Worrying about those wrinkles, chicken wings in your arms, joint aches and concave posture when you get older? Those are just some of the problems that women might encounter when aging. That is because of the depletion of collagen in our body.

Collagen acts as “glue” that connects and supports body tissues. In fact it is the main component of connective tissues. It is a type of protein that is very abundant in our body. About 25% of collagen makes up the total amount of protein in our body. Collagen is whitish in color, has low solubility in water and possesses a great tensile strength. Its mechanical property is the distending force or the ability to stretch beyond its domain. Collagen works together with elastin, also a type of protein that gives skin its turgor. Elastin makes the skin flexible and tight. When collagen and elastin goes hand-in-hand, it gives the tissue firmness and strength.

So far, there are 29 types of collagen discovered. These types are grouped according to their composition. However, Type I, II, III, IV & V builds up most of the collagens in our body.

• Collagen I is the main component of bones but can also be found in the skin, tendons, organs and vascular parts of the system. It is said to be the most abundant protein.
• Type II can be found in cartilages and makes up 50% of it. It is also present in the vitreous humor in the eye, a gelatinous structure between the retina and the lens.
• The one responsible for wound healing is the Type III; this is the collagen of granulation tissues. It is also the main component of reticular fibers commonly found with Collagen Type I.
• Collagen Type IV is the ones responsible for the filtration and detoxification of our body. It serves as a part of the capillaries in the nephron and glomeruli found in the kidney.
• Type V is believed to be present in most of the interstitial tissues of the human body. Most commonly found in the hair and the placenta of a pregnant woman. It is also associated with Collagen Type I.
Understanding how collagen function makes us wonder we can put it to use. These are some of its uses.
• In aging, Collagen depletes its number. Starting from the age of 25, it said to be depleting by 1.5% per year. Thus, resulting to deformities in our system. That’s why science comes up with new innovations that could replenish the amount of collagen that is lost through aging to perform its function.

Collagen is commonly used in the medical field, in cosmetic surgery to be exact. They use collagen dermal fillers as injections to erase those wrinkles, minimize stretch marks or in face lifts. It is also used in burn surgeries replace damaged tissues. But to those with persons that are sensitive to collagen, it is not recommended for it can cause prolonged redness to the sight of induction. So, prior to any treatment, collagen sensitivity must be checked first to avoid complications.

• It can be taken up as dietary supplements to replenish the collagen in our body. It is used for arthritis, wound healing and can also improve the skin appearance.

There are different types of collagen supplements and they are specified according to reasons of treatment. It comes in capsule form. In arthritis and bone pain, collagen with glucosamine is much needed. Glucosamine, a compound found in our body that forms and repairs cartilages. There are also non-glucosamine formulas of collagen supplements that are intended to those persons who want to target their skin, hair and nails. It is much cheaper compared to glucosamine formulated capsules.
Taking high dosage of collagen is not that harmful since it is water-soluble and excess amounts can be flushed off our body. Taking these supplements can also enhance with Vitamin C and lysine in the diet, it is a requirement for collagen to work.

• Outside the human body, collagen can also be used in the industrial field. Partly hydrolyzed collagen can form into a gelatin and is use in many foods especially in deserts. It is also used a glue. In fact the oldest glue ever discovered was collagen.

We are now aware of what collagen is, how it functions and some of its benefits. It is now up to us on how to take care of our body to delay the depletion of collagen in order to reduce the visible effects of aging.