What is collagen?

Health Nut supplies a range of specialised collagen powder supplements that are of the highest quality that have been clinically proven to work. So, what is collagen? 

It is the chief protein in connective tissue. (A protein is a naturally occurring, complex substance that consists of amino acid residues joined by peptide bonds. Proteins are present in all living organisms and include many essential biological compounds such as enzymes, hormones, and antibodies.)

Collagen is one of the main building blocks for our skin, found in our body’s bones, tendons, and ligaments. This protein makes up over 70% of our skin’s support structure!

Naturally occurring collagen produced by your body is called endogenous collagen. Exogenous collagen is synthetic. It comes from an outside source, such as supplements. Exogenous collagen is for medical and cosmetic purposes, including the repair of body tissues.

Why do we lose collagen?

The causes of degradation include the aging process, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, vitamin C deficiency, excess caffeine, dehydration, chronic stress, poor sleep, and malnutrition. Habitual factors that damage natural production include smoking and high sugar consumption. Degradation can lead to connective tissue diseases, such as rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. 

With age, the body produces less collagen, the structural integrity of the skin declines, and wrinkles form. We can also see the effects on thinning skin, hair, and weaker nails and feel the effects of collagen loss in joints and ligaments.

It is the substance that holds the body together that forms a scaffold to provide strength and structure.

Vitamin C has an essential role in the synthesis and support of the stability of collagen molecules.

Important facts

• It occurs throughout the body, especially in the skin, bones, and connective tissues.
• Some types of collagen fibrils, gram-for-gram, are stronger than steel.
• Production declines with age and exposure to smoking and UV light.
• It can be used in wound dressings to attract new skin cells to wound sites.
• Cosmetic lotions that claim to increase levels are unlikely to do so, as collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed through the skin. It may, however, add a film-like layer to your skin to reduce water loss and act as a barrier from environmental elements.

If you’re eating a healthy diet and feeding your body all the nutrients it needs, you probably don’t need a supplement. But there’s nothing wrong with taking one.

Hydrolyzed collagen powder usually has no flavor and dissolves easily in beverages, smoothies, soups, and sauces. You can buy yours from our online store or visit one of our suppliers if there is one in your area.

As for skin cream with synthetic collagen, it may work. It will add a film-like layer to your skin to reduce water loss and act as a barrier from environmental elements. Using skin cream is probably not as effective as healthy eating and protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure and sunburns, especially early in life.

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