What Is Collagen- Sources, Benefits and Types
Collagen is a fibrous protein synthesized by the body to maintain healthy skin, bones, muscles, and tendons. Therefore, it is associated with a range of health benefits. Read on to know more about what is collagen, its role, and sources.
What Are the Natural Sources of Collagen?
Apart from food supplements, there are abundant natural sources of collagen. Collagen is formed inside the body by combining with amino acids and other nutrients, namely:
| Nutrient | Food Items |
|---|---|
| Proline (secondary amino acid) | Egg white, mushroom, dairy products, cabbage, and asparagus. |
| Glycine | Pork, chicken, beef, and gelatin. |
| Vitamin C | Citrus fruits and bell peppers. |
| Zinc | Beef, pork, milk, cheese, nuts, seeds, chickpeas, beans, etc. |
| Copper | Sesame seeds, meat, lentils, and cocoa. |
Natural collagen food sources are inexpensive and are generally included in our regular diet.
‘What is collagen made of in food supplements’ is a viable question over the internet. Collagen in the food supplement is made of the nutrients stated in the table above. These nutrients are extracted from the bone broth of fish, cows, and pigs. However, there are some food supplements available in the market that extract collagen from vegetable sources.
What Are the Health Benefits of Collagen?
The health benefits of collagen are:
- Strong Bones
- Hydrated Skin
- Enhance Skin Elasticity
- Thick Hair
- No Hair Loss
- Strong and Healthy Nails
- Relieves Osteoporosis Pain and Recovers Bone Density
- Increases Muscle Mass
What Are the 5 Types of Collagen?
There are more than 16 types of collagen. However, the following 5 types are the most necessary for human beings:
| Type | Protects Body Part | Sources of Collagen |
| Type I | Skin, tendons, bones, blood vessels, cornea, and connective tissues. | The white part of egg, fish, and dairy products. |
| Type II | Cartilage, joints, and long bones. | Bone broth of chicken, pig, cow, and vegetables. |
| Type III | Skin, muscles, and bones. | Chicken, beef, pork, citrus foods, and seeds. |
| Type V | The placenta of a pregnant woman helps to form cells and grow hair of the fetus. | Bone broth of chicken, pig, cow, cabbage, lentils, and beans. |
| Type X | Cartilage of our joints. | Egg, dairy products, dairy products. |
What Is the Use of Collagen in the Human Body?
Also known as "the fountain of youth", collagen leads to healthy, elastic, and youthful skin. It also makes connective tissues and maintains healthy bones, joints, and hairs. Therefore, it has abundant benefits in the human body.
The role of collagen is to recover joint pain, prevent bone loss and hair loss, boost muscle mass, promote cardiac health, brain health, and gut health, etc.
It is used in making medicines for the following:
- Skin Fillers
- Cosmetics for Skin Revitalization
- Wound Dressing
- Tissue Regeneration
- Vascular Prosthetics
- Osteoporosis
‘What does collagen do?’ is a common question among those suffering from health conditions related to skin, bones, and muscles. Often such patients consume collagen in the form of food supplements and cosmetics. However, it is advisable to consult with a dietician or a doctor before starting any food supplements to promote collagen production in your body.
What Are the Factors That Affect Collagen Production in the Body?
Following factors affect the production of collagen in the body:
- Ageing (post 30 years)
- Autoimmune Disorder
- Genetic Changes Affecting Extracellular Matrix
- Excessive Drinking and/or Smoking
- Exposure to UV Rays
- Chronic Diseases Related to Bones and Skin
- Exposure to High Radiations From Heavy Metals.
- Excessive Sugar Consumption
What Are Some Side Effects of Collagen?
Apart from understanding what is collagen and its benefits, it is equally important to know about its adverse-effects. Side effects of collagen are very rare; however, some of those are as follows:
- Diarrhoea.
- Cramping Pain In The Stomach.
- Rashes.
- Allergy.
It is generally safe to take collagen supplements as they have few or negligible side effects. That said, pregnant women and nurturing mothers should not take collagen food supplements to avoid risk factors. Now that you know what is collagen and how it is beneficial; therefore, consume collagen rich foods and enjoy a healthier life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of collagen is highly present in our body?
Collagen type I is highly present in our body cells and skin.
What effect does collagen has on mental health?
Positive effects of collagen on mental health include relieve from stress and anxiety. Moreover, it Improves mood and enhances concentration.
What are the benefits of collagen in cardiac health?
Collagen reduces artery stiffness as well as the bad cholesterol, which can lead to blockage.