By: Dr. Schoer
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies; it accounts for approximately 30% of our body’s total protein! Collagen is the primary building block for our skin, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments, and other connective tissue such as organ, blood vessel, and intestinal lining.
Types of Collagen
There are five main types of collagen, and each type differs depending on how its molecules are assembled and where the type of collagen is used in our body. The five main types of collagen and what they do are:
Type I: This type makes up 90% of our body’s collagen. It is densely packed and used to provide structure to our skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
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 our skin.
Type V: This type is found in the cornea of our eyes, some layers of skin, hair, and tissue of the placenta.
What Happens to Collagen as We Age?
Our body produces less collagen as we age; it is a normal, aging process to experience a decline in collagen production after age 60. As we age, existing collagen breaks down at a faster rate and the collagen we produce is also lower in quality than when we were younger. Furthermore, individuals who experience menopause have a further reduction in collagen production post-menopause.
Can You Tell if Your Collagen Level is Decreasing?
Unfortunately, collagen cannot be measured objectively – for instance, with a simple blood test – but there are signs that your collagen level is decreasing. Signs and symptoms can include:
Skin that is wrinkled or sagging
Hallowing in and around your eyes
Shrinking, weakening muscles and muscle aches
Stiffer, less flexible tendons and ligaments
Joint pain or osteoarthritis due to worn joint cartilage
Loss of mobility due to joint damage or stiffness
How Can You Maintain or Improve Your Body’s Collagen?
There are many lifestyle habits that can damage and decrease levels of collagen in your body. These habits can include:
Smoking: smoking decreases collagen production and damages existing collagen
Eating too much sugar and refined carbohydrates: sugar attaches to proteins and creates molecules that damage other nearby proteins, and causes collagen to become weak, dry, and brittle
Exposure to ultraviolet light: too much unprotected sunlight reduces collagen production and causes collagen to break down more rapidly
To improve collagen production and quality, incorporate habits such as wearing sunscreen (SPF-30 or higher!) everyday, consider smoking cessation, and eat a well-balanced diet loaded with fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and moderate amounts of seafood, meats, poultry, dairy, and eggs.
Collagen supplementation is another way in which our bodies can maintain or improve collagen production to help build and support our skin, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments! If you’re interested in collagen supplementation, the clinic strongly recommends Fikzol Type I & III Collagen BodyMax and Fikzol Type II Collagen Arthro, which work best when taken together. These products are available at the clinic and are also 15% off for the month of June!
As always, it is recommended to talk with your medical doctor about taking a collagen supplement if you would like to try one – collagen supplementation may pose a risk to those with kidney or liver disease or those instructed to consume a low-protein diet and individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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