About Collagen

Collagen is the body’s natural protein. It is the most abundant form of natural protein found in the body. It is the essential structural component of all connective tissue. So collagen accounts for between one quarter and one third of the body’s protein. Collagen makes up 75% of the body’s skin tissue.

Collagen is described as one of the main building blocks of the skin and is important for healthy skin maintenance. The body’s natural collagen diminishes at a rate of approximately 1.5% per annum from the age of 25 years onwards.

Injections to replenish the skin’s collagen are becoming popular. They do however target only a small area and they need to be repeated on a regular basis, which can be inconvenient and expensive for most people.

Collagen hydrolysate ingested orally can be beneficial not only to the skin but also to other parts of the body such as hair, nails, bones, tendons and cartilage. Collagen is the prime structural protein found in cartilage, muscle, tendons, ligaments and bones.
Some of the benefits of collagen are:-

• It is a strong long-term anti-ageing protein. It plumps up the skin thus reducing lines and wrinkles. It increases the elasticity and suppleness of the skin, giving firmer, more toned skin and a radiant complexion.
• It can protect cartilage against deterioration and is the raw material for cartilage repair.
• It can reduce damage to joints and help reduce joint pain.
• It can ease the pain of arthritis sufferers
• By replenish lean muscle mass it helps reduce body fat and so it can be used to help weight loss or body building.
• By stimulating the body’s own collagen generation it can help to combat cellulite.

When taking collagen orally it is important to drink 1 – 2 litres of water each day.

Anyone with a medical condition should consult their doctor before taking collagen as a food supplement.