What makes the protein collagen so special

If you are interested in cosmetics and skincare products, you are sure to have come across the term collagen. It is usually prominently displayed on the packaging of creams and serums with the promise of youthful skin with more elasticity and reduced wrinkles. Whether skin care products with collagen as an ingredient actually have a visible effect on the skin has not yet been sufficiently clarified. However, it is a fact that collagen is an important component of the human body and therefore has an impact on the health of the entire musculoskeletal system.

What is collagen and how does it work?

Collagen, also known as collagen, is a structural protein that is used in the human body in many different places in connective tissue. The protein can be produced by the body itself from certain amino acids. Collagen is primarily known for its importance for the connective tissue in the skin. Care products or dietary supplements containing collagen are often advertised as having an anti-ageing effect. However, collagen is also needed in other parts of the body. The protein supports bones, cartilage, muscles and tendons. Collagen fibres are also important as a supporting framework for teeth and gums. There is not one type of collagen, but actually different types that differ biochemically. Human skin, cartilage and bones each consist of different types of collagen; the appropriate collagen is produced in the respective tissue cells themselves. The most important types are types I, II and III. Connective tissue cells and bone tissue cells mainly produce collagen types I and III. Cartilage tissue cells mainly produce type II collagen.

What consequences can a collagen deficiency have?

Over time, production of the protein continues to decline and as we age, the body produces less and less collagen. This leads to the muscles, skin and connective tissue becoming less elastic. In addition, the body's own collagen binds less and less water over time - the skin looks flabbier and more wrinkles form. This process begins as early as the twenties. But thinning hair or aching joints can also be the result of a lack of collagen. It is not only age that affects collagen production, environmental influences also damage the collagen structures in the deeper layers of the skin.

What types of collagen supplements are available?

Collagen is primarily produced in the human body, but is also sold as an ingredient in various creams and food supplements. However, it is not found as a whole protein in food. However, the appropriate building blocks such as amino acids can be ingested via the diet to boost production.

Preparations are available in the form of capsules, tablets, ampoules, powder for collagen drinks or creams. Some of them also contain other nutrients and vitamins.

The powders can be mixed into smoothies, shakes or yoghurt, for example, to support a balanced diet.

The capsules and powders are sold in different dosages, usually with 400 mg or 500 mg of collagen per capsule.

As the body produces collagen itself and the requirement varies from person to person, there is no basic quantity recommendation.

Collagen supplements are foods of animal origin. The collagen peptides that vitaworld uses are produced by the specific and controlled enzymatic hydrolysis of collagen from bovine lard or bone, which has been previously examined by the veterinary authorities and approved for human consumption. The actual starting material is collagen protein, which is found in large quantities in skin and bones. These are separated there and delivered fresh, chilled or frozen, depending on the distance to the vitaworld production facilities. These raw materials are then stored in cold stores until they are processed. Finally, these raw materials are subjected to various processes such as extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis, purification, concentration, sterilisation and drying. This manufacturing process guarantees a high level of safety, which has been proven by numerous international studies.

What effect do collagen supplements promise to have on the body?

The promise of collagen creams, tablets or capsules with a claimed anti-ageing effect is that the collagen penetrates the upper layer of the skin, expands, stores water and thus smoothes wrinkles The capsules, creams and co. are sold with the promise of a rejuvenating effect on the skin. However, collagen capsules and tablets are also said to help strengthen bones, ligaments, cartilage and joints in old age and keep them healthy.

What effect do capsules and powders with collagen actually have?

Some studies have concluded that collagen in the form of powders does indeed reach bones and joints. However, not as a complete protein, but broken down into the individual amino acids. Whether the body can then produce its own collagen from this is still unclear. The collagen contained in food supplements is therefore not incorporated directly into the muscles, joints and tendons, but is first converted. In addition, the results of various studies indicate that taking collagen can minimise the depth of wrinkles and make the skin more elastic. However, this only happens with a longer intake period. However, it is not certain whether these changes can actually be seen with the naked eye. The actual effect of collagen preparations on the skin has therefore not yet been conclusively clarified.

What effect do skin care products made from collagen promise?

With regard to collagen creams for the skin, it has been established that they initially moisturise the upper layer of the skin. However, the moisturising effect of collagen creams is primarily due to the water contained in the creams.

These types of collagen preparations can certainly have a short-term effect on the skin. However, they are unlikely to make wrinkles disappear permanently. In principle, general skin ageing cannot be stopped by capsules and creams. 

What side effects can occur with collagen supplements? 

Rare side effects can include headaches, abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea and drowsiness. People allergic to fish must be particularly careful with collagen supplements made from fish skins: The added collagen can trigger an allergic reaction. These allergens must be labelled on the packaging.

In addition, you should not take more than the recommended daily dose of the respective preparation. The consequences of an overdose have not yet been conclusively clarified. You should also pay attention to how many mg of which additives are added to the products. They can also trigger intolerances. Collagen preparations also often contain: Vitamin C, zinc, biotin, vitamin E and niacin. There is not yet any sound evidence on the long-term effects of taking collagen or using skin creams containing collagen.

How can you boost collagen production through your diet?

A healthy diet can act as a natural  "anti-ageing" and also strengthen bone and cartilage health. This is because those who eat a balanced diet and consume healthy foods already consume sufficient amino acids and proteins through various foods. The amino acids that the body needs to produce collagen are found in a wide variety of foods, such as salmon, beef, lentils, peas, tofu, oatmeal and peanuts. However, the body also needs other micronutrients to produce collagen. These include vitamin C, zinc and copper. Vitamin C is found in all citrus fruits. But peppers, spinach and Brussels sprouts also contain vitamin C. Zinc is found in linseed, pumpkin seeds, beef and oatmeal, among other things. Copper is found in bananas, cashew nuts, green tea, cocoa powder and white beans.

A healthy lifestyle is therefore important in any case to provide the body with sufficient nutrients, which in turn has an effect on your well-being and, of course, your appearance. And don't forget to drink enough water and get a good night's sleep. Sun protection is also essential to delay skin ageing, as too much sunlight damages the collagen fibres. And collagen not only ensures fresh, youthful skin, but also fundamentally supports connective tissue and is important for the health of bones, cartilage and joints.

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