Question and Answer About Collagen
Question 1: Does Collagen Decrease With Age?
Answer 1: As we age, our collagen destruction prevents production. While women lose about 1% of collagen each year in their mid-twenties, they lose 30% of it in the first 5 years of menopause.
80% of muscle tendons, 75% of skin, 90% of organic bone mass and whites of eyes are collagen. Collagen is a type of protein produced by Fibroblasts called connective tissue cells in our body. However, as we age, production in our body slows down. With the age of 30, collagen production decreases by 1%-2% every year and losses begin.
A healthy and young skin is directly proportional to the high collagen level. Our skin, which is the largest organ of our body, consists of 3 layers; Epidermis, Dermis, and Hypodermis.
The dermis contains collagen and elastin fibers. With the loss of collagen; The amount of hyaluronic acid in the dermis layer of the skin decreases, the skin begins to dry and becomes vulnerable to sunlight.
Question 2: Which Collagen Type Is Right For You?
Answer 2: Two simple steps can be followed to choose the best type of collagen for you.
Step 1: Set Your Specific Health Goals
For maintaining the elasticity and moisture of the skin and for healthy eyes, bones and wound healing: Fish collagen (Marine collagen) rich in Type 1 collagen or Bovine Collagen containing high amounts of both Type 1 and Type 2 collagen can be preferred.
For joint pain and inflammation: Organic Bone Broth Protein or Bovine Collagen add 1-2 servings of type 2 collagen per day.
For gut health: Aim for 1-3 servings of Organic Bone Broth Protein daily.
Step 2: Choose the best Collagen Brand
Providing the best collagen is key to maximizing nutrient intake and building stronger hair, skin, nails, bones and joints. We recommend buying collagen products from the best brands of collagen grass-fed, pasture-grown (bovine collagen), or natural sources (marine collagen).
The human body needs all three types of collagen, so it's important to regularly use top-quality sources of collagen to make sure you support your body as a whole.
Question 3: Factors Causing Collagen Decrease
Answer 3: Some factors reduce collagen levels in the body. Avoiding them is important for skin health;
High sugar consumption reduces collagen; A high-sugar diet increases the rate of glycation, a process where blood sugars bind to proteins to form new molecules called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs damage nearby proteins and can make collagen dry, brittle and weak.
Smoking damages collagen; Many chemicals found in tobacco smoke damage both collagen and elastin in the skin. Nicotine also constricts blood vessels in the outer layers of the skin. This compromises skin health by reducing the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the skin.
Sunbathing causes rapid breakdown of collagen; Ultraviolet rays in sunlight cause collagen to break down faster, damage collagen fibers and cause abnormal elastin to accumulate. Sun rays (UV rays) damage the collagen in the dermis and the skin is restructured incorrectly, forming wrinkles.
Autoimmune disorders cause collagen destruction; Some autoimmune disorders cause antibodies to target collagen.
Aging reduces collagen; The aging process causes collagen levels to naturally deplete over time. There is no way to prevent this.
Genetic changes can affect the extracellular matrix. The collagen produced may be lower, or it may be dysfunctional, mutated collagen.
Avoiding tobacco and excessive sun exposure and following a healthy diet and exercise regimen can help reduce visible aging and protect collagen. Keeps skin, bones, muscles and joints healthy for longer.