Collagen is a protein that acts as glue for your body’s connective tissues. Collagen is composed of a unique arrangement of amino acids. These include glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Collagen plays a crucial role in ensuring the strength, elasticity, and regeneration of your tissues. These include skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone. Think of collagen as the framework that holds your body together, giving you support and resilience.
Types of collagen in the human body
There are 28 known types of collagen in the human body, each with a slightly different structure and function. The most common types of Collagen are type I, II, and III.Type I collagen
Type I collagen is the most common, making up about 90% of the body’s collagen. Type I collagen is found in your skin, tendons, ligaments, bones, and teeth.Type II collagen
Type II collagen is found in your cartilage, the vitreous humour of the eye, and the inner layer of the intervertebral discs. Type II Collagen forms a more flexible network of fibres compared to type I collagen. This allows for cushioning and smooth movement within joints.Type III collagen
Type III collagen is found in your skin, blood vessels, and internal organs such as the liver and spleen. Type III collagen supports the structure and elasticity of these tissues.Why is it important to supplement collagen?
Your body naturally produces collagen. As you age, however, your body produces less collagen. From the age of about 25, your body’s natural production of collagen rapidly declines. The reduced production of collagen in your body causes visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles, brittle hair and weak nails. In addition to the visible signs of ageing, your body also experiences invisible wear and tear on joints and ligaments. Supplementing your daily diet with collagen is an inside-out approach that can help to:- Improve skin health.
- Reduce visible signs of ageing.
- Promote hair growth.
- Improve nail strength.
- Strengthen bones.
- Repair joints.
- Reduce inflammation.