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These changes lead to the characteristic signs of aging, such as wrinkles and dry, sagging skin. Additionally, collagen becomes fragmented and more loosely distributed ( 10). It’s also present in some foods, and you can take it as a supplement.Īs you age, your collagen production naturally declines. Collagen is found in connective tissue, skin, tendon, bone, and cartilage and has many functions. Healthcare professionals also use collagen and collagen-based materials in the medical field, including in treating wounds, burns, and diabetic ulcers ( 8).Īdditionally, cosmetics companies use collagen in products like moisturizers and serums because of its moisturizing and humectant properties ( 9). You can take it as a supplement or add it to beverages - both hot and cold - and foods such as oatmeal, yogurt, and energy balls. You can buy collagen in powder, capsule, and liquid form.
PROTEIN TURNOVER DEFINITION SKIN
Oral and topical collagen products like supplements and face creams are popular for treating signs of aging such as wrinkles, loss of skin hydration, and joint pain. Your body naturally produces collagen, and you can consume it through dietary sources such as chicken skin and fish skin as well as collagen supplements. These changes, along with the loss of another key structural protein called elastin, lead to signs of aging such as sagging skin and wrinkles. As people grow older, their collagen becomes fragmented, fibroblast function becomes impaired, and collagen production slows ( 3, 7). cellular migration, a process necessary for tissue maintenanceĬonnective tissue cells called fibroblasts produce and maintain collagen.It provides structural support to tissues and plays important roles in cellular processes, including ( 3, 4, 5, 6):
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These amino acids form three strands, which make up the triple-helix structure characteristic of collagen ( 3).Ĭollagen is found in connective tissue, skin, tendons, bones, and cartilage. There are 28 known types of collagen, with type I collagen accounting for 90% of the collagen in the human body ( 2).Ĭollagen is composed mainly of the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. A structural protein is one that makes up the structure or framework of your cells and tissues ( 1). In fact, it’s the most abundant structural protein in animals. What is collagen and why is it important?Ĭollagen is a type of protein.
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