What does collagen do in the body?
What is collagen?
Collagen is a protein whose function is to hold together the different structures of the body . It is the most abundant protein molecule in vertebrates and it is estimated that one in four of the body's proteins is collagen (approximately 7 percent of the body mass of a human being).
What is collagen for?
The collagen is in charge of uniting the connective tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, bones, cartilages, hematological and adipose tissue and organs). In this way, it would act as an element of support that allows the whole of the body to be held together. Its function consists of the formation of the fibers from which the structures of the organism are created ; therefore, it is responsible for the degree of firmness and elasticity of these structures and plays an essential role in their hydration .
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Collagen fiber has the ability to mix with many types of substances and minerals : in the case of bones, the combination of collagen with calcium crystals allows the formation of a rigid and rigid structure; in the skin, it is mixed with elastin and the resulting structure is network-shaped; in the case of cartilage, it is also combined with elastin and other types of substances and forms a gel that absorbs the impacts produced by the movements of the joints. This happens with all the structures and tissues of the body.
As the years go by and the body ages, the production of collagen gradually decreases . It is estimated that at 40 years the body produces half of collagen than in adolescence. This reduction in production levels causes, among other things, the loss of elasticity and flexibility of the skin, joint and muscle pain, osteoporosis , deterioration in vision, circulatory deficiencies, discomfort in teeth and gums, etc .; that is, the deterioration proper to old age.
Among the functions of collagen is to maintain and support the connective tissues of the body, so it influences properties such as firmness of the skin.
Types of collagen
There are more than 19 types of collagen , which depend, among other factors, on the tissue in which it acts and the substances with which it is combined, so it is not considered as a single protein, but rather as a family of molecules closely related but different from each other. The main types are:
- Type I : It is found mostly in the bones, cornea, dermis and tendons and is in the form of fiber with striae that are grouped and form chains to give the tissues of the body elasticity and strength.
- Type II : Present in the cartilages, in some structures of the embryos and in the vitreous humor of the eye. It gives resistance to these tissues under intermittent pressures.
- Type III : It is in the tissues of the muscles, veins and skin. It acts as a support for the organs that have the capacity to expand and contract.
- Type IV : It is found mainly in the skin. Its function is to provide support and the ability to filter different substances.
- Type V : Present mainly in the organs and tissues located inside the body. Its function is associated with type I, that is, it gives resistance to tissues.
Collagen for the skin
The main function of collagen is to create and maintain the structures of the tissues that make up the body, including the skin, so it has a decisive importance in properties such as firmness and flexibility . The appearance of the skin, nails or hair depends considerably on this protein. Although collagen production is irremediably reduced with age, there are a number of remedies that help, to a certain degree, to restore the levels of this substance in the body, such as hydrolyzed collagen (that is, it has undergone a process of hydrolysis, which is the breakdown of certain molecules so that collagen can be absorbed by the body). This product is usually like collagen powder , although there are also collagen pills .
Sometimes, when taking collagen, distinctions are also made between the protein from animals and the protein that comes from fish, which is known as marine collagen .
Collagen for muscles and joints
One of the most outstanding products is the collagen with magnesium , which contributes to the correct functioning of muscles and ligaments. This is because magnesium is a mineral that intervenes in the process of protein formation, which favors the effect of collagen.
The combination of collagen and hyaluronic acid also has positive effects on muscles and joints . Hyaluronic acid is found in bones and skin, acting as a lubricant for cartilage and ligaments, which provides important benefits:
By acting as a lubricant for cartilage and ligaments, it generates a protective effect against certain mechanical forces.
Helps recover elasticity, decreasing pain and improving joint mobility .
Helps prevent sports injuries , such as strains and tendonitis .