Collagen is an important protein that gives firmness, elasticity and strength to body tissues. With age, scleroprotein begins to be produced in smaller quantities than in youth. Food supplements help to make up for the lack of protein in bones, tendons, cartilage, muscles, skin. Scleroprotein occupies up to 75% of the composition of hard and soft tissues of organs. Which collagen is better and healthier? How long should I drink it? Are there any contraindications to the use of dietary supplements? Specialists give answers to these and other questions.
What types of collagen are there
There is a distinction between fibrillar protein of marine and animal origin. Most collagen is contained in fish living in the North Atlantic Ocean: in Arctic salmon, omul, etc. Eel, tuna, oysters, shrimp, mussels, octopuses and crabs are rich in scleroprotein.
Animal collagen is found in the cartilage, bones and skin of pigs, chickens and cattle. It has been successfully used in medicine and cosmetology for a long time. This type of protein is absorbed by the body somewhat worse than marine-type collagen, due to a different amino acid composition. However, animal scleroprotein is cheaper and the most studied.
There are 28 known types of collagen, 5 of which are present in the human body. The main component of connective tissue is present in muscles, bones, cartilage and ligaments. Protein is also found in the subcutaneous tissue, sclera, blood vessels, basal membrane of the kidneys.
The most important role in the body is played by 3 types of connecting protein:
I type. It is distinguished by a large thickness of fibrils. Contained in bones, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, tendons, cornea of the eyes and sclera. Type 1 collagen accounts for 85-90% of the total scleroprotein of the body. The production of protein of this type slows down after 25 years.
Type II. Present in intervertebral discs, joints and cartilage. Type 2 collagen is responsible for the operation of the musculoskeletal system. Gives cartilage elasticity and strength, protects connective tissue from injuries.
Type III. It is found in the dermis, muscles, bone marrow, intestines and blood vessels. Type 3 collagen consists of thin fibrils. Fibers support the structure of muscles and vessels, determine the mechanical properties of the skin.
How to choose collagen
Type II. Present in intervertebral discs, joints and cartilage. Type 2 collagen is responsible for the operation of the musculoskeletal system. Gives cartilage elasticity and strength, protects connective tissue from injuries.
Type III. It is found in the dermis, muscles, bone marrow, intestines and blood vessels. Type 3 collagen consists of thin fibrils. Fibers support the structure of muscles and vessels, determine the mechanical properties of the skin.
How to choose collagen
When buying a dietary supplement, you need to be guided by its composition (protein of marine or animal origin). When choosing, take into account the purposes of taking a dietary supplement, i.e. types of collagen. Thus, II is taken to improve the condition of joints and ligaments. Collagen types I and III are drunk for ptosis and wrinkles, hair loss and flying nails.
Protein in the form of peptides prolongs the youth of the skin, moisturizes and makes it elastic. Hydrolysate is a good collagen for women who take care of their health and appearance. The drug consists of protein fibers cut into pieces. Collagen in the form of peptides is perfectly absorbed by the body. It not only saturates the intercellular matrix, but also encourages it to produce its own scleroprotein.
How long to drink "beauty protein"
Collagen injections, plasma and mesotherapy are designed to make up for the lack of collagen. The inclusion of high-protein foods in the diet contributes to an increase in the amount of scleroprotein in the body.
Collagen can also enter the body with the intake of various food supplements. Tablets, capsules, powder and dietary supplements in liquid form are drunk daily. The daily rate of collagen and the duration of the course depend on the purpose of admission. So, to improve skin elasticity and moisturize it, the “beauty protein” is taken within 3 months.
To strengthen bones and connective tissue, collagen is drunk in combination with chondroitin sulfate and glucosamines. In case of joint problems and menopause, the therapeutic course lasts six months. After a two-month break, taking scleroprotein is resumed. The doctor will tell you in what form and how much collagen to drink.
Collagen Premium 500
Under the Grassberg brand, Abbott Laboratories Corporation produces natural and high-quality food additives. The company’s production facilities are located in Europe. Supplements are produced on modern equipment from raw materials of natural origin.
Collagen Premium 500
IN MORE DETAIL
The best collagen from premium additives is Collagen Premium 500 from Grassberg. The preparation contains animal protein and vitamin C. Collagen from recycled pork cartilage keeps joints and ligaments healthy and mobile. Vitamin C promotes better absorption of scleroprotein. 500 mg of protein replenishes the body’s daily need for type 2 collagen.
Collagen Premium 500 is a highly effective and safe drug. One capsule a day replenishes the body’s daily need for glycoprotein.
How to determine collagen deficiency in the body
Lack of silicon, selenium, zinc and other minerals leads to a decrease in scleroprotein synthesis. Protein deficiency begins to be observed in people over 30 years of age. By the age of 50-60, the body completely stops producing its own collagen.
Structural protein deficiency is signaled by:
- crunch of cartilage and joint pain;
- brittle nails;
- dryness and deterioration of skin turgor (elasticity and firmness);
- bone fragility and accompanying injuries;
- slow hair and nail growth;
- long-term healing of scratches and wounds;
- decreased visual acuity;
- deterioration of teeth condition.
The lack of scleroprotein is judged by the results of a blood test for the genetic need for collagen. Hereditary predisposition is manifested in connective tissue diseases. These include osteoporosis, Ehlers-Dunlo syndrome, imperfect osteogenesis, etc. Protein deficiency will be confirmed by b-CrossLaps venous blood analysis, other laboratory tests.
Contraindications for taking collagen
The food supplement is not recommended for use in kidney, liver and gastrointestinal diseases, malignant neoplasms. Taking glycoprotein is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women.
Is excess collagen harmful?
Violation of the scleroprotein balance in the body leads to fibrosis. The growth of dense, fibrous connective tissue can be observed in the veins, lungs, liver and other organs. Fibrosis, which develops into sclerosis, is fraught with scarring in the places of wound healing, autoimmune reactions and vascular disorders. Abomalous collagen synthesis leads to complete replacement of healthy organ tissue with fibrils.
Against the background of this process, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, dermatomyositis and other pathologies develop. The diagnosis and treatment of collagenosis is selected by a doctor of narrow specialization.