The Purpose And Sources Of Collagen

In this article, we’ll tell you about the purpose and sources of collagen, as well as other pertinent facts. It is one of the most abundant proteins in the body, as it is a component of many of our tissues.

What is collagen?

Collagen is a fundamental part of the human body. It is a protein and represents about a quarter of the total proteins in the body. Therefore, it is the most important protein of all.

It is present in many tissues, some of which are skin, cartilage, bone, ligaments, muscles and tendons. It forms highly resistant and flexible fibers whose function is to give elasticity as well as support and resistance.

Because it is such a relevant substance and is present in so many tissues, it is very important to maintain a minimal and stable level of this protein. Without a sufficient amount of this substance, all the tissues that make up it would not be able to perform their function correctly.

What are the sources of collagen?

The sources of collagen include many foods, mainly of animal origin, mainly meat. There are other foods that, while not being sources of collagen, contain substances that help promote the synthesis of this protein in the human body.

Some of them are:

• Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids: mainly present in nuts and fish such as salmon. Fatty acids are involved in hormonal regulation that allows the body to produce collagen.

• Vitamin A: Found in vegetables such as carrots and cantaloupe. A minimal amount of vitamin A is needed so that the body can easily produce collagen.
• Vitamin C: Present in citrus fruits, strawberries and other vegetables. They destroy the compounds that eliminate this protein.

What Happens When You Get Older?

From about age 30, the body gradually loses the ability to make collagen. Collagen production continues, but in smaller and smaller amounts.

What happens then is that all the tissues that make up it begin to lose their functionality. The skin loses its elasticity and wrinkles appear. Hair and nails also become more fragile. In addition, joint pain with movements and muscle pain can also occur.

Supplements as one of the sources of collagen

As we have already mentioned, it is necessary to maintain a minimum amount of this protein in the body for proper functioning. However, there are times when this is obviously not possible.

In case of loss of production by the body, and in some other situations such as with top athletes, the amount of collagen is not sufficient. In these cases, people may need to take collagen supplements.

This is hydrolyzed collagen and anyone can add the hydrolyzed variety to their diet. However, it is always best to consult a specialist, as it is often not necessary.

Summarized

Collagen is an essential substance for the normal functioning of many parts of the body. With age, its production decreases and we must follow an adequate diet accompanied by supplements if necessary.

A medical consultation will always be necessary to know whether you should include the hydrolyzed form of this protein in your diet or not. Not all aging is created equal and therefore it is not required in all circumstances.