What is Collagen and What Does It Do?
Benefits of Using Collagen Against Aging? Aging and Collagen?
Benefits of Regular Collagen Use
Ways to Increase Collagen Levels
What is Collagen and What Does It Do?
Collagen, the most abundant structural protein in the human body, constitutes approximately 25-30% of all proteins in our bodies. It is primarily found in connective tissues such as cartilage, bones, tendons, ligaments, and the skin. From the age of 25, our bodies start losing collagen at a rate of 1.5% per year, and this process of aging is a result of the collagen loss in our bodies. The first visible effects of aging are noticed in our skin. The skin consists of two significant layers, namely the epidermis and dermis, with collagen constituting 80% of these layers. Aging begins in the dermis, the lower layers, before becoming visible on the skin's surface. The collagen structure in the dermis provides elasticity and flexibility to the skin.
Collagen supplementation is not limited to benefiting the skin alone. Collagen provides numerous benefits to the body, with the most crucial ones related to bones, joints, and connective tissues. Collagen makes up 90% of our bones and 70% of the cartilage structure. It is also the main protein in connective tissues. Collagen is a rich source of amino acids, proline, and glycine, essential for protecting and repairing tendons, bones, and joints.
Benefits of Using Collagen Against Aging? Aging and Collagen?
F
rom the age of 25, collagen synthesis in our bodies gradually decreases, with the body losing 1.5% collagen each year. This collagen loss leads to the aging of tissues, including the skin and cartilage. The effects of aging become noticeable, especially after the age of 35, as collagen concentration decreases in the body. Skin loses its fullness and elasticity, and wrinkles and fine lines begin to appear. These years also mark the onset of initial joint pains, digestive issues, and problems related to connective tissues and muscles.
Therefore, collagen usage, especially for those aged 30 and above, is crucial for supplementing collagen increase in the body. Oral collagen intake serves as a structural protein supplement essential for various functions, including the renewal of the skin and intestines, and the protection of joints. Hydrolyzed collagen, also known as collagen peptide, is particularly beneficial. Increasing collagen production in the body has positive effects on various health issues.
Why Should We Take Collagen as a Dietary Supplement?
Today, there are many cosmetic applications containing collagen, such as creams or serums. However, the effectiveness of these products, applied directly to the skin, is limited compared to collagen taken as a dietary supplement. The molecular weight of collagen applied to the skin is too high for direct absorption. Therefore, the impact of these products remains limited to the surface of the skin, and they cannot affect the deeper layers of the dermis where the aging process begins. This is where orally taken collagen supplements come into play. Scientifically proven is the fact that oral collagen intake increases collagen concentration in the blood and accumulates collagen in the skin. Accumulation stimulates fibroblasts, primarily supporting the body's natural collagen production and reducing the breakdown of existing collagen.
What Do Scientific Studies Say? What is Scientific Proof?
Regular use of collagen has been clinically shown to improve skin elasticity, moisture, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Consuming marine collagen activates natural collagen synthesis in our bodies and possesses strong antioxidant properties necessary to combat early aging of collagen cells, revitalizing the skin deeply.
REFERENCES:
Review Int J Dermatol. 2021 Dec;60(12):1449-1461. doi: 10.1111/ijd.15518. Epub 2021 Mar 20., Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis Roseane B de Miranda, Patrícia Weimer, Rochele C Rossi.
Mar Drugs, 2020 Jan 31;18(2):98. doi: 10.3390/md18020098 - Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Collagen, Gelatin, and the Derived Peptides from Yellowfin Tuna ( Thunnus albacares) Skin Mala Nurilmala, Hanifah Husein Hizbullah, Euis Karnia 1, Eni Kusumaningtyas, Yoshihiro Ochiai. RandomizedControlled Trial J Dermatolog Treat - 2021 Dec;32(8):991-996. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2020.1725412. Epub 2020 Mar 9. Four-weeks daily intake of oral collagen hydrolysate results in improved skin elasticity, especially in sun-exposed areas: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial - Wich Sangsuwan, Pravit Asawanonda.
J Agric Food Chem - 2017 Mar 22;65(11):2315-2322. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6b05679. Epub 2017 Mar 8
Oral Ingestion of Collagen Hydrolysate Leads to the Transportation of Highly Concentrated Gly-Pro-Hyp and Its Hydrolyzed Form of Pro-Hyp into the Bloodstream and Skin - Misato Yazaki, Yukihiko Ito, Masayoshi Yamada, Spyros Goulas, Sachiyuki Teramoto, Masa-Aki Nakaya, Shigeo Ohno, Kohji Yamaguchi.
J Lipid Res - 2006 May;47(5):921-30. doi: 10.1194/jlr.M500420-JLR200. Epub 2006 Feb 7 -Photoprotective and anti-skin-aging effects of eicosapentaenoic acid in human skin in vivo Hyeon Ho Kim, Soyun Cho, Serah Lee, Kyu Han Kim, Kwang Hyun Cho, Hee Chul Eun, Jin Ho Chung
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