Collagen is the primary structural protein found in the connective tissues of animals. It’s abundant in fibrous tissues like tendons, ligaments, and skin, as well as in organs such as the cornea, cartilage, and blood vessels. Along with elastin and hyaluronic acid, collagen is a major fibrous protein found in the skin’s extracellular matrix.
In mammals, the collagen family comprises 28 different proteins, accounting for 25-35% of the total protein mass. Collagen plays a pivotal role in providing structural integrity to various tissues, including skin and bones.
Marine collagen, derived from wild fish skins, is the most compatible with human tissue. The best type of collagen supplement for improving the health of your skin, hair, and nails is low-molecular-weight marine collagen peptides.
Colla-Genie contains collagen that is similar to about 90% of the collagen in your body.
Type I collagen is found in skin, tendons, blood vessel walls, organs, and bones, and is secreted by fibroblasts.
Type II collagen is found in cartilage and is synthesized by chondrocyte cells.
Type III collagen is commonly found alongside Type I and is reticulate in structure. It is found in granulation tissue and is also produced by fibroblasts before Type I collagen is synthesized. Reticular fiber is also found in the skin, intestines, artery walls, uterus, and liver.
Type IV collagen is the major component of the basement membrane, a specialized extracellular matrix that surrounds certain cell types, such as skeletal muscle cells, smooth muscle cells, heart muscle cells, and adipocytes.
Gelatin further breaks down the long collagen strands into small peptides, which are soluble and easily absorbed by the body.
Over 90% of the collagen peptides appear in the bloodstream within a few hours after consumption and are delivered to their target tissue, triggering the synthesis of new collagen.
These peptides are composed of smaller parts of the collagen molecule and contain high levels of amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which represent around 50% of the total.
Hydroxyproline creates stable bonds with other amino acids, giving collagen peptides their unique bioactive properties.
Collagen, the main structural protein in our body, is produced by various cells that use specific amino acids to create long chains that form the Collagen triple helix. This strong fiber provides structural tissue support, flexibility, and the ability to withstand forces.
Collagen makes up 75% of the skin’s dry mass and is a key component of its structure, providing the infrastructure for elastin, which maintains skin elasticity, and hyaluronic acid, which traps moisture.
Tendons, which connect muscles to bones, are made up of 85% collagen type 1 and proteoglycans. They transmit forces and withstand tension during muscle contraction.
Joint cartilage is made up of chondrocytes that produce an extracellular matrix consisting of collagen and proteoglycans, mainly aggrecan. Collagen makes up 70% of the cartilage and is responsible for its structure and strength, while proteoglycans serve as lubricant to the joint.
Collagen represents about 90% of the organic bone mass and provides the structural framework on which calcium and other minerals are anchored. The collagen fibers also provide bone flexibility.
Collagen is vital for our bodies, and its loss can have various impacts on our bodies.
Skin
Collagen provides firmness and structure to our skin. With age, collagen breakdown is accelerated, and production is reduced, resulting in dehydrated and thinner skin, and visible signs of aging.
Bones
Collagen represents about 90% of the organic bone mass and provides the structural framework on which calcium and other minerals are anchored. With decreased collagen levels and mineral content, bones become weaker and more fragile, making them more prone to fractures.
Joints
With aging, joint cartilage wears down, reducing its ability to function properly and causing discomfort. This, along with decreased collagen levels, makes it harder to stay active, affecting our mobility and balance.
Muscles
With aging, there is a gradual loss of collagen, which results in a loss of connective tissue that bundles muscle fibers into strong, functioning muscles. This leads to decreased muscle strength and function, and a reduction in overall mobility.
