Collagen: Its Role in the Body
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, representing 30% of its dry weight. It is the fibrous structural protein that makes up the white fibers (collagen fibers) of skin, tendons, bones, cartilage and all other connective tissues.
Skin is the body’s largest organ composed of water, fat and protein, and Collagen makes up the largest part of that protein, creating structure, resilience, and elasticity. It acts like a glue that helps to hold everything in its place (1). Your body builds and repairs collagen every day, but collagen production gradually declines with age.
Collagen builds the foundation of a smooth and radiant complexion. The deepest layers of skin are made of a dense network of collagen fibers. Over time, the network of collagen fibers can become fragmented and weakened, resulting in wrinkles, fine lines, and thinner skin (2). Although our bodies produce collagen naturally, its production begins to decrease as we age. Research has shown collagen supplementation can be beneficial for maintaining healthy and hydrated skin.
Good nutrition is essential for collagen production, but ordinary foods may not provide the right nutrients. While fish contains collagen, it’s in the form of long collagen fibers that are hard for the body to use. Collagen Elixir combines highly bioavailable collagen peptides along with vitamins and minerals to deliver collagen’s benefits throughout the body (3). Studies show that supplementing with marine collagen, alone or when combined with other nutrients such as vitamin C and zinc, may help improve skin hydration, elasticity, and thickness; improve physical aspects of hair and nails; and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (4-11).
What are the different types of collagen?
Your body is made up of several different types of collagen. Whilst nearly 28 types of collagen have been identified so far, the four most common ones are (12, 13).
Collagen I – the most predominant collagen type in the body, as it’s the major structural component in skin, bone, tendons, connective tissues, and fibrous cartilage. In fact, 90% of collagen in the body is type I, due to its wide prevalence in almost all connective tissues (14).
Collagen II – mainly found in the elastic cartilage that serves as cushioning for joints.
Collagen III – acts as a supportive structure for organs, arteries, and muscles.
Collagen IV – is found in the skin layers, muscle and blood vessels
Why Marine Collagen?
Marine collagen is composed mostly of type I collagen and is rich in unique, specialized amino acids that have targeted benefits for skin health and support the body’s natural production of collagen.