Collagen

Whenever you hear the word collagen, the things that would probably come to mind are beauty products. Collagen is well known to women and men who are conscious of their looks, especially when it comes to the issue of aging. Others want to have very plump lips and this is where collagen is used. But do these people really know what collagen is?

Collagen is a type of fibrous protein. It is abundantly found in mammals, which is the main protein in connective tissues and makes about 25% to 35% of the protein content in the whole body. It serves as glue that keeps the body intact.

Collagen possesses a great strength in ductility. It functions differently from any other types of proteins. Its fibers aid in the external structures of the cells and are also present inside the cells.

Collagen works together with the elastic protein called elastin. They support the tissues in the body by giving form and providing strength and firmness. Since elastin gives the tissues in the body the flexibility they need, their combination is important especially in some areas such as the bones, tendons, lungs, and even blood vessels.

Collagen is sometimes related to the skin. It works together with a strong protein called keratin. Keratin is mostly found in skin, hair, teeth, and nails. They provide resilience, strength, and flexibility to the skin. As you grow older, the collagen in the skin degrades and wrinkles occur.

Aside from being an important protein found inside the body, collagen is also associated in medical uses. Nowadays, it is used in cosmetic surgery to enhance some parts or areas of the body. There are also supplements of collagen found in supermarkets intended for joint mobility. Even burns on the skin are being treated and managed with the help of collagen in making skin substitutes.

In the food industry, collagen is also being used in the process of making gelatin. Some cosmetics like make up, lotion, facial cream, scar remover, and stretch marks remover also contain collagen. Collagen has become so popular in cosmetics that it has taken the form of creams, injectables or dermal fillers, and supplements. It has been considered as an important component in anti-aging.

Though collagen is found in many places of the body, the only types of collagen identified and described are so far only 29. Some are the type I, II, III, IV, and V. Type I collagen is mostly found in skin, ligature, vascular, tendon, and bone. Type II is the main component of cartilage. Type III is the main component of the reticular fibers found commonly together with type I. Type IV makes up most of the cell basement membrane. Type V is found on the surfaces of cells, placenta, and hair.

Collagen plays a vital part in the body, hence any deficiency could be very problematic. Genetic diseases are sometimes associated with deficiencies in collagen like the ‘asteogenesis imperfecta’ or also known as the ‘brittle bone disease’. This disease is the result of a very low level of collagen and the presence of low quality collagen.