by Kristina Donnay FNP-C, Maricopa Wellness Center
Collagen is a special type of protein that accounts for as much as 30% of the body’s total protein.
It’s a primary structural component of connective tissue. Collagen constitutes 75% of skin, 70% of ligaments, 65% to 80% of tendons, 50% of cartilage, 30% of tooth dentin, 16% of bone and 10% to 11% of muscle fibers. It also plays a part in the structure of the arteries and veins.
The amino acid composition of dietary collagen is extremely similar to human collagen, making dietary collagen peptides an ideal source for supporting body collagen turnover and renewal.
Compared to other proteins, collagen has a unique amino acid composition. Collagen is an effective choice in supporting strength and flexibility of bones, tendons and cartilage, appearance of skin and nails, and GI tract health.
Many people — the elderly in particular — do not consume enough protein.
If a person decides to supplement their bodies with collagen, they must look for one that is hydrolyzed. This means the collagen has been broken down into small peptides easy for the body to digest and transport to the cells where needed.
Benefits of collagen peptides include:
- Healthy skin elasticity, thickness, hydration, appearance.
- Improved brittle nails, damaged hair and fine lines and wrinkles.
- Improved symptoms of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis by reducing joint pain. Improved joint tissue health and function involving cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
- Possible improved gut health and reduced symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
- Improved recovery time and joint function in athletes.
Starting in your 20s, your body starts losing collagen. By the end of 40, you’re likely to lose 1% of your bodily collagen per year. Taking collagen peptides can help prevent unwelcome health woes by replenishing some of your body’s collagen supply.
Collagen peptides comes in a powdered form and typically is made from bovine (beef) or porcine (pork) sources. Marine collagen supplements made from fish also are available. Currently, there are no vegan sources of collagen supplements, as collagen itself comes from the bones and skin of animals.
Here at Maricopa Wellness Center our collagen peptides contain three highly potent forms of collagen; ensuring you get all the various benefits in an easily digestible form. It is nonflavored and can easily be mixed into hot or cold drinks.
