Entry View

What is Collagen? Collagen takes part in the functioning of almost all body systems, body organs and body tissue. Collagen is a group of naturally occurring proteins. In nature, it is found exclusively in animals, especially in the flesh and connective tissues of mammals. It is the main component of connective tissue, and is the most abundant protein in mammals, making up about 25% to 35% of the whole-body protein content. Collagen, in the form of elongated fibrils, is mostly found in fibrous tissues such as tendon, ligament and skin, in cornea, cartilage, bone, blood vessels, the gut, and intervertebral disc. Collagen I: skin, tendon, vascular, ligature, organs, bone (main component of bone) Collagen II: cartilage (main component of cartilage) Collagen III: reticulate (main component of reticular fibers), commonly found alongside type I. Collagen IV: forms bases of cell basement membrane Collagen V: cells surfaces, hair and placenta.

The only known form of bio-existence is protein-based life. It begins at the very moment when an amino acid chain evolves into a spiral. Nature`s intelligence connects the basic elements of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen first forming an amino or carboxylic group and then successively more advanced amino acids resulting in - proteins. Proteins are the source and the carrier of life. Depending on the evolution stage of particular organisms, various proteins fulfill their biologically determined role. In organisms at the top of the evolution tree, vertebrates and invertebrates, and especially primates and man, collagen is undoubtedly the most important protein. The most vital substance in the body is the connective tissue that constitutes the foundation for other organs and tissues. Along with the blood and lymph it forms an internal body environment. However, it is collagen that determines its condition, and thus the state of the entire body. Collagen provides the foundation and the intercellular matrix for the connective tissue, and is the most prevalent body protein, constituting one third of all polypeptides. Medicine identifies the actual biological age of the human body by the condition of the proteins binding the cells, and collagen reflects their biological potential. Simply by looking into a mirror we can recognize its role as a youth protein. Wrinkles, the most vivid sign of aging, result from the dwindling of collagen fibers in the skin. It is collagen (and secondly, elastin) that is responsible for the elasticity, resilience, and smoothness of skin. A youthful look is a direct consequence of retaining "good" collagen in the skin, as it is a vital component.