Why does my body need collagen?

What is collagen?

Collagen, the main protein in our skin, is responsible for the structure, firmness and elasticity of the skin and connective tissue. It is also found in bones, muscles and cartilage, where it acts as a stabilizing scaffold. As our most abundant protein, collagen makes up 30% of the body's total proteins.

A collagen deficiency can manifest itself in the form of premature signs of ageing such as wrinkles. Although the body produces collagen on its own, two aspects are critical:

Firstly, collagen production requires sufficient amino acids, the availability of which can be impaired by various causes such as diet, illness or stress.

Secondly, from the age of 25, natural collagen production decreases, a process that can be accelerated by the factors mentioned above.

Type 1 collagen is particularly relevant for skin and connective tissue and is mainly found in connective tissue, skin, hair, nails, bones, joints, cartilage, tendons and ligaments.

Typical sources of collagen:

Collagen is primarily found in animal products such as bones, joints and skin, for example in:

• Marrow and sand bones as well as in cartilage, tendons of beef and pork
• oxtail
• Pig and chicken feet and ankles
• Pork rind, fish skin, chicken skin, beef skin
• Gelatine, obtained from the skin and bones of pigs, cattle or poultry, is used to thicken dishes such as aspic, brawn, desserts and jelly babies.
• Bone broth from beef, chicken, fish

	Collagen type I	Collagen type II	Collagen type III
Occurrence in the body	Skin, tendons, ligaments, bones, dental bone, fibrous cartilage	Intervertebral discs, cartilage tissue, vitreous body of the eye	Skin, tendons, bones, cartilage. Blood vessels, skeletal muscles
Functions	Gives skin, tendons and ligaments their elasticity and strength Provides stability and flexibility in bones	Ensures stability of the joints and cartilage and the vitreous humor	Skin & bones of beef
Occurrence in the diet	Skin & bones from beef and pork as well as freshwater and marine fish	Cartilage tissue from chicken	Often found in the body in connection with type I
Characteristic	Is the most abundant collagen in the body	Occurs predominantly in cartilage tissue with a proportion of 80%

What causes collagen to break down?

A combination of firm collagen and stretchy elastin fibers gives our skin elasticity and firmness. A higher density of these fibers results in firmer skin. As we age, the production of both collagen and elastin decreases, meaning that natural regeneration can no longer keep up with the breakdown. From the age of 30, the strength of the connective tissue begins to diminish, resulting in a loss of elasticity and the first wrinkles. This natural ageing process can be accelerated by external influences such as stress, intense UV radiation and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Collagen for a new attitude to life

Sufficient collagen can not only have a positive effect on the external appearance and thus boost self-confidence, but also plays an important role in the structure and firmness of the skin, can tighten it, retain moisture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Collagen is also essential for hair and nails. In the hair follicle, it supports the hair structure and can ensure stronger, shinier hair and promote hair growth. Collagen is important for nails to strengthen them and give them elasticity, which reduces brittleness caused by collagen deficiency and supports strength.

Possible side effects of collagen

The intake of collagen and its application to the skin are generally safe. Nevertheless, allergic reactions or side effects such as nausea, digestive problems, headaches, tiredness or dizziness may occur in rare cases. Do not take marine collagen if you are known to be allergic to fish or seafood.