Collagen, what is it used for?

In addition to a good muscular health, for good mobility in sports, bone health also has a very big impact.

Collagen is an animal protein, present in the body’s connective tissue. It is a fibrous protein made up of peptide chains of the amino acids glycine, proline, lysine, hydroxylysine, hydroxyproline and alanine. As its main constituent of connective components, it is found in bones, tendons, cartilages, teeth, as well as in veins, skin, muscles and the corneal layer of the eyes.

Collagen can be obtained from various animal species, commonly from cattle or pigs, as well as fish, and is present mainly in the skin and bones or spines, being a by-product of that industry.

In the various studies present about the benefits of consuming hydrolysed collagen, the most evident are:
– Improvement of skin’s firmness;
– Protection from joint damage;
– Contribution to the treatment of osteoporosis;
– Prevention of ageing;
– Antihypertensive;
– Protection against gastric ulcers.

From the benefits previously mentioned, in different studies it was shown that the use of hydrolysed collagen contributed to the prevention of bone loss.

Since bone loss is a process caused by the imbalance between bone formation and resorption, this irregularity is characterised by excessive activity of osteoclasts over osteoblasts, causing increased bone remodelling. With the effect of collagen in modulating bone formation and mineralisation of the bone matrix, it is possible to observe an increase in the growth and differentiation of osteoblasts and a reduction in osteoclasts.

In addition to this finding, it has been proved that the use of Collagen is beneficial in reducing pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis cases, allowing for better general mobility, as there is an accumulation of this protein in the cartilages.

While the increase in bone mineral density with the use of collagen as a supplement is evident, protein is also an important constituent of bone health since an inadequate intake of protein in the diet would also prevent and limit bone reconstruction.

One of the greatest findings related to Collagen is its effect on bone health, increasing its density and mineralisation, as well as cartilage protection and pain reduction. Even so, medical monitoring is always recommended to adjust the dosages and their effects.

 

Nutritionist, Jacinta Mendes
3341N