What is collagen? Collagen is the main structural protein in the extracellular space in the various connective tissues in the body. What? What is extracellular space? Extracellular space is the space outside of the cell. I’m not going into detail on the extracellular space in this article, I don’t think you really want an anatomy lesson.  But, the composition of the extracellular space in made up of proteins, growth factors, hormones, and biochemical receptors just to name a few functions that affect the function of the cell.

As the main component of connective tissue, collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals, it makes 25% to 35% of the whole-body protein content. Collagen consists of amino acids bound together to form triple-helices of elongated fibrils. It is mostly found in fibrous tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and skin.

Collagen and the skin

Let’s face it, most of us are looking for the fountain of youth.  As we age, the level of collagen within our body declines causing the skin to wrinkle and sag.  We begin to wonder who that person is in the mirror looking back at us.  My dad says, “I’m a young man trapped in an old man’s body!”  Most of us can relate to this statement.  While the mirror shows us an older person, our mind is still reflecting the image of a youthful person.  What a cruel trick to play on us!

Did you know collagen makes up approximately 80 percent of the dry weight of your skin. While collagen provides structure to the skin, it also works in conjunction with another protein called elastin.  Elastin allows skin the flexibility it needs to stretch and return to its original state as your body moves.  Think of the stretch marks pregnant women try so hard to avoid!  Without elastin, we would be in a great deal of trouble as our body changes throughout the decades.

Collagen and the bones

Collagen also has an important function in bone. Bone is made up of a mixture of collagen and a mineral called hydroxyapatite. Collagen and hydroxyapatite work together to form the structure, flexibility and strength of your bones. Also science has shown us that approximately 30 percent of bones are made up of organic materials, in which collagen makes up to 95 percent.

So if your bones and joints are creaking and popping and hurting, you can thank the decrease of collagen in your body for these changes.

Collagen and muscles

Collagen is also important in maintaining the function of your muscles. Fibers of collagen provide your muscles with the strength and structure needed to move and serve your muscles throughout the day.  The strength of the muscle tissue reflects on how well we’re able to preform our daily task.  It also determines how well supported our skeletal system is.

Collagen fibers also make up your smooth muscles (such as those in the bladder and reproductive system) and your cardiac (heart) muscles.

You can see how important collagen is in heart health.  When we have a strong heart muscle, our heart will operate at optimal efficiency.

Collagen and vessel health

Collagen makes up the walls of the veins, arteries and capillaries in the body. This gives the vessels strength, structure and flexibility, all of which are needed to effectively transport blood throughout your entire body.  Without the flexibility in the walls of our vessels, the body would not be able to transport the nutrients, oxygen and blood throughout our system.

Collagen Products

What do you need to avoid in collagen supplements?

Soy Fillers
Citric Acid
Artificial Additives
Non-hydrolyzed Collagen
Dairy Preservatives
Natural Flavor

Beware of natural flavors

When you see a collagen product or any product labeled ‘natural flavors,’ run the other way! Run fast!  That’s because natural flavors are derived from chemicals found in food, but are later enhanced in a laboratory. Natural flavors are not actually natural.

The FDA hasn’t officially defined what natural flavors mean, so it can actually be used to describe a lot of different things that may not always be good for you.  It’s a marketing tactic to fool you into thinking it’s safe and healthy for you.

Also look to see if all the ingredients are listed.  Often times the ingredients can be packaged into a vague description that is not helpful or forth coming.

Make sure the dosing is accurate with each serving.  If there are fillers the dose may not be accurate.

What to look for in a collagen product

Diverse Amino Acid Profile
Pasture-Raised Hydrolyzed Collagen From Bovine
Type I and II Collagen
Magnesium

It is my experience in testing collagen products, that most are a waste of money.  They do not live up to what is claimed in the marketing advertising.

Having said this, there is one product I found that has lived up to the claims and has scientific research supporting the promises made by this company.  I’m not easily convinced on a product’s claim on the health benefits.  I have been using this particular product for a couple of months and I’m impressed with the results I am getting.  I see scars that I have had for decades disappear, then I know that this product is the real deal.

If you want to know more about this product contact me through the email listed on my blog.

Also, you may want to check out my YouTube channel at: HEY! IT’S BREAK TIME!