Even though it is important to take care of a healthy and balanced diet, it can be difficult due to the changing lifestyle, the days between home and work, and the intensity. However, with advancing age, exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays, negative conditions such as smoking and alcohol use, some components necessary for body function may not be fully met with nutrients. In such cases, the use of food supplements is recommended for those who are determined to need it in line with the recommendations of the physician.
What is Collagen?
One of the food supplements that has become widespread in recent years is collagen. Collagen protein, which is very important for the fulfillment of both structural and functional requirements in tissues and organs, is the type of protein that takes place in the body's structure at the highest rate. For this reason, adequate collagen synthesis and adequate intake with nutrients are of great importance in terms of health. Collagen is a type of protein that is highly involved in the structure of bones, skin, muscles and many other tissues and organs in the human body. Collagen, a structural protein, makes up approximately one-third of all protein in the body. Collagen, which is especially abundant in the structure of the connective tissue, enables cells and tissues to be connected to each other and held together. Therefore, collagen protein has a great importance in terms of maintaining the body structure in a healthy way. The production of collagen synthesized by the body can be increased by consuming adequate amounts of some foods. Foods that increase collagen production and contain collagen include egg white, chicken skin, fish, white tea, soy, cashew, garlic, bone broth, offal, dried legumes and fresh vegetables and fruits.
What are the Roles of Collagen in the Body? ?
Another issue that individuals who research collagen supplements wonder about is the answer to the question of what does collagen do. There are different types of collagen proteins in the body. Their most basic task is to create the natural structure of the body by arranging the connective tissue. But besides this, each specialized type of collagen has some It also has different duties. Basically, 4 different types of collagen make up the most common collagen molecules in the body.
These can be listed as follows:
- Type 1: Approximately 90% of body collagen consists of type 1 collagen proteins. They consist of tightly packed collagen fibers and are involved in significant amounts in the structure of bones, muscles, teeth, skin, tendons, vessels, organs, bones and cartilages.
- Type 2: Type 2 collagen proteins are compared to type 1 collagen. consists of loosely packed fibers. These are generally located in the elastic cartilages found in the joints.
- Type 3: Type 3 collagens are abundant in the structure of organs, arteries and muscles. In addition to Type 1, effects are found in the structure.
- Type 4: A type of collagen that is located in the layers of the skin and helps filtration.
Collagens, apart from having important duties in bone and muscle structure, have important duties in protecting the elastic structure of the skin, renewing the skin and healing wounds. In addition, it forms a protective cover around sensitive organs such as the kidneys. With aging, collagen synthesis in the body decreases. For this reason, skin problems such as wrinkles occur, the elasticity of the skin decreases, and the probability of catching diseases such as arthritis increases. In addition, a significant decrease in collagen production occurs in women with menopause. In such cases, information about collagen supplements can be obtained by consulting the physician.
What are the Benefits of Collagen Supplementation?
The amount of collagen produced in the body decreases due to advancing age, smoking, exposure to UV rays, and menopause. However, due to reasons such as unbalanced nutrition and insufficient protein intake, collagen production may be disrupted because the building blocks required for collagen synthesis cannot be taken into the body in sufficient quantities. Some micronutrients such as vitamin C and copper mineral also have various roles in the production and absorption of collagen in the body, and their deficiency. Collagen production may also decrease due to hair growth. In such cases, you can consider using collagen supplements if your doctor recommends it. Some of the benefits of collagen supplementation are as follows:
- Improves Skin Health: Collagen proteins undertake the most important task in areas such as strengthening the skin, providing skin elasticity and hydration, supporting cell renewal. Collagen supplements have an important role in preventing skin dryness, wrinkles and stretch marks. In addition, collagen also helps to protect the health of hair and nails. In cases of collagen deficiency, the fragility of bones increases, and the probability of developing diseases such as osteoporosis increases. Physicians may also recommend collagen supplements, along with calcium and vitamin D, to prevent diseases related to bone loss. Therefore, in case of collagen deficiency, the probability of developing degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis increases greatly. Collagen supplements, which contribute to relieving symptoms and improving cartilage health in osteoarthritis patients, are also effective in relieving disease-related pain. In addition, collagen supplements can be used to improve bone and joint problems caused by trauma.
- Supports Muscle Mass: Approximately 1% to 10% of muscle mass consists of collagen proteins. These proteins are very important for the healthy functioning of the muscles. Especially in case of muscle loss (sarcopenia) that develops with age, collagen supplements can be used because it helps to preserve muscle mass. In addition, since it supports the synthesis of muscle proteins such as creatine, collagen supplements are also effective in promoting muscle growth after training in athletes. The insufficiency of collagen, which is involved in the structure of blood vessels and has important functions in vascular health, leads to weakening and sensitization of blood vessels. For this reason, collagen supplements can be used to prevent diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes. >
How to Use Collagen Supplements?
Collagen supplements are one of the food supplements that have become popular in recent years and there are many different forms on the market. There are different collagen supplement alternatives such as collagen in water, collagen pills, liquid collagen, powder collagen. First of all, it should be noted that the physician should be consulted before starting collagen supplementation.
Food supplements may cause negative results in people using certain drugs or individuals with certain diseases. Likewise, the use of these supplements in patients who do not have collagen deficiency may also cause undesirable effects. Therefore, before starting to use collagen supplements, a health examination should be made and a doctor should be consulted.
If your doctor approves, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist about how often you can use collagen forms in powder, liquid or pill form. It is very important to use collagen supplements from known and reliable brands that have been approved by the necessary health authorities. However, in order to benefit from these benefits of collagen, a healthy and balanced diet should be determined and this should be made a lifestyle. Determining and implementing a regular exercise plan appropriate for the age of the person supports the positive effect of collagen on muscles and bones. In addition, fresh vegetables and fruits containing vitamin C should be consumed in sufficient quantities, and smoking, which causes collagen deficiency, should be stopped. You can use the contact form on our website to reach us.
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