Collagen - The most abundant protein in the body

Overview

Collagen is an insoluble, strong, fibrous protein that makes up one-third of the protein in the body. It is found in the bones, muscles, skin, and tendons. There are 28 different types of collagen, with varying structures and functions. In general, their molecules form long, thin fibrils that anchor cells to each other. This is what gives skin strength and elasticity. As we age, our body produces less collagen. Consequently, the structural integrity of the skin deteriorates and wrinkles form. This becomes more noticeable in women after menopause, and in men and women after the age of 60. Since collagen is also the major molecular component of tendons and ligaments, joint flexibility and strength are dependent upon the body’s production of collagen.?

Benefits

Supports joint health

Helps decrease osteoarthritic pain

Helps prevent osteoporosis

Promotes skin elasticity and firmness

Helps prevent wrinkles, age spots, and facial lines

Promotes healthy hair and nails

Promotes muscle mass

History of Usage

The word collagen is derived from kolla, or “glue” in Greek. It is widely used in cosmetic surgery, as a healing aid for burn victims, and in an array of dental and orthopedic surgeries.?

Collagen peptides took off as a nutritional supplement in Asia, China, and Japan and began to gain traction in the 1980s.?One product line that has been around for a while is Functional Keratin. It was developed in the late 1990s by a biochemist, Dr. Kermitzer Merchant. He came up with a unique delivery system of collagen molecules and elastin proteins into an oil that could penetrate into the skin. This delivery system became one of the main formulations of skin care products today, as it stimulates the body's own collagen production. The main benefits of this product line are that it stimulates the natural collagen production in the skin, eliminates fine lines and wrinkles, reduces the appearance of age spots, and promotes firmness and elasticity.?

Another collagen supplement that has been around for quite a while is CynergyTK. It contains functional keratin as well as a kelp extract called Phytessence Wakame. CynergyTK actually promotes collagen production, because it stimulates the production of collagen levels in the skin.?

Today, low molecular weight collagen peptide supplement is one of the most popular trending nutraceutical manufacturer products being sold.

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Biochemistry

Collagen is protein molecules made of the amino acids glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine. These are made of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen and are secreted mainly by connective tissue cells. Collagen peptides are found in the extracellular matrix, which is an intricate network of macromolecules that determines the properties of the body’s tissues. In the dermis - the middle layer of skin - collagen helps form fibroblasts. These cells form a fibrous network upon which new cells grow. Because of its rigidity and resistance to stretching, low molecular weight collagen peptide supplements are the perfect matrix for skin, tendons, bones, and ligaments. In essence, it is the glue that holds the cells and tissues together. It is also found in hair and nails, smooth muscle tissues, blood vessels, the digestive tract, heart, gallbladder, kidneys, and bladder. Collagen supplements are also important to replacing and restoring dead skin cells.

Recent Trends

The market is flooded with low molecular weight collagen peptide supplements, in the forms of liquid collagen, collagen powder, orgain Collagen, capsules, superfoods, topical creams, and hair and nail products. According to Global Market Insights, Competitive Market Share & Forecast 2016-2023, the global collagen market size was valued at more than US$3 billion in 2015, and is likely to exceed $5 billion by 2023, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 7% from 2016 to 2023.

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Precautions

When taken orally, collagen supplements are considered safe in doses up to 10 grams a day for up to 5 months. Side effects are rare.

Pregnant and lactating women should avoid use since not enough is known about their safety when collagen is used in medicinal amounts.?

References

1. Bagheri Miyab K, Alipoor E, Vaghardoost R, et al. The effect of a hydrolyzed collagen-based supplement on wound healing in patients with burn: A randomized double-blind pilot clinical trial.?Burns. 2020;46(1):156-163.?
2. Argyrou C, Karlafti E, Lampropoulou-Adamidou K, et al. Effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation with and without collagen peptides on bone turnover in postmenopausal women with osteopenia.?J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact. 2020;20(1):12-17.
3. Elam ML, Johnson SA, Hooshmand S, et al. A calcium-collagen chelate dietary supplement attenuates bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: a randomized controlled trial.?J Med Food. 2015;18(3):324-31.
4. Czajka A, Kania EM, Genovese L, et al. Daily oral supplementation with collagen peptides combined with vitamins and other bioactive compounds improves skin elasticity and has a beneficial effect on joint and general wellbeing.?Nutr Res?2018;57:97-108

Hexsel D, Zague V, Schunck M, Siega C, Camozzato FO, Oesser S. Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails.?J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017;16(4):520-526.