What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It is the main component of the connective tissue that makes up various parts of the body. Tendons, joints, ligaments, skin and muscles are made up of this protein. Collagen has many important functions, including giving structure to the skin and strengthening bones.

What does collagen do in the body?

Collagen provides support for tissues and helps keep tissues or organs alive and flexible. It also plays an important role in the repair and regeneration of worn tissues and in the formation of bone and skin.

Who should use collagen?

As we age, the body produces less collagen. As collagen production decreases, the amount of collagen in the body’s tissues also decreases. Collagen supplements can be taken to increase the amount of collagen in the body and protect the structure of the tissues.

Taking collagen supplements is recommended after the age of 30. In particular, if collagen supplements with the right and rich content are taken between the ages of 30 and 40, the signs of ageing can be seen later.

What are the types of collagen?

19 types of collagen have been identified. The most common types in our bodies are type 1, type 2, type 3, type 4 and type 10. All of these collagen types are found in different tissues in the body.

Type 1 collagen: This is the most abundant type of collagen in the body. Type 1 collagen is found in the body’s organs, ligaments, tendons and skin. It supports bones, protects the skin and provides elasticity. It holds tissues together and helps heal wounds.

Type 2 collagen: Type 2 collagen is produced by the non-cellular cartilage matrix (chondrocytes). Type 2 collagen helps to form cartilage in connective tissues. This type of collagen is very important for joint health. It is effective in treating age-related joint pain and a variety of related symptoms.

Type 3 collagen: This is the main component of the extracellular matrix that forms organs and skin. It helps form the heart, blood vessels and blood tissue. Type 3 collagen is also effective in maintaining the elasticity and firmness of the skin. It supports the structure of muscles, blood vessels and organs.

Type 4 collagen: Type 4 collagen forms the digestive and respiratory surfaces. It is found in the deeper layers of the skin. It is involved in the formation of the basement membrane that surrounds the organs.

Type 10 collagen: Involved in the formation of new bone. It is also important in the development of joint cartilage. It acts as a repair substance in the event of fractures in the joint areas.

What are the factors that cause collagen loss?

Environmental pollution (exposure to toxins)
Physical stress
Smoking
Alcohol consumption,
Prolonged exposure to sunlight
Excessive sugar consumption
Packaged, refined foods
Unhealthy diet,
Insomnia and not getting enough sleep
Menopause

How does collagen affect weight?

Collagen protein peptides are more satiating than other types of protein. Studies have shown that people who consume collagen feel forty percent more satisfied than people who consume other types of protein. Because of its satiating properties, collagen is a substance that contributes to the weight loss process.

Collagen also helps to reduce appetite. In overweight patients, hydrolysed collagen has been shown to release satiety hormones into the blood. Collagen also indirectly aids the weight loss process.

Is collagen used to prevent calcification?

Calcification (osteoarthritis) is caused by the deterioration of joint and muscle structure. Pain occurs as a result of calcification in joints and muscles. Depending on the degree of calcification, pain can interfere with the patient’s normal activities.

The condition expressed as calcification is actually a loss of tissue in the joint or muscle. This loss of tissue in the muscles and joints causes pain.

Many preventive measures can be taken to prevent calcification. Methods such as weight loss, gentle exercise and intra-articular injections help to treat calcification.

However, sometimes surgery may be needed for advanced calcification-related problems. Collagen peptides may be used to prevent advanced calcification.

How is collagen used?

The 4 most common ways to replace the collagen lost in the body through supplementation:

Consume with water: Collagen is a protein that dissolves easily in water and is almost tasteless and odourless. Preferably, 10g of collagen powder can be mixed in a glass of water and safely drunk.

Can be taken with tea and coffee: Collagen does not alter the taste or smell of tea or coffee. It is therefore safe to drink with tea and coffee.

Consumption with fruit juice: It can be consumed in a very healthy and convenient way by adding collagen to fruit juice.

Soups and meals: Collagen can also be taken by adding it to soup or any dish.

How long should I take a collagen supplement?

Clinical studies show that people who take collagen supplements start to see a difference after four weeks. Significant results are seen after eight weeks.

What should I do to protect my own collagen?

Exercise
Healthy and balanced nutrition
Using vitamins A and C
Quitting smoking,
Protection from the sun,
Regular and enough sleep,
Avoiding sugar and refined products
Collagen Loss
Collagen is abundant in the skin; but with aging, the inner layers of the skin decrease. The skin loses its elasticity. Cracks begin to form on the skin that loses its elasticity and wrinkles appear on the skin over time. The skin reaches an aged appearance over time.

Prolonged exposure to the sun, an unbalanced diet and irregular sleep patterns can all lead to collagen loss.

Collagen loss can be prevented to some extent by giving up harmful consumption habits and adopting healthy eating habits. However, especially after the age of 40 and after the menopause, the body’s ability to produce collagen diminishes. This leads to a loss of collagen and a reduction in muscle mass.

Special dietary supplements are needed to rebuild the collagen that gives us a dynamic body.