Collagen is the protein that can be found in the body, in large amounts and the substance which keeps the body together. It can be found in muscles, bones, skin and tendons.
It is produced by the human body and plays an important role in health. The reduction of the collagen in the body can cause health issues as well as premature aging. As a result of that, more and more collagen supplements are used to help with healing the body.
Production
The production of collagen gets reduced majorly, depending on the age. That is why the supplementation of it, is useful. As the collagen is reduced, the integrity of the skin reduces as well, which causes skin relaxation, wrinkles and lines and deterioration of the cartilage in the joints. It is produced by various different cells, but mostly from cells of the connective tissue. Young people, create collagen all the time. The production of collagen starts to reduce after the age of 40 years old, with a great reduction in women after menopause. After 60 years of age, there a drastic reduction of collagen in the human body.
Increase in collagen production
Increase in collagen production occurs by supplementation, either in drinkable or power form. Drinkable form is recommended.
What affects collagen
Collagen as, we talked about, is produced by the body up to a certain age. There are various reasons that this collagen can be destroyed inside our bodies. Those are the following:
- Smoking: Smoking can be harmful for the collagen and elastin in our body, because of the different chemicals it consists.
- High sugar intake: High sugar intake increases glycosylation which it harmful for the proteins that have to do with collagen.
- Sun light: Continuous exposure to the sun can destroy part of the collagen in the human body.
Source:
(http://www.collagen24.gr/)