You are made of it! Yes, that is correct. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body (about 30%), and is responsible for supporting many of our structures, such as our skin, bone, cartilage, connective tissue and organs. As we age, our own production of collagen decreases, which is why it has become a commonly hyped up supplement in the health and wellness industry.
Collagen Fast facts:
- By the age of 40, most of us have lost 40% of our body’s collagen production
- Natural dietary sources of collagen include bone broth, organ meats, sardines/ fish with the skin on. Different sources provide different types of collagen.
- Benefits of collagen- supports hair, skin, nail, gut and organ health
- There are 28 types of collagen. The main ones are:
- Type I: The glue for our tendons and ligaments and most abundant
- Type II & V: Joint Support in the form of cartilage
- Type III: Found in organs and muscles, combined with Type I as the most abundant
While collagen is clearly an important source of protein, it is not to be confused with the 9 essential amino acids we need on a daily basis to live and perform optimally. In this case, more is more, and ensuring you consume both collagen and essential amino rich sources is important. While it is always best to consume nutrients from high quality foods, collagen can be tricky, and a reputable supplement is a great substitution.
This article by Ancient Nutrition, provides recommendations for dosing.