What Is Collagen?

Collagen is essentially a protein and is the most abundant substance in the body after water. Over 29 types of collagen have been found to exist, with type 1 being the most spoken about. The reason being because it is found in muscles, bones, skin, hair and nails, the digestive system as well as blood vessels and tendons. Type 3 collagen is mostly found in extensible connective tissues such as the skin, lung and the vascular system, frequently in association with type 1 collagen.

When it comes to our joints and tendons, collagen is like the ‘glue’ that helps hold the body together. It has been found that 60 % of our cartilage is actually made of type 2 collagen.

Collagen is in fact what helps to give our skin both strength and elasticity, all while replacing dead skin cells. Unfortunately, the natural production of collagen declines with age at a rage of 1.5 % every year from the age of 25. Hence the first signs of ageing show, as the development of wrinkles, sagging skin but also with time, the weakening and instability of the joints and the frailty of the bones due to collagen’s reduced amounts and the weakening of cartilage. The latter could explain why we are more prone to sport injuries and recover at a slower pace in our 30’s and 40’s.

Several factors in our daily life can speed up the collagen breakdown and its depletion from our bodies and therefore symptoms may start appearing at an earlier stage. Some include but are not limited to: smoking, alcohol, a diet high in refined sugars, and prolonged exposure in the sunshine. Genetics also has a role to play while other potential collagen related conditions have been linked to nutritional deficiencies and digestive problems.

Like all proteins, collagen is made of amino acids. However it also has a unique set made of hydroxyproline, proline and glycine and it is important to point out that hydroxyproline actually occurs very rarely in anything else than collagen.

So how best support our overall health? You could start by consuming foods like bone broth which can provide the body with some collagen and aim to lead a healthy lifestyle. Alternatively turn to a collagen supplement like Neocell’s latest range launching in the UK. A clinically tested form of NON-GMO collagen, sourced from grass-fed and pasture raised cows. Neocell collagen products help to provide the nutritional building blocks and stimulus for collagen production (which we need since our production reduces with age), strengthen our tissues and help us regain a youthful and vibrant look and feel. Think of it as building a brick wall –where not only the building bricks are needed but you also need workers to put them together.

Strengthening our connective tissues also helps with better mobility and flexibility while helping with muscle recovery and joint lubrication. Collagen supplements contain lysine (an amino acid) which helps the body absorb calcium and this may be useful when suffering from bone related disorders.

Keep up with our blogs and look out for collagen related articles to learn more!