What actually is collagen?
Collagen is a protein that creates structure in your body. You've probably seen it at the drugstore, or even a skin care product with collagen in your home.
You should know that there are scientifically proven up to 18 types of collagen , each involved in different metabolic processes in your body. Collagen is needed for your muscles, blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, joints, teeth and gums, as well as for healthy skin and strong connective tissue . Glycine, Proline and Hydroxyproline – These are the three amino acids that make up most types of collagen. Glycine and proline have to be produced by the body itself, and they are not found in food in their specific form.
Is there a lack of collagen?
In any case, you have to distinguish between a natural decline in collagen and a diagnosed deficiency . From the age of 25 and 30, natural collagen production decreases noticeably by 1.5% per year . The body's own collagen is used up faster than it can be replenished. You can see this above all in the condition of your connective tissue and your skin. Expression lines and the deepening of the nasolabial fold are favored by low levels of collagen in the body. Low collagen can also lead to weaker connective tissue on the buttocks and legs in women. Of course, this also depends on genetic factors.
However, if you have a collagen deficiency , you will notice this above all from a slowdown in metabolism : central organic functions can no longer be carried out properly. You then notice this in the form of concentration problems, severe tiredness and memory problems . Another indication of a collagen deficiency is a clearly deteriorated complexion , which can even show a tendency to eczema. You may have severe joint pain and be more prone to injury to ligaments and tendons.
A collagen deficiency is not age-related and can occur at any time.
You could have a problem with your collagen intake if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. Collagen is found almost exclusively in animal bones, fish and meat.
How does collagen actually work?
There are different types of collagen.
Type I - up to 90% in our body. These are densely packed fibers that give structure to your skin, tendons, fibrocartilage, connective tissue, teeth and skin.
Type II – are loosely packed fibers that provide cartilage strength and flexibility. This makes up 70-95% of all cartilage in your body.
Type III - Very similar to Type I and also protects your tendons, bones, skeletal muscles and skin.
The quickest effect of collagen is visible on your skin. You can see the first results after about two months. If you want to protect your joints, you will also see an effect after a few weeks with the supply of collagen.
If you are looking for a daily collagen supplement, you will come across the terms "collagen hydrolyzate" and "collagen peptides" . This means the enzymatically altered form of collagen . These make the protein water soluble . The great advantage of collagen hydrolyzate and collagen peptides is that they have a particularly fast effect .
Are there any side effects?
Rest assured there are very few known side effects . You don't have to worry about overdosing either. Excess collagen can be excreted if it is a water-soluble collagen hydrolyzate.
An exact daily dose of collagen is unclear. The dosage in food supplements is reduced to a safe minimum in Germany.
It has been scientifically determined that collagen is the safest supplement you can take.
So, is there vegan collagen now?
Vegan collagen does not exist per se, as the protein is not found in the plant world . Collagen can be obtained from fish and cattle.