Collagen is a protein found in the body primarily in animal tissue. In addition to animals, collagen can be found in plants and fungi. Humans produce their own collagens; however, it is also found in other animals, such as fish and insects. Collagen supplements are taken by people who want to improve their health or avoid illness. These supplements contain pure collagen or a mixture of other ingredients that affect the body’s immune response to collagen supplements.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It is also found in muscles, cartilage, tendons, skin and blood vessels. The body contains 20 percent of its weight in collagens; therefore, it is essential for life. Animals have varying amounts of collagen depending on their structure and type of animal tissue they possess. For example, fish have more collagen than land animals because they lack a skeleton and have fluid-filled organs. Humans have almost ninety different types of collagen proteins depending on their age, sex, and inherited traits. Although humans produce their own collagens, some diseases can alter the amount of collagens produced by the body. Supplementing with pure collagen increases the body’s total amount of collagens and helps maintain healthy connective tissues throughout life.
Collagen plays a role in maintaining skin, bones, tendons, and cartilage; therefore, it is essential for good health. The liver produces more collagens than any other organ except for bone due to its large number of liver cells containing little connective tissue. The pancreas also produces large amounts of collagens as it secretes enzymes that affect connective tissues throughout the body. The brain contains the highest concentration of connective tissues in the body: 70 percent of brain weight occurs in connective tissues such as collagens and elastins. Other organs with high concentrations of connective tissues include the heart, gut and lungs. Therefore, supplementing with pure collagen increases its production by strengthening existing tissues or creating new ones when needed by the body’s cells.
Collagen supplements have become very popular recently because of their numerous health benefits; however, there are several myths surrounding this supplement that may deter some people from using it regularly for health purposes. Collagen supplements have become very popular recently because of their numerous health benefits. Some myths surrounding collagen include that it causes cancer or weakens bones.