What is Collagen?
What is Collagen: It is the most abundant mammalian protein. It counts about 30% of the protein content in the mammalian body and is often considered a glue that carries the body together. It is found in fibrous tissues such as skin, and tendons as well as in ligaments, bones, blood vessels, and cornea.
From the eye and gut, collagen is vital for strengthening blood vessels and in giving them the elasticity. Dehydration of collagen causes wrinkles and other skin related issues. It is one of the most popular nutritional supplements among the elderly due to its healing properties to the skin,
Function of Collagen:
The function of Collagen: As it is the most abundant protein in mammals it also performs several functions staying in the mammalian body. It is one of the main components of the extracellular matrix which has distinctive features. Following are the functions:
- It maintains the freshness of the skin and keeps wrinkles away.
- Gives elasticity to the skin and connective tissues letting them expand and contract without damage.
- It works as an anti-aging protein inside the body.
- It makes skin waterproof.
- It protects and covers body organs eg, kidney and spleen.
- It supports the proper alignment of cells for cell proliferation and differentiation.
- keeps the heart healthy.
- It helps in wound healing.
Types
Types of Collagen: There are about 28 types of collage are known but 5 types of collagen are the most common and important from the academic as well as from the medical perspective. These 5 types are famous with Collagen Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type V, and Type X.
Type1: This type considered the most abundant type. It contributes to skin health and its quantity in our body decrease naturally as we go old. This type also used in many supplements.
Type2: This type helps maintain the body shape by contributing itself in connective tissues. It helps to form cartilage present between bone joints supporting healthy joints.
Type3: This type is often present with type1 and also works the same as type1 in supporting healthy skin and is also abundant as type1.
TypeV: This type considered in playing a vital role in developing collagen fibers of connective tissues with type2. It also works in making cells of the placenta of a pregnant woman.
TypeX: It is considered as a network forming collagen type that is present in eggshells and in normal joint cartilage.
You may also enjoy reading:
