Collagen is commonly known as the nutrient that helps maintain a youthful appearance. However, it also serves as the glue that holds the body together and provides structural support. It is the most abundant protein in the body and can be found in the skin, bones, tendons, arteries, organs, muscles, and ligaments.
Collagen production begins to decline in the mid to late 20s and early 30s. By the age of 40, collagen production decreases significantly. Joint cartilage is made up of 60% collagen which can be the reason we may start to feel more discomfort in our joints as we age. Age is not the only factor working against us; lifestyle choices like stress, poor sleep, smoking, excessive sun exposure, and alcohol or caffeine intake can also reduce collagen production.
Collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal lining and supporting the prevention or healing of 'leaky gut.' The intestinal lining is made up of tight junctions, which can become loose and cause leaking, hence the term ‘leaky gut’. Several factors can compromise these tight junctions, including long-term stress, antibiotic use, refined sugars, artificial colours and flavourings, vegetable oils, celiac disease, alcohol, and medications. While this list is not exhaustive, it provides a fair idea of the range of factors that can cause a ‘leaky gut.’ When these junctions become loose, half-digested food and larger proteins can leak into the bloodstream. Since this is not supposed to happen, the immune system sees these substances as invaders, triggering an immune response. This process can be one of the causes of food sensitives/allergies and inflammation throughout the body.
The amino acids glycine, proline, and glutamine, which are found in collagen, aid in the regeneration and repair of the intestinal lining. A strong intestinal lining is important for proper nutrient absorption and immune function. Additionally, collagen has been found to regulate gastric secretions, which aids in the breakdown of food. Collagen also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties through its amino acids.
Breakdown on collagen supplements
There are several types of collagen in the body, with type I, type II, and type III being the most common. Type I collagen makes up 90% of collagen in the body and is found in skin, hair, bone, tendons and ligaments. The majority of type I collagen is sourced from bovine sources. Marine collagen also contains type I collagen. Type II collagen is the major component of joint cartilage and intervertebral discs, playing an important role in the skeletal system and can be sourced from chicken. Type III collagen is a major structural component for hollow organs, such as the intestines, bladder and uterus. Type III collagen can be found in bovine sources.
The term hydrolysed is often seen on collagen supplement labels, indicating that the proteins have been broken down into peptides through a process called hydrolysis. Peptides are short chains of amino acids typically 2-50 amino acids and are linked by chemical bonds. Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction that occurs with water and is used to break down the chemical bonds. This process makes collagen easier for the body to absorb and utilise, ensuring that your money is well spent.
Extra collagen support
There are times when the body needs additional support with collagen, such as when hair and nails are brittle, you have painful joints, or when recovering from surgery to aid in the healing of affected tissues, bones, or organs. Collagen supplementation has also shown to be beneficial in enhancing exercise performance and supporting recovery after workouts.