What do we know about collagen?

Collagen is a protein in the body of animals and plants. It is the most abundant protein in the human body, where it is part of the connective tissue, an essential tissue in skin, tendons and bones, and we also find it in the arterial wall, dentin and in the uterus. That is, it is found in all the connecting and supporting structures of the body.

• Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and it has a supporting function to make tissues strong, flexible, or both.
• With age, collagen decreases and causes the loss of elasticity of the skin, pain in the joints and muscles, deterioration in sight, circulatory deficiencies, discomfort in the gums ...
• The use of collagen supplements has spread among the population, especially in arthritis, osteoarthritis and to improve the appearance of the skin, but the clinical studies are not yet as firm as the preclinical ones in this regard.

What function does it have

Collagen It has a support function, being essential for the tissues to be strong, flexible or both. It can also allow a tissue to withstand immense pressure without stretching, for example a tendon that transmits force from a muscle to a bone. It can also be elastic, like on the skin, and flexible, like a tendon that wraps around a joint. In short, it is responsible for the degree of firmness and elasticity of these structures and plays an essential role in their hydration.

There are different types of collagen (more than 19), each of them with characteristics according to its location and function in the body.

Collagen disorders (in its synthesis and metabolism, for example) can lead to various types of diseases, such as scleroderma, among others.

What about age

As the years go by and the body ages, the production of collagen gradually decreases. It is estimated that by age 40, collagen production declines by half that of adolescence. This reduction in production levels causes, among other things, the loss of elasticity and flexibility of the skin, with the appearance of wrinkles, pain in the joints and muscles, deterioration in sight, circulatory deficiencies, discomfort in teeth and gums, etc. ; that is, the deterioration associated with age.

In medicine, collagen has been used and is used as a biomaterial, that is, due to its qualities as a support tissue as well as its elasticity, firmness and hydration, it is used in reconstructive surgery (as graft support in burns, treatment of extensive wounds, replacement of heart valves), as a drug support vehicle and in dermocosmetics as a filler to improve wrinkles and the appearance of the skin.

The use of supplements

In recent years, the use of collagen supplements has been advocated in certain degenerative osteoarticular diseases (osteoarthritis) and inflammatory (arthritis, for example) and in aging skin. The various preclinical studies (that is, not carried out on patients) indicate that these supplements enhance the regeneration of collagenic tissues, enhance their synthesis and also of other components of said tissues (proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid).

Results from clinical studies are not as robust and clear as preclinical ones. It seems that taking 10 mg / day of hydrolyzed collagen favors its production and consequently would help prevent and treat these types of diseases. However, it still does not constitute a formal prescription in medicine since further studies are probably necessary to establish its scientific soundness.

On the other hand, as it is a source of amino acids with good tolerance, digestibility and a high safety margin (few side effects and practically no drug interactions), it could be recommended in certain population groups with higher risk, such as from the 40 years when its production decreases, in very athletic people with overuse of the joints, in menopause, etc.

It would be advisable to carry out more studies to determine its effect on other tissues (blood vessels, cornea, teeth), confirm its benefit on the musculoskeletal system and the skin, and the impact of its long-term consumption.

Of interest

Before taking any supplement, it is advisable to consult with a specialist. They have one where you can consult any questions you have about your health.