Collagen is a type
of protein. Fibrous in nature, it connects and supports other bodily tissues,
such as skin, bone, tendons, muscles, and cartilage. It also supports the internal organs and is even
present in teeth. It is the fibrous connective tissue
that holds our body together.
Collagen makes up the body’s joints, muscles, hair, skin, tendons and
ligaments. It provides the structure to our body and forms the molecular cables
that strengthen the tendons. Anytime the body needs to build new cells,
collagen plays the central role.
Some people refer to collagen as the glue that
holds the body together. Without it, the body would, quite literally, fall
apart.
When the body’s essential supply of collagen is reduced, the body is
affected. Weakness, fatigue, ache, pain and an overall lack of performance are
frequent symptoms of the problem – symptoms are more felt as we get older.
70% of our skin is actually collagen. As we
get older, our body tends to produce less quality collagen. When a small
amount of collagen or of a inadequate quality is produced, the skin loses its
elasticity.
Collagen works hand-in-hand with elastin in supporting the body’s tissues. Basically, it gives
body tissues form and provides firmness and strength; elastin gives the same
body tissues much need flexibility. This combination of collagen and elastin is very important in
many parts of the body, including, but not limited to, the lungs, bones, and
tendons. Even the blood vessels rely on both collagen and
elastin.
