Collagen is essential … but why?

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and plays a structural role. It is mainly found in connective tissues (skin, bone, cartilage, muscles, vessel walls …). There are 28 types of collagen in our body. All are composed of 3 α chains that form a helix, but each type of collagen has particular α chains. The common point between all the α chains is the helical part in the middle, mainly comprising a succession of amino acids (elements making up the proteins) Glycine-XY. X and Y are most often a Proline and a Hydroxyproline, but other amino acids (such as Hydroxylysine) in X or Y allows to have a less perfect helix, and therefore more flexible.

The various structures of different collagen allow them to perform distinct functions. Their specific properties make them essential elements for different tissues. For example, the cartilage is composed of fibrils mixing collagen II and III, while those of the skin mix collagen I and III. The assemblies between the molecules (eg in fibrils or fillets) also depend on the tissue, giving them specific properties.^1,2

The issue: collagen destruction

Collagen can be degraded by enzymes called matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). It is a process that can be important during the growth or healing of a tissue, but it can also be pathological (cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, nephrosis, encephalomyelitis, chronic ulcers, fibrosis …) when these proteins expression becomes too important. The presence of inflammatory cytokines, free radicals, hormones and growth factors, UV radiation, chemical derivatives (cigarette, pesticides, etc.) can cause the overactivation of these MMP proteins. During aging, collagen becomes more sensitive and more easily changed (by some processes of mineralization, by glycation products and by the loss of glycosaminoglycans), which affects the stability of collagen fibers and increases their susceptibility to degradation. In addition, collagen synthesis is reduced because of defective stimulation and cell aging. The tissues regenerate more slowly, allowing for a greater accumulation of abnormalities in the cells, which affects the proper functioning of certain processes. These abnormalities can promote an inflammatory environment and oxidative stress, which will further increase collagen degradation and tissue aging.^3-7

A solution: the oral intake of specific collagens

Fortunately, taking collagen peptides (or hydrolysates) has many virtues against articular, bone, muscle and skin diseases. It’s also reinforces connective tissue. Peptides are small bits of protein that have been cut by the water molecules action. Peptides have been shown to be better digested and easily absorbed than whole proteins, while being better incorporated and available in tissues. Dosages play a key role to have a lasting and effective effect.^8-12

How does it work scientifically?

Many studies have pointed out that taking oral collagen is beneficial for collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration. The collagen peptides are absorbed in the intestine, and are found, along with their constituents (amino acids), in the blood and in the tissues concerned (for example, ligaments, cartilage, skin, muscles). And it changes their composition. A study¹³ using collagen incorporating radioactive carbon atoms showed that 95% of collagen was absorbed during the first 12 hours, then it was distributed in all tissues, with a pronounced presence (2x more) and lasting in the body cartilage.

It has been shown that a normal physiological regulatory process exists in our body. Collagen in our extracellular matrix is regularly renewed: large collagen molecules are broken down into small peptides, which stimulate chondrocytes (cartilage cells) to produce new collagen molecules. Numerous research have shown that the ingestion of collagen peptides can induce the production of collagen, probably by mimicry of this regulatory mechanism: when ingested collagen peptides (similar to degraded collagen) arrive in our joints, they will stimulate chondrocytes to produce new collagen molecules.^14-20

The many benefits of taking collagen

Taking oral collagen peptides can:

• Stimulate chondrocytes and their production of collagen fibers in cartilage
• Change the behavior of bone cells, decreasing bone loss by reducing osteoclast activation and stimulating osteoblast growth to reshape bone and remineralize bone matrix.
• Increase the density of dermal cells (fibroblasts) and extracellular fibrils (collagen) to firm and maintain the elasticity and hydration of the skin.^21,22

Thus, collagen can be beneficial to support joints and skin, among many other applications whose studies are detailed here !

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