What Is Collagen and Why Is It Important

Collagen is the major protein component of connective tissue present in the human body (and animals) and it is also the protein that is most abundant. It is fibrous in nature. It is a major structural protein that is most abundant. It is fibrous in nature. It is a major structural protein and is responsive for the formation of molecular strands that give strength to the tendons, cartilage, bones, ligaments and vast flexible sheets that support the skin and internal organs. Teeth and bones are also formed by the addition of mineral cystals to collagen. Collagen together with elastin ( another protein found in the skin and body tissues) work in tandem to give body tissues strength, form and firmness. In essence, collagen provides structure to our bodies, supports and protects the softer tissues and ultimately connects them to the skeleton. Without collagen, the body mould, quite literally, fall apart. The human body gets its support and shape from the bones which are made up of around 30% collagen combined with organic proteins, minerals, and ground substance. A deficiency or lack of collagen in the bones leads to illnesses such as osteoarthiritis and osteogenesis imperfect which cause brittle bones that are easily susceptible to breakages and fractures. Athletes and physically active individuals in general are known to consume collagen supplements since they stimulate an increase of cartilage in the joints and cartilage is important in preventing and curing osteoarthiritis and also it enhances the structure of the joints. The lack of collagen in our skin also leads to the development of wrinkles and lines and the skin also loses its resiliances, texture and shape. Collagen also improves the skin’s water-absorption capacity and hence it is responsible for how the skin looks like and its ingestion can be linked to supple and youthful skin. Collagen is also one of the components needed to repair broken or wounded skin since it is contained in the dermis of the skin. When collagen is deposited on a wound, the healing process is initiated and if too little collagen is deposited, the wound could end up not healing effectively. We need our muscle for both voluntary movements e.g. exercise and locomotion and also for the involuntary actions such as breathing. Numerous muscle fibers combine to form the muscle and since collagen is fibrous in nature, each muscle happens to be covered in layers of collagen. The collagen present in the muscle helps it to relax and contract which is the basis for the activity like pulling or pushing. The collagen found in the ligaments and tendons is what gives them the ability to transmit force our muscles and aids in the conversion of this force to movement.rnThe production of collagen in our bodies decreases with age and is this that leads to the common signs of ageing such as the development of wrinkles and lines, weak joints, poor posture etc. Supplementing collagen then becomes paramount to support the body’s natural processes due to its key function in beauty and health. Collagen supplements can be found in the form of drinks, capsules, gelatin, tablets and other edible forms that can be integrated with regular drink and food and consequently, benefits such as better body tone, improved sleep pattern, development of a sense of well-being and radiant and beautiful skin can be enjoyed.