The doctor has arrived: selecting collagen

Dr. Tarun Sahni
Collagen is growing popular among individuals, with several pills and powders promising incredible advantages.
What precisely is collagen, and why does the body require it?
Collagen is the most prevalent protein in the body. Its fiber-like structure helps to build connective tissue. As the name indicates, this kind of tissue links other tissues and is a key component of bone, skin, muscles, tendons, and cartilage. It helps to build tissues that are robust and tough enough to tolerate strain. Despite the fact that collagen is plentiful in our bodies, it has become a top-selling supplement claiming to improve hair, skin, and nails—all of which are vital components of the fountain of youth.
Oral collagen treatments in the form of tablets, powders, and specific meals are considered to be more efficiently absorbed by the body, and their popularity has surged among customers. They can be purchased as collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen, both of which are more easily absorbed forms of collagen. Collagen supplements include amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Some collagen supplements may also contain minerals associated to good skin and hair, such as vitamin C, biotin, or zinc. Collagen’s major role is to give structure, strength, and support throughout your body.
Specific roles of collagen include:
• Increasing fibroblast development in your dermis (middle skin layer), which assists in the generation of new cells
• Contributing to the replacement of dead skin cells
• Providing organs with a protective coating
• Providing structure, strength, and flexibility to your skin
• Assisting with blood clotting
Do we need to take any supplements?
To some extent, collagen should be taken in conjunction with vitamin C to maximise its advantages. Vitamin C is very necessary for the body to make collagen. Most of us assume that we receive enough vitamin C from our diet, but research shows that we don’t. Vitamin C is involved in many processes inside our bodies and is readily eliminated, resulting in suboptimal blood levels.
Can the body manufacture enough collagen, and if so, under what circumstances?
As you become older, your body creates less collagen. You can’t know how much you have, but if it declines, you can get joint discomfort or tight tendons or ligaments. Your muscles may deteriorate. Another option is papery skin. Collagen supplements may be beneficial in alleviating these symptoms. Aside from the passage of time, three key variables will diminish your collagen levels: sunshine, smoking, and sugar. When exposed to UV light in excess, its fibres unravel. This can cause sun damage, such as wrinkles. Many of the chemicals found in cigarette smoke can promote skin sagging and wrinkles. Sugar tangles and cross-links the strands. This causes your skin to lose elasticity over time.