Written By
HealthyDoesIt Features Writer
Amazing. Collagen in all it’s biochemical glory. Twisted and turned into an orderly hot-wanded strand of nature. Like protein with a perm and, with additions, able to change shape to make it fit for purpose. Over 20 different shapes, in fact, to work wherever the body needs it.
Collagen: where from?
Collagen comes mostly from animal source, from the gelatinous protein material of cows, pigs or fish. In the early days, bovine forms found their way onto the market, but these days there is much more choice. All forms harness the collagen that’s found in animal tissue. But you shouldn’t stop there.
Bone broth and gelatine have been sources of collagen protein for thousands of years, and many traditional dishes have harnessed the goodness gained from boiling down animal carcasses for millennia – perhaps without even knowing why or how this was good for the body. Now we know that collagen is released in this long-boiling process.
In fact, many traditional manufacturers of gelatine around the world have adapted the gelatine-making process making it more sophisticated and producing collagen types which are more bioavailable.
These are hydrolysed collagen peptides, which are small molecule that are much easier for the body to absorb and use, and get where they need to go.
Different body needs, different collagen types
Collagen is a major component of the human body making up about 30 percent of the proteins in our bodies.
Collagen is vital for joint mobility, bone stability, muscle structure, ligament and tendon strength. Of course, it also helps to create smooth skin, glossy hair and healthy nails. Connective tissue between the vertebrae, in our blood vessels, our cornea, dentin in the teeth and in our intestinal wall, all rely on adequate collagen formation to function properly.
Let’s look closer. Collagen makes up various percentages of key body structures:
- Skin: 75%
- Tendons: 85%
- Bones: 90%
- Cartilage and ligaments: 70%
Whilst we get some collagen in the diet, there are times of life where the body has extra stress and strain on the joints, such as sport and injury.
There is also inevitable ageing where the body’s ability to naturally produce collagen decreases. This is, in part, part of the reason why skin structure is less firm and supported, which can lead to fine lines and wrinkles, not to mention the impact on the joints, tendons, muscles and ligaments.
How much?
In research studies, between 5000mg and 10000mg hydrolysed collagen peptides, taken for around 3 months, can help the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and this is the level that has also been typically used to support the joints and muscles too.
If you have any questions, please do ask in your local health store. To discover which is nearest you, use our store finder.