Collagen is a structural protein derived from 19 different amino acids, with a particularly high content of hydroxyproline, glycine, and proline. Amino acids are organic compounds composed mainly of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Your body needs 20 different amino acids to grow and function properly. Amino acids and proteins are the building blocks of life.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, accounting for about 30% of its total protein and is needed for everything from skin, bones, teeth, ligaments, tendons, muscles to connective tissues. Collagen’s main role is to provide structure, strength and support throughout your body.
It constitutes 70% of the cartilages’ dry weight, 20% of the bones, 85% of the tendons, 70% of the ligaments, 75% of skin and 6% of muscles, besides being the main component of the connective tissue, which covers and protects all our internal vital organs. Collagen is essential for us as it forms the structure of all tissues in the body, which provide protection and allow us to stand up and move.
Collagen’s specific roles include:
Helping fibroblasts to form in your dermis (middle skin layer), which helps new cells grow.
Playing a role in replacing dead skin cells.
Providing a protective covering for organs.
Giving structure, strength and elasticity to your skin.
Helping your blood to clot.
Different types of collagen:
There are at least 28 kinds of collagen that we know of that exist in vertebrates (yes, us included), but types I, II and III are the most common in the human body. They differ by how the molecules are assembled, the cell components that are added and where the collagen is used in your body. All collagen fibrils have at least one triple helix structure.
The main five types of collagen and what they do are:
Type I. This type makes up 90% of your body’s collagen. Type I is densely packed and it helps keep cells and tissues together in the skin, tendons, bones, teeth, and fibrous cartilage.
Type II. This type is found in elastic cartilage, which provides joint support.
Type III. This type is found in muscles, arteries and organs.
Type IV. This type is found in the layers of your skin.
Type V. This type is found in the cornea of your eyes, some layers of skin, hair and tissue of the placenta.
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