How collagen works for your body and joints
Whether you’re a serious athlete, a leisurely walker or simply enjoy occasional exercise to keep yourself healthy, it is crucial to maximise the potential your body has to protect it from damage.
Collagen in the body
Collagen is the most common protein in the body and has a role in keeping our bodies firm, springy, and supple. It forms a central part of the connective tissue matrix; and can be found in an array of tissues including hair, nails, skin and bones. Collagen is also prevalent in cartilage, tendons and ligaments. It provides the connective tissues with their functional characteristics, like giving bones and cartilage the ability to bear weight.
There are at least 14 different types of collagen that naturally occur within the body. The most important are types I, II and III. Let’s break it down a little further and see what each type does for the body:
- Type I: most abundant collagen found in tendons, skin, artery walls, cornea and an organic component of bones and teeth.
- Type II: the main component of cartilage, and extremely healthy for the skeletal system. Those who are active and rely on their joints may benefit from having type II in their diet.
- Type III: found in muscles, artery walls, skin, intestines, and the uterus. Usually found alongside type I collagen in the body.
Collagen and ageing
We start to lose collagen from our early to mid-20s as the production begins to slow down. By the age of 40, we lose 30% of our natural collagen reserves. There can be telling signs of collagen depleting in the body, which can include joint pain and stiff tendons and ligaments.
There are many health benefits of collagen and collagen supplements, from improving skin health and relieving joint pain. It plays a crucial role in parts of the body that we use every day, which need some TLC every so often.
Collagen, joints, and movement
We are all susceptible to joint wear and tear it can lead to loss of mobility, painful joints and even conditions such as arthritis. In the UK, it is reported by the NHS that more than 10 million people are living with arthritis or other similar joint issues. Symptoms of these conditions can include joint pain, stiffness, swelling and inflammation.
Joint pain and conditions are not just limited to those middle-aged and older; they can affect people of all ages. Some take supplements for joint pain to cut down on the use of pain relievers. A lifetime of walking, exercising, and moving can take its toll on your cartilage and cause inflammation to the joints, therefore looking after these before issues arise can be a good route to take.
Collagen helps to maintain the integrity of the cartilage, which is the tissue that protects your joints. Some people use collagen supplements to enhance fitness and athletic performance to help build and repair muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage used during exercise. Collagen supplementation can be crucial in maintaining an active lifestyle.
Collagen supplements are available in different formats and strengths, from capsules to drinks, they can be easily incorporated into any lifestyle. You can discover what the best collagen supplements to take are in one of our previous blogs.
Collagen and the body
It’s not just joints that collagen can help with, as previously said, collagen can support a range of different tissues within the body. Collagen supplements benefit the body’s natural collagen production by stimulating it, contributing to a healthy and active body.
Collagen makes up 30% of the body’s total protein, and it is crucial for mobile joints, healthy bones and keeping your muscles, ligaments, and tendons strong. These are essential for movement, stability, and overall better mobility.
As the collagen experts, here at Proto-col, we know how important it is to keep our bodies in tip-top condition and how best to do so. Our range of products supports and promotes active bodies and lifestyles, each designed with specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides® that target specific areas within the body.
The Bioactive Collagen Peptide® used in our joint supplements is FORTIGEL®. FORTIGEL® targets the cartilage tissue; and has been clinically tested and approved for its effects on relieving joint pain and regenerating healthy cartilage. One of the other Bioactive Collagen Peptides® used is TENDOFORTE®, which is in our Complete Collagen sachets. Complete Collagen targets the collagen producing cells in the tendons and ligaments to help keep your body flexible and mobile.
Below are a couple of our products you might want to try to keep your body and joints in good shape:
1.Collagen Body and Joint - Nourishes connective tissues and helps to activate the growth of new cartilage. Well suited to support active bodies where strains of physical work or exercise can impact movement over time.
2.Osteo+ - Supports the normal function of joints; featuring chondroitin and glucosamine. Perfect for those who are determined to stay active through work or exercise.
If you want to find out more information on our studies, you can visit our science page on our website.