Collagen is found in all multicellular organisms. The most abundant protein in vertebrates is found in all tissues (25% of all proteins). This protein is the main molecule of all connective tissues. The name collagen comes from the Greek word “cole” (meaning glue. Collagen is present in all tissues and organs (skin, hair, nails, cartilage, ligaments, eyes, muscles, blood vessels…). This is what gives our skin elasticity and our body strength. When it comes to our joints and tendons, in the simplest terms, it is the glue that helps hold our body together.
There are at least 30 genetic variants of the chains, that is, 16 variants of collagen.
The type and organization of collagen depends on the role:
- In the tendons, it is connected in tight bundles of parallel chains, which are resistant to tearing.
- In the cornea , it is arranged in such a way that it is transparent and allows light to pass through with minimal dissipation.
- In the bones – its fibers are crossed at angles, distributing the mechanical load and giving resistance to the bones.
The function of collagen in the body
Its function in the human body is structural. Collagen provides structural stability and elasticity to tissues. The structural strength, especially of collagen type-I, is shown by the fact that collagen fibers are several times stronger than steel fibers for the same weight. Collagen fibers are particularly resistant to stretching, so even under the highest load, they lengthen by only 5%.
Without collagen, bones would break, muscles would not be able to contract, blood vessels would not be able to carry oxygen and nutrients to the organs.
How collagen is formed
Collagen in the human body is naturally formed in the cisterns of the granular endoplasmic reticulum as procollagen, which is made up of three (3) peptide chains that refract the plane of polarizing light to the left. These chains are oppositely twisted, refracting the plane of polarizing light to the right, and stabilized by hydrogen bonds that have free ends.
When the end of the enzyme is removed in the body, tropocollagen is obtained. In the intercellular space, tropocollagen units spontaneously join together to form elongated collagen fibers. Collagen fibers are the main structural component of the extracellular matrix, to which other components are later attached, such as: elastin, proteoglycans…
Properties of collagen
- Insoluble in water or body fluids.
- Flexible, also resistant to stretching and tearing.
- Resistant to the action of proteolytic enzymes.
- At a temperature of 62-65ºC, collagen shortens by 1/3 and swells. Also at this temperature, this protein becomes transparent and weak to enzymes, which have the power to break down collagen to its primary structure without breaking peptide bonds.
Collagen structure
Collagen is a molecule 300 nanometers (nm) long and 1.5 nanometers (nm) in diameter.
About 1000 amino acids are involved in the structure of the collagen chain. Typical amino acids for collagen are: glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine .
Glycine is an essential amino acid and as such cannot be synthesized in the human body, so it must be ingested through the diet. These amino acids are hydrophinics, so they are crucial in preventing water loss in tissues.
Collagen in the body is constantly renewing and dying. However, over time, this process slows down in the body, collagen deficiency occurs, and as a result, visible signs of aging appear, as well as a large number of diseases.
The latest scientific research proves that the amount of collagen in the body can accurately determine the age of the body.
Types of collagen
There are different types of collagen fibers in the human body depending on where they are located. Thus, there are types I, II, III that have a fibrillar structure and types IV and VII with a reticulated structure. And their place in the body is tabulated.
| Type I | It is most abundant in the skin |
| Type II | This type is represented in the joints, as a lubricant |
| Type III | Fetal skin, blood vessels |
| Type IV | Basal membrane |
| Type VII | Under the squamous epithelium |
Collagen deficiency
In addition to physiological aging, collagen deficiency is also affected by a uniform and insufficient diet, inhibition of the synthesis of non-essential amino acids, hard and strenuous physical work, uniform movements in the work process, intensive training, injuries…
Sources of collagen
Blueberries contain phytonutrients that help collagen fibers hold together in a way that helps your body make collagen. Blueberries contain vitamin C as well as antioxidants called anthocyanins, which strengthen the connective tissue in the skin.
Antioxidant s and – protect against free radical damage. Certain antioxidants improve the efficiency of collagen production and rejuvenate the skin. Include green tea, blueberries, cinnamon, essential oils of basil, oregano and thyme, licorice extract, mulberry extract, pomegranate extract and astralagus in your diet.
Kiwi – this fruit is also rich in vitamin C, which is very important for collagen synthesis. Antioxidant vitamins (such as vitamin C) are extremely important for neutralizing free radicals, which break down collagen and elastin.
Yogurt – this delicious food is an excellent source of riboflavin, which is essential for proper collagen synthesis. Plus, yogurt also provides a delicious dose of protein.
Dark leafy vegetables – spinach, kale and chard are rich in vitamin C and A and stimulate collagen production in your body. The role of vitamin C in the production of collagen interacts with amino acids within collagen cells. It adds hydrogen and oxygen to these amino acids, so they can participate in the production of collagen. If you don’t get enough vitamin C, collagen production will slow down. Retinol (a derivative of vitamin A) is another antioxidant that can increase collagen levels by blocking certain enzymes that destroy collagen.
Coriander – Another food rich in collagen. Coriander leaves contain vitamin C, which has been linked to an increase in collagen production. It contains linolenic acid, which is a powerful anti-aging factor for your skin. It contains antioxidants that fight free radicals in the bloodstream. The extract of this plant can be purchased or taken orally as a detoxifying agent.
Algae – The ingredients of this marine plant are becoming more and more popular in preserving beauty. Algae can prevent oxidation (exposure of the skin to elements such as pollution, which can damage cell growth) of the skin and thus prevent the loss of elasticity and collagen.
Gelatin is basically a cooked form of collagen. It is usually achieved by cooking the connective tissues of cows or pigs. In this way, collagen is released, extracted and dried. A big plus about gelatin is that your body easily digests and absorbs it.
