sold as a powder. And a high-quality collagen powder supplement should contain hydrolyzed collagen, that's all. However, various collagen powder mixes have additional ingredients, adding flavour (flavour enhanced and hopefully with more nutrients. So it's essential to pay close attention to the ingredients list and watch out for added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and other chemical additives.

How does it show that our body needs more collagen?

It's pretty simple, if you see wrinkles forming on your face or if the old ones grow, if your joints and bones become more fragile, if you experience digestive problems and if cuts and wounds heal somehow slower than they used to.... .then you may have collagen deficiency.

How does this happen?

Well, there are many reasons. Here are some of the features:

It is usual for your body to produce less and less collagen as you age. But this happens, of course. Smoking, pollution, and overexposure to the sun are likely to cause free radical damage, negatively affecting your skin's collagen.

If your body lacks antioxidants, it cannot protect your collagen from damage. A combination of vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 is just what your skin needs to fill your body with antioxidants and keep your collagen strong.

If you have a medical condition that prevents your body from absorbing specific vitamins and nutrients necessary to protect or synthesize collagen, and specifically, if you are vitamin C deficient, collagen synthesis is unlikely to occur (even with consistent doses of glycine and proline). And while a vitamin C deficiency may seem far-fetched, it's actually quite common these days.

If the body is low in collagen, it appears on the face, skin, nails, teeth and bones. And as we age, our collagen naturally declines. So, it is best to consume collagen before problems arise, and it is too late.

How can you naturally boost collagen?

Glycine and proline are classified as "dependent" amino acids instead of "essential" because, under ideal conditions, the body can make enough of them without getting them from food. But in today's damaged world, I bet you don't get enough of either or both.

In addition, glycine is produced by the liver. But the liver only produces a limited amount, which it uses for detoxification. This may need to leave more for all the other functions in which glycine plays a serious role in the body.

Furthermore, glycine is mainly found in animals' cartilage, tendons, bones and skin. As I already mentioned, we don't usually eat these "hard" parts, so it's always a good idea to consume foods with high concentrations of collagen proteins.

Like glycine, proline is one of those amino acids defined as non-essential because humans can synthesize it. Its absorption at the gastrointestinal level depends on sodium and is significantly reduced when we take antibiotics or large amounts of alcohol. At the same time, it performs many functions for the body, such as:

• It is metabolized to form hydroxyproline, an essential component of collagen, thus proving valuable in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

• It helps repair tissues, connective parts and muscles, especially after vigorous and intense physical exercise. For example, proline levels are reduced in athletes who run long distances, i.e. those who perform endurance activities.