In our body, collagen is the most abundant protein, particularly type 1. It is found in muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, the digestive system, and tendons. Its benefits are diverse and crucial, as this protein helps maintain the strength and elasticity of the skin, as well as the replacement of dead skin cells. When discussing our joints and tendons in the simplest terms, collagen is the “glue” that helps hold the body together. The body’s collagen production naturally begins to slow down as we age. This process is responsible for the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint pain caused by weaker cartilage.
Collagen is composed of three chains tightly bound in a triple helix. Each chain is more than 1,400 amino acids long! Proline and glycine are the primary types of amino acids found in collagen chains. Under normal circumstances, the body produces them in sufficient amounts, but in cases of illness, physical, or emotional stress, the body may not produce enough of these amino acids.
Joint pain is a common issue, particularly among the older population. The root of joint pain is often associated with collagen loss. When collagen levels in the body decrease, tendons and ligaments move less smoothly, leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joints. Collagen’s gel-like, smooth structure allows for painless joint movement. Much like oiling a squeaky door, collagen facilitates easier joint movement, reducing pain and stiffness.
Collagen supplementation can effectively alleviate joint pain and treat joint issues. Researchers at the Harvard Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found in their studies that type 2 collagen supplements are the most helpful in reducing pain and joint swelling for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Other studies have also confirmed that collagen supplementation significantly improves joint pain and enhances the quality of life for people suffering from osteoarthritis and other joint problems.
Moreover, collagen has numerous other health benefits. For instance, it helps in managing leaky gut syndrome. This condition occurs when toxins pass through the walls of the digestive system, causing inflammation and other problems. Collagen helps soothe the intestinal lining, heals damaged cells, and supports the formation of connective tissue, which is vital for protecting the gut. Additionally, collagen contributes to boosting metabolism, increasing muscle mass, and producing energy, which offer further health advantages.
The 3 Main Types of Collagen:
Type I Collagen: This is the most common type of collagen in the body, accounting for roughly 90% of all collagen. It is typically found in the skin, hair, nails, bones, tendons, and internal organs. About 75–90% of the body’s collagen is of this type. Fish collagen predominantly contains type I collagen.
Type II Collagen: This type of collagen is primarily found in cartilage and joints. It makes up about 50–60% of the proteins in cartilage. It plays a vital role in joint stability and cartilage elasticity. Chicken collagen mainly contains type II collagen, making it particularly beneficial for joint health. For those targeting joint health, chicken collagen is recommended. Type II collagen primarily supports the formation of connective tissue found in cartilage. Joint health relies on this cartilage made from type II collagen, making it advantageous to consume supplements for age-related joint pain or symptoms of various types of arthritis. The highest concentration of type II collagen is found in chicken sternum cartilage, which is the best source for cartilage development. This source is especially beneficial for joint health as it also provides chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate, both of which have anti-aging effects.
Type III Collagen: This type of collagen is found in soft tissues and is the second most abundant type. It is primarily present in tissues with elastic properties, such as skin, lungs, the uterus, intestinal walls, and blood vessel walls. Type III collagen plays an important role in the structure and stability of these tissues. Beef collagen is the most complex source, containing high amounts of type I and III collagen, along with smaller amounts of type II and other types of collagen
