What is collagen?

Collagens are the most plentiful insoluble fibrous proteins and major building blocks in the body accounting for 1/3 of the protein composition. They can be found in bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They are also found in many other body parts, including blood vessels, corneas, and teeth. The collagens in the human body are strong and flexible. They give the skin strength and elasticity and help blood clot etc.

There are 4 main types of collagens out of 16.

Collagens are known as structural proteins that holds the body together to provide strength and structure.

Type I consist of 90% of the body’s collagen and is densely packed fibers. It provides structure to skin, bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, connective tissue, and teeth.

Type II is more loosely packed and found in elastic cartilage of joints.

Type III supports the structure of muscles, organs, and arteries.

Type IV helps with filtration and is found in the layers of the skin.

With aging, the body produces less and lower quality collagen.

For example, the skin becomes less firm and elastic. Wrinkles form, Joint cartilage also weakens with age.