Collagen is the most important protein in the human body. It's responsible for skin firmness, joint flexibility, and tissue health, among other things. It's worth learning its secrets to consciously support the body's natural production and reap its extraordinary benefits.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a structural protein, constituting approximately 30% of all proteins in the human body. It is the main component of the extracellular matrix, which forms a framework for tissues and organs. Its fibrous structure provides connective tissues such as skin, bones, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments with extraordinary tensile strength and elasticity. It acts as a glue that holds cells together, ensuring the structural integrity of the entire body. Without it, the body would literally fall apart. The synthesis of this protein is a complex process that slows with age.
Its presence is essential for the proper functioning of many systems:
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creates a dense network of fibers in the dermis, which ensures its firmness, tension and smoothness;
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in the skeletal system, collagen is an organic framework on which minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are deposited, giving the bones both hardness and a certain flexibility, protecting them against fractures;
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in joint cartilage it is responsible for its shock absorption and abrasion resistance, enabling smooth movement;
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It is also an important component of the walls of blood vessels, providing them with strength and elasticity, as well as the cornea of the eye.
What are the types of collagen?
At least 28 different types of collagen have been identified in the human body, differing in structure, location, and function. However, the most common and best-studied are types I through V. Type I collagen is the most abundant type, constituting approximately 90% of all collagen in the body. It forms the structure of skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and dentin. Type II collagen is the main component of joint cartilage, responsible for its resistance to pressure and shock absorption. Type III collagen, in turn, occurs alongside type I, supporting the structure of muscles, internal organs, arteries, and blood vessels.
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Collagen type |
Main place of occurrence |
Key functions and features |
|
Type I |
Skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, dentin, cornea |
It makes up approximately 90% of all collagen in the body and provides tensile strength, elasticity, and structural integrity. |
|
Type II |
Joint cartilage, vitreous body of the eye |
It is responsible for shock absorption, the resistance of joints to compression and friction, and their flexibility. |
|
Type III |
Skin, blood vessels, internal organs (e.g. lungs, liver) |
It supports the structure of soft tissues, provides them with elasticity and participates in the initial wound healing process. |
|
Type IV |
Basement membranes (thin layers separating tissues) |
Creates a scaffold for cells. |
|
Type V |
Cell surfaces, hair, placenta, skin, bones |
Regulates the formation of type I and III collagen fibers; participates in the structure of tissues. |
What does collagen supplementation help with?
Supplementing with hydrolyzed collagen, a protein broken down into smaller peptides, can provide tangible benefits for skin's appearance. Providing the body with ready-made "building blocks" in the form of bioactive collagen peptides stimulates fibroblasts to increase their own collagen production. Clinical studies indicate that regular use of collagen supplements can lead to improved skin hydration and elasticity, as well as a reduction in the appearance of fine lines. The result is a firmer, smoother, and more radiant complexion.
In addition to its benefits for the skin, collagen supplementation has been proven to have a positive effect on the musculoskeletal system. Collagen peptides can accumulate in joint cartilage, supporting its regeneration and inhibiting degradation processes. This can lead to reduced joint pain, improved joint mobility, and slowed the progression of degenerative changes. Furthermore, by providing amino acids that build the organic framework for bone, collagen can support the maintenance of normal bone mineral density, which is important in the prevention of osteoporosis.
What are the effects of collagen deficiency?
The decline in natural collagen production, which begins around the age of 25 and increases with age, leads to a number of visible symptoms:
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the skin loses its density and elasticity, becomes thinner, drier and looser;
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wrinkles and furrows appear and the facial contour loses its definition;
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The hair also weakens, becoming thinner and more brittle.
These aesthetic changes are the first and most obvious sign that the body's collagen pool is beginning to deplete. This process can be accelerated by external factors, such as UV radiation. The consequences of collagen deficiency affect not only appearance but, above all, physical performance. Reduced levels of this protein in joint cartilage lead to abrasion, resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited joint mobility—typical symptoms of osteoarthritis.
The weakening of collagen fibers in tendons and ligaments increases the risk of injury and trauma. Bone health also deteriorates, making them more susceptible to fractures. Furthermore, wound healing and tissue regeneration processes slow down because the basic building blocks for rebuilding damaged structures are missing.
What are the sources of collagen in the diet?
The richest and most direct dietary sources of collagen are animal products rich in connective tissue. Long-cooked bone and cartilage broths, meat and fish jellies, as well as dishes containing skin (e.g., fish), chicken feet, and offal are natural ways to obtain this protein. Edible gelatin is also a source, but it is a product of partial collagen hydrolysis. However, it's worth remembering that collagen in this form has a high molecular weight, which may limit its absorption compared to hydrolyzed forms. Therefore, it's worth consideringeatyx LABS Collagen Premium 16,000 mg , a collagen shot containing a whopping 16,000 mg of hydrolyzed bovine collagen with a molecular size of 2-4 kDa.
In addition to directly consuming collagen, it's important to provide the body with the nutrients necessary for its own synthesis. Vitamin C is an absolute must, found in bell peppers, parsley, blackcurrants, citrus fruits, and kiwi. Eatyx LABS collagen drink is also enriched with this vitamin.
Is collagen safe for everyone?
Collagen, a naturally occurring protein in the body, is generally considered safe for most people. Dietary supplements containing hydrolyzed collagen are well-tolerated and rarely cause side effects. However, it's important to choose products from reputable manufacturers that have been adequately tested.
The main contraindication to using collagen supplements is an allergy to its source. People allergic to fish and seafood should avoid marine collagen – bovine collagen, on the other hand, has no such allergenic potential. It's always worth carefully checking the product label. People with kidney or liver disease, or other conditions requiring a protein-restricted diet, should also exercise caution – in such cases, supplementation should be consulted with their doctor. The same applies to pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How to choose the right collagen?
When choosing a supplement, the form of collagen is important. Hydrolyzed collagen has the best bioavailability. During the hydrolysis process, long protein chains are broken down into short fragments, which can then be utilized by the body. Their low molecular weight (usually below 5 kDa) makes them effective. Gelatin, despite being a source of collagen amino acids, has much larger molecules and is more difficult to digest.
When choosing a preparation, it is worth paying attention to several aspects:
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Firstly, the source of origin (marine, bovine), which can be adjusted to individual preferences and possible allergies;
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Secondly, the presence of additional active ingredients enhances the effect. Ideal supplements often combine collagen peptides with vitamin C or B vitamins, creating a comprehensive formula that supports skin, hair, and joints.
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You should also verify the collagen dose in a serving – one bottle (80 ml) of eatyx LABS Collagen Premium 16000 mg contains the optimal portion for an average person.
¹ Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10180699/
