Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Collagen: what is it and why it is important
Collagen is the most common protein in the human body, which is about 30% of the total protein mass. It performs critical functions, providing structural support and elasticity to fabrics. Imagine a collagen as a “glue” that holds everything together, from skin and bones to muscles and tendons.
1.1. The structure and function of collagen
Collagen is a complex protein consisting of amino acids twisted into a triple spiral. The main amino acids that make up collagen are glycine, praolin and hydroxyproline. This unique structure gives collagen strength and flexibility.
The main functions of collagen in the body:
- Structure support: Collagen forms a frame for the skin, bones, cartilage, tendons and ligaments, ensuring their strength and resistance to loads.
- Elasticity and elasticity: Collagen provides skin elasticity, allowing it to stretch and return to its original state. He is also responsible for the elasticity of cartilage and other connective tissues.
- Tissue regeneration: Collagen plays an important role in healing wounds and restoring damaged tissues. It stimulates the growth of new cells and promotes the formation of new connective tissue.
- Organs protection: Collagen forms a protective shell around the internal organs, protecting them from damage and maintaining their shape.
- Moisturization of the skin: Collagen has the ability to retain moisture, which helps to maintain moisture and elasticity of the skin.
1.2. Collagen and age
With age, the production of collagen in the body naturally decreases. This happens from about 25-30 years, and this process is gradually accelerating over time. Reducing the level of collagen leads to various age -related changes, such as:
- The appearance of wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity: With a decrease in the amount of collagen, the skin becomes thinner, less elastic and more susceptible to the formation of wrinkles.
- Joint pain: Reducing collagen in cartilage leads to their thinning and damage, which can cause joint pain, constraint and reduction of mobility.
- Weakening of bones: Collagen is an important component of bone tissue. A decrease in its level can lead to weakening of bones and increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
- Digestive problems: Collagen supports the health of the intestinal mucosa. Its disadvantage can lead to digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
- Deterioration of hair and nails: Collagen helps strengthen hair and nails. Its disadvantage can lead to their brittleness, thinning and deceleration of growth.
1.3. Factors that accelerate the destruction of collagen
In addition to natural aging, there are other factors that can accelerate the destruction of collagen in the body:
- Excessive stay in the sun: Ultraviolet rays damage collagen fibers in the skin, accelerating the aging process.
- Smoking: Smoking reduces the production of collagen and worsens its quality, which leads to premature aging of the skin and other health problems.
- Unstable nutrition: The lack of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, necessary for the synthesis of collagen, can lead to a decrease in its production.
- Excessive sugar: Sugar can be associated with collagen fibers, making them rigid and brittle (glycing process).
- Stress: Chronic stress can lead to increased production of cortisol, hormone, which can destroy collagen.
- Some diseases: Some diseases, such as autoimmune diseases and genetic disorders, can affect the production and structure of collagen.
Chapter 2: A variety of types of collagen: classification and characteristics
There are at least 28 identified types of collagen in the human body, each of which has its own unique structure and performs specific functions. However, the most common and studied types of I, II, III, IV and V. The understanding of the differences between these types of collagen is crucial when choosing dietary supplements, since each type of collagen is aimed at maintaining the health of certain tissues and organs.
2.1. Type I collagen
- Spreading: The most common type of collagen in the human body, which is about 90% of the total collagen. It is in abundance in the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, teeth and connective tissue.
- Functions:
- Provides the strength and elasticity of the skin, preventing the formation of wrinkles and supporting its moisture.
- Strengthens bones and teeth, making them less susceptible to fractures and destruction.
- Supports the health of tendons and ligaments, ensuring their strength and elasticity, which is important for mobility and prevention of injuries.
- Promotes healing of wounds and tissue regeneration.
- Sources: Type I -type collagen is usually obtained from cattle leather (bullish collagen), fish leather (sea collagen) and chicken cartilage.
- Application in dietary supplements: Type I -type collagen is widely used in dietary supplements to improve the condition of the skin, hair and nails, strengthen bones and joints, as well as to accelerate wound healing.
2.2. Type II collagen
- Spreading: The main component of cartilage, especially in the joints.
- Functions:
- Provides the strength and elasticity of the cartilage, allowing them to withstand the loads and amortize movements.
- Supports joint health, reducing inflammation and pain.
- Promotes the restoration of damaged cartilage.
- Sources: Type II collagen is obtained mainly from chicken cartilage, as well as from bull cartilage.
- Application in dietary supplements: Type II collagen is used in dietary supplements to maintain joint health, reduce pain in arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as to improve mobility.
- Non-unauthorized type II collagen (UC-II): A special form of type II collagen, which is not subjected to denaturation (destruction of the structure) in the production process. It is believed that UC-II is more effective than a denatured type II collagen, since it helps to reduce the autoimmune reaction in the joints, which leads to a decrease in inflammation and pain.
2.3. Type III collagen
- Spreading: The second most common type of collagen in the human body. Contained in the skin, muscles, blood vessels and internal organs. Often found with a type I collagen.
- Functions:
- Provides the elasticity of the skin and blood vessels.
- Supports the structure of internal organs.
- Promotes healing of wounds and tissue regeneration.
- Sources: Type III collagen is usually obtained from cattle leather.
- Application in dietary supplements: Type III collagen is often combined with type I collagen in dietary supplements to improve the condition of the skin, hair and nails, as well as to maintain the health of blood vessels and internal organs.
2.4. Collagen IV type
- Spreading: The main component of basal membranes, thin layers of connective tissue that support cells and separate them from the environment. Basal membranes are located in many body tissues, including skin, kidneys, light and blood vessels.
- Functions:
- Provides support and the structure of basal membranes.
- Participates in the processes of filtering and metabolism.
- Regulates the growth and differentiation of cells.
- Sources: Type IV collagen is difficult to get in its pure form for use in dietary supplements.
- Application in dietary supplements: Type IV collagen is rarely used in dietary supplements on its own. It can be part of complex drugs aimed at maintaining the health of the skin and internal organs.
2.5. Co collagen V type
- Spreading: Contained in small quantities in many body tissues, including hair, placenta and cornea of the eye. Often found with a type I collagen.
- Functions:
- Regulates the formation of collagen fibers of other types.
- Supports the structure of hair and cornea of the eye.
- Sources: Type V -type collagen is difficult to get in its pure form for use in dietary supplements.
- Application in dietary supplements: Type V -type collagen is rarely used in dietary supplements on its own. It can be part of complex drugs aimed at improving the condition of hair and vision.
2.6. Other types of collagen
In addition to the above, there are other types of collagen that play an important role in the body, but are less studied and rarely used in dietary supplements:
- VI collagen: Contained in the muscles, skin and blood vessels.
- Type VII collagen: Forms anchor fibrils that connect the epidermis (upper layer of the skin) with the dermis (the lower layer of the skin).
- VIII collagen: Contained in endothelial cells of blood vessels.
- IX collagen type: Contained in cartilage and glassy body of the eye.
- Type collagen: Contained in calcifying cartilage.
- Type collagen: Contained in cartilage.
- Type collagen: Contained in tendons and ligaments.
- Type ’collagen: Contained in many body tissues.
- COLLEGEN XIV type: Contained in the skin and other tissues.
- Collagen XV type: Contained in the placenta and other fabrics.
- COLLAGEN XVI type: Contained in many body tissues.
- Type collagen: Contained in the skin and other tissues.
- XVIII collagen type: Contained in many body tissues.
- COLLEGEN XIX type: Contained in cartilage and other fabrics.
- COLLEGEN XX type: Contained in the cornea of the eyes and other fabrics.
- XXI collagen: Contained in cartilage and other fabrics.
- COLLEGEN XXII type: Contained in many body tissues.
- XXIII collagen: Contained in lungs and other fabrics.
- COLLAGEN XXIV type: Contained in cartilage and other fabrics.
- COLLAGEN XXV type: Contained in the brain.
- COLLEGEN XXVI type: Contained in ovaries and other fabrics.
- COLLAGEN XXVII type: Contained in cartilage and other fabrics.
- COLLEGEGEN XXVIII type: Contained in the nervous system.
Chapter 3: Sources of collagen for dietary supplements: animal and plant origin
Collagen is a protein of animal origin. Therefore, it is important for vegetarians and vegans to understand that collagen supplements obtained from animals are not suitable for their diet. However, there are alternatives that can stimulate collagen production in the body.
3.1. Animal sources of collagen
- Bully collagen (cattle): One of the most common sources of collagen for dietary supplements. Received from leather, bones and cartilage of cattle. Contains mainly collagen I and III. Advantages: accessibility, relatively low cost, high collagen content. Disadvantages: the potential risk of infection with diseases transmitted from animals (although modern production technologies minimize this risk) is not suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
- Sea collagen (fish): Get from leather, scales and bones of fish. It contains mainly type I collagen. Advantages: high bioavailability (better absorbed by the body compared to bull collagen), less the risk of infection with diseases transmitted from animals. Disadvantages: higher cost, can cause allergic reactions in people with allergies to fish.
- Chicken collagen: Received from cartilage chicken, especially from the sternum. It contains mainly type II collagen. Advantages: is the main source of type II collagen, which is necessary for the health of the joints. Disadvantages: can cause allergic reactions in people with allergies to chicken.
- Pork collagen: Get from leather and bones of pigs. It contains mainly type I collagen. Advantages: relatively low cost. Disadvantages: the potential risk of infection with diseases transmitted from animals is not suitable for people who do not use pork for religious or ethical reasons.
3.2. Plant alternatives to collagen
Despite the fact that collagen is an animal protein, there are plant alternatives that can stimulate collagen production in the body. These alternatives contain substances necessary for collagen synthesis, such as:
- Vitamin C: It is necessary for the synthesis of collagen. Contained in citrus fruits, berries, Bulgarian pepper, broccoli and other fruits and vegetables.
- Proline: The amino acid that is part of the collagen. Contained in soy products, nuts, seeds and mushrooms.
- Glycine: The amino acid that is part of the collagen. Contained in legumes, spinach, cabbage and bananas.
- Silicon: A mineral that plays an important role in the synthesis of collagen. Contained in oats, barley, rice and other cereals.
- Copper: The mineral that is necessary for the formation of collagen fibers. Contained in nuts, seeds, legumes and mushrooms.
Plant additives that stimulate the production of collagen often contain a combination of these substances. They can be a good alternative to vegetarians and vegans who want to support the health of the skin, joints and other tissues.
3.3. Comparison of various sources of collagen
Source | Type of collagen | Advantages | Flaws | Suitable for |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bully collagen | I, III | Available, high collagen content | The risk of infection of animal diseases is not suitable for vegetarians and vegans | Everything except vegetarians and vegans |
Sea collagen | I | High bioavailability, less risk of infection of animal diseases | Higher cost can cause allergic reactions | Everything except vegetarians, vegan and people with allergies to fish |
Chicken collagen | II | The main source of type II collagen | Can cause allergic reactions | Everything except vegetarians, vegan and people with allergies to chicken |
Pork collagen | I | Relatively low cost | The risk of infection of animal diseases is not suitable for people who do not use pork for religious reasons | Everything except vegetarians, vegan and people who do not use pork |
Plant alternatives | – | Suitable for vegetarians and vegan, stimulate the development of their own collagen | It takes more time to achieve results, efficiency may be lower than in animal sources | Vegetarians and vegans |
Chapter 4: Forms of collagen in dietary supplements: powder, capsules, liquid, chewing tablets
Collagen is available in various forms, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of form depends on your personal preferences, ease of use and the desired effect.
4.1. Collagen powder
- Advantages:
- Universality: You can add to drinks (water, juice, smoothie, coffee), food (yogurt, porridge, soup) and baking.
- Dosage Flexibility: It is easy to adjust the dosage depending on your needs.
- Economics: Usually a more economical option compared to capsules or liquid.
- Good digestibility: Hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides) in the powder form is well absorbed by the body.
- Flaws:
- Taste and smell: Some types of collagen powder can have a specific taste and smell that can not be liked by everyone.
- Inconvenience on the road: It may be inconvenient to take with you on the road.
- The need for mixing: Mixing with liquid or food is required.
4.2. Collagen capsules and tablets
- Advantages:
- Ease of use: Easy to accept, especially on the road.
- Neutral taste: They have no taste and smell.
- Accurate dosage: Each capsule or tablet contains a certain dose of collagen.
- Flaws:
- Less economical option: Usually more expensive than collagen powder.
- It may be difficult to swallow: Some people have difficulty swallowing capsules or tablets.
- May contain additives: Capsules and tablets may contain additional ingredients, such as binders and dyes.
- Perhaps it is more slowly absorbed: The body may take more time to split the capsule or pill and learn collagen.
4.3. Liquid collagen
- Advantages:
- Ease of use: Ready for use, does not require mixing.
- Good digestibility: Liquid collagen can be absorbed faster by the body compared to powder or capsules.
- Pleasant taste: Often has a fruit or berry taste.
- Flaws:
- The most expensive option: Usually the most expensive option.
- May contain additives: Liquid collagen may contain preservatives, sweeteners and flavors.
- Limited shelf life after opening: After the opening of the liquid collagen bottle, it must be stored in the refrigerator and consumed for a certain time.
4.4. Collagen chewing tablets (loafers)
- Advantages:
- Ease of use: It is easy to accept, especially for children and people who experience difficulties with swallowing capsules or tablets.
- Pleasant taste: It usually has a fruit or berry taste.
- Flaws:
- May contain a lot of sugar: Chewing tablets often contain a large amount of sugar, which can be undesirable for people who follow their health.
- May contain additives: Chewing tablets can contain dyes, flavors and other additives.
- Can be less effective: The chewing process can destroy part of the collagen, which can reduce its effectiveness.
4.5. Comparison of various forms of collagen
Collagen shape | Advantages | Flaws | Ease of use | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Powder | Universality, dosage flexibility, efficiency, good digestibility | Specific taste and smell, inconvenience on the road, the need for mixing | Average | Low |
Capsules/tablets | Ease of use, neutral taste, accurate dosage | Less economical, it can be difficult to swallow, may contain additives, may be more slowly absorbed | High | Average |
Liquid collagen | Ease of use, good digestibility, pleasant taste | The most expensive option may contain additives, a limited shelf life after opening | High | High |
Chewing pills | Ease of use, pleasant taste | Can contain a lot of sugar, may contain additives, can be less effective | High | Average |
Chapter 5: Hydrolyzed Collagen: Advantages and why it is better than ordinary collagen
The hydrolyzed collagen, also known as the peptides of collagen, is the form of collagen, which was split into smaller fragments of protein called peptides. This process, called hydrolysis, significantly improves the digestibility of collagen by the body.
5.1. What is hydrolysis and how does it work?
Hydrolysis is a chemical process in which water molecules are used to break chemical ties in the collagen molecule. This process leads to the formation of smaller peptides of collagen, which are more easily absorbed and used by the body.
The process of hydrolysis usually includes the use of enzymes or acids to split collagen. Enzymatic hydrolysis is considered a more gentle method, which allows you to preserve the structure of collagen peptides and their biological activity.
5.2. Advantages of hydrolyzed collagen
- Improved digestibility: Collagen peptides have a smaller size than molecules of ordinary collagen, which allows them to be easier to penetrate through the walls of the intestines and get into the bloodstream. Studies have shown that the hydrolyzed collagen is absorbed by the body by 90% or more, while the usual collagen is absorbed much worse.
- More effective impact: After the assimilation of the peptide of collagen, they fall into various tissues of the body, where they stimulate the production of their own collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. This leads to an improvement in the condition of the skin, joints, bones, hair and nails.
- Smaller risk of allergic reactions: Hydrolysis can reduce the risk of allergic reactions to collagen, since it destroys protein structures that can cause allergies.
- Best solubility: The hydrolyzed collagen is better dissolved in water, which makes it more convenient for use in drinks and other foods.
5.3. Why is a hydrolyzed collagen better than an ordinary collagen?
An ordinary collagen has a large molecular mass, which makes it difficult to absorb its body. Most of the usual collagen simply passes through the digestive system, without having any useful effects.
The hydrolyzed collagen, on the contrary, has a smaller molecular mass and is easily absorbed by the body. It more effectively stimulates the production of its own collagen and has a more pronounced positive effect on health.
5.4. How to find out that the collagen is hydrolyzed?
On the package of dietary supplements with collagen, it should be indicated that it is hydrolyzed or contains collagen peptides. The molecular weight of collagen in color blind (DA) can also be indicated. The smaller the molecular weight, the better the digestibility of collagen. The optimal molecular mass of hydrolyzed collagen is from 2000 to 5000 DA.
Chapter 6: Collagen for different purposes: leather, joints, hair, bones
The choice of the type of collagen and the shape of the dietary supplement should be based on your specific goals and needs. Different types of collagen have different effects on various tissues and organs.
6.1. Collagen for the skin
- Type of collagen: Collagen I and III types.
- Advantages: Improves the elasticity and elasticity of the skin, reduces wrinkles, increases skin moisture, promotes wound healing and reducing scars.
- Forms of dietary supplements: Powder, capsules, liquid.
- Additional ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants.
- Why are these types of collagen: Type I collagen is the main component of the skin and provides its strength and elasticity. Type III collagen is also contained in the skin and contributes to its elasticity.
- Clinical research: Numerous studies have shown that the reception of collagen I and III types can improve the condition of the skin, reduce wrinkles and increase its moisture.
6.2. Collagen for joints
- Type of collagen: Type II collagen, especially non-neaturated type II collagen (UC-II).
- Advantages: Reduces joint pain, improves mobility, promotes the restoration of cartilage, reduces inflammation.
- Forms of dietary supplements: Capsules, powder.
- Additional ingredients: Glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM (methyl sulfonylmetatan), hyaluronic acid.
- Why is this type of collagen: Type II collagen is the main component of cartilage and ensures its strength and elasticity. A non-reinvented type II collagen (UC-II) has a unique mechanism of action, which allows you to reduce the autoimmune reaction in the joints and reduce inflammation.
- Clinical research: Studies have shown that type II collagen, especially UC-II, can reduce joint pain in arthritis and osteoarthritis, improve mobility and promote the restoration of cartilage.
6.3. Hair collagen
- Type of collagen: Collagen I and V types.
- Advantages: Strengthens the hair, improves its structure, stimulates hair growth, gives hair shine, reduces brittleness and hair loss.
- Forms of dietary supplements: Powder, capsules, liquid.
- Additional ingredients: Biotin, zinc, iron, B vitamins B.
- Why are these types of collagen: Type I collagen is an important component of hair follicles and provides their strength. V -type collagen regulates the formation of collagen fibers of other types and helps to strengthen hair.
- Clinical research: Studies have shown that reception of collagen I and V of types can improve the condition of the hair, strengthen it and stimulate growth.
6.4. Collagen for bones
- Type of collagen: Type I collagen.
- Advantages: Strengthens the bones, increases their density, reduces the risk of fractures, promotes the healing of bones after fractures.
- Forms of dietary supplements: Powder, capsules.
- Additional ingredients: Calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin K2.
- Why is this type of collagen: Type I collagen is the main component of bone tissue and provides its strength and elasticity.
- Clinical research: Studies have shown that the intake of type I collagen can improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures, especially in women in postmenopause.
6.5. Other applications of collagen
In addition to the above, collagen can be useful for maintaining health:
- Muscles: Collagen contributes to the growth and restoration of muscles, especially after physical exertion.
- Intestines: Collagen maintains the health of the intestinal mucosa and can help with irritable intestines (SRK).
- Hearts: Collagen strengthens the walls of blood vessels and can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Chapter 7: How to choose the right dietary supplement with collagen: criteria and recommendations
The choice of dietary supplement with collagen can be a difficult task, given the variety of products on the market. To make the right choice, it is necessary to take into account several important criteria:
7.1. Type of collagen
Determine what type of collagen you need depending on your goals. If you want to improve the condition of the skin, choose a dietary supplement with a collagen I and III. If you want to maintain joint health, choose a dietary supplement with type II collagen, especially non-unauthorized type II collagen (UC-II).
7.2. The source of collagen
Choose the source of collagen, which corresponds to your preferences and needs. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, choose plant alternatives to collagen. If you are allergic to fish or chicken, avoid dietary supplements with sea or chicken collagen.
7.3. Collagen shape
Choose the form of collagen, which is most convenient for you to use. Collagen powder is a universal and economical option. Capsules and tablets are convenient for reception on the road. Liquid collagen is easily absorbed, but is the most expensive option.
7.4. Hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides)
Make sure that the dietary supplement contains a hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides). The hydrolyzed collagen is better absorbed by the body and has a more pronounced positive effect on health.
7.5. Dosage
Follow the recommended dosage indicated on the pack of dietary supplements. The optimal dosage of collagen depends on the type of collagen and your goals. It is usually recommended to take from 2.5 to 15 grams of collagen per day.
7.6. Additional ingredients
Pay attention to additional ingredients in the Bad. Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM (methyl sulfonylomethane) can increase the effect of collagen and bring additional benefits for health.
7.7. Quality and safety
Choose dietary supplements from reliable manufacturers who have a good reputation and use high -quality raw materials. Make sure the dietary supplement has passed the necessary quality and safety checks.
7.8. Reviews and recommendations
Read the reviews of other users about the dietary supplement before buying it. Seek for advice to a doctor or a nutritionist to get individual recommendations for choosing a dietary supplement with a collagen.
7.9. Price
Compare prices for different dietary supplements with collagen and select the best option that corresponds to your budget. Not always the most expensive dietary supplement is the best.
7.10. Certification
Check if the quality of quality certificates from independent organizations, such as NSF International or USP Verified. The presence of a certificate confirms that the product meets certain quality and safety standards.
Chapter 8: Dosage and reception of collagen: when, how much and how to accept
The correct intake of collagen is important for achieving maximum health health. It is important to comply with the recommended dosage, choose the optimal reception time and take into account possible interactions