Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and it can be found in the muscle, tendons, skin, and bones. It’s the glue that holds the human body together. Collagen provides structure and strength by forming a scaffold. You can get collagen in your body through diet from foods that you eat, or as a supplement. Collagen peptides are commonly supplied in capsule, powdered or liquid form and sometimes it hard to choose the right one for you. Let’s dive into this and talk about the importance, types, and benefits of collagen.
Importance of collagen
Collagen is a tough structural protein that helps ligaments, bones, and tendons hold their shape. As a result, the amount of collagen in our bodies determines our tissues and tendons’ overall strength and stiffness. A combination of training and collagen has been shown to strengthen the myotendinous junction and increase muscle-joint contact, which is beneficial for athletes aiming to avoid injury and those recuperating from joint ailments or surgery.
Different Types of Collagen
Type I collagen
Type I collagen makes up to 90% of your body’s collagen. Type I collagen fibers are located in fibrous cartilage, connective tissue, skin, bones, and blood vessel walls. Scar tissue contains it as well.
Type II collagen
Collagen type 2 is the primary collagen found in cartilage. Cartilage is a connective tissue that protects the ends of long bones at the joints and protects them. It’s also a significant constituent of the nose, ears, bronchial tubes, rib cage, and other body parts. This type of collagen is easily consumed as a bone broth. My favorite is roasted chicken & herb flavor which you can take it anywhere with you and it takes a minute to make!
Type III collagen
Type III collagen supports and enhances the structure of organs, muscles, and blood vessels. This type of collagen comprises meshy reticular fibers, and it is the second most common after type I. This type of collagen is believed to play a role in creating blood platelets, making it essential to the blood clotting process.
Type IV
Type IV collagen naturally occurs as building blocks in various layers of the skin. These layers of skin usually surround our muscles, organs, and fat cells. Since type IV collagen lacks a specific amino acid (glycine) found in most other collagens, it forms sheets rather than a tight helix shape.
Type V
Type V collagen is one of the minor collagen components that form interstitial collagen fibers and regulate collagen fibers’ formation in connective tissue. Type V collagen coexists alongside type II collagen in joint cartilage, promoting the health of type II collagen fibers.
Benefits of Collagen for Athletes
- Improve and repair joint health
One of the essential collagen benefits for athletes is that it helps joint health. Collagen peptides can help with inflammation and pain caused by cartilage deterioration and joint injury.
- Supports bone density
Collagen plays an essential role in the structure of our bones and connective tissues. As we become older, our bone mass and density naturally degrade, leading to osteoporosis and a higher risk of fractures. A 2018 study indicated that collagen peptides could improve bone density in athletes prone to bone loss.
- Lessen joint aches
Joint pain might make exercising harder, preventing you from reaching your goals. Taking a collagen supplement can assist you in getting back on track. There’s some evidence that collagen can help maintain connective tissues and reduce joint pain after exercise.
- It can speed up muscle recovery time
Collagen protein may also aid in the recovery of your muscles in between workouts. Amino acids can help increase lean body mass and faster recovery from exercise.
- Improves athletic performance
Collagen contains 20% glycine and 8% arginine, which aids in the creation of creatine in our bodies. It can also help athletes perform better during brief bursts of muscular contractions. According to a study, taking 1 gram of arginine and ornithine for five weeks can boost strength by activating the release of growth hormone.
- Improves skin health
Collagen is a crucial component of your skin’s structure. It aids in skin elasticity and hydration as well as skin strengthening. As you get older, your body produces less collagen, resulting in dry skin and wrinkles. Collagen peptides or supplements containing collagen have been proven in multiple studies to help reduce the aging of your skin by minimizing wrinkles and dryness.
Take a look at this published study for Collagen Elixir (derived from marine sources) in which “… 100% of subjects having increased collagen levels, 90% with increased moisture, 97% with greater elasticity, and 70% of subjects exhibiting fewer wrinkles after four weeks of supplementation.”
If you want to support your body with this amazing collagen supplement, contact me or book a consultation and we will find the best solution for you!