Excess and deficiency of collagen - causes, symptoms and effects

What is collagen?

Collagen is one of the main building proteins in the human body. It is a natural polymer, which is a component of connective tissue, which is part of joint cartilage, teeth, tendons, bones and skin. It is a compound synthesized primarily in fibroblasts, the level of which in the body decreases with age.

The collagen can occur naturally in the human body, and can also be supplied to the body with food or in the form of dietary supplements. It is the valuable ingredient that can have a versatile effect on the human body. The collagen can strengthen bones and joints, help maintain the right amount of synovial fluid, and can also have a positive effect on the condition of blood vessels. The compound can also delay the aging process of the skin and support the mechanical strength of tissues.

Recommended dietary supplements with collagen

Causes of collagen deficiency in the human body

The collagen is a fibrillar protein whose content in the body decreases with age due to natural aging processes. The data obtained so far suggest that the collagen content in the human body decreases after 25 years of age, and the loss of the component is about 1.5% of the compound during the year. After the age of 30, collagen losses exceed the natural synthesis of substances, while around the age of 60, the human body no longer produces the endogenous collagen.

In addition to the aging process, low levels of the collagen can also be affected by other factors, such as:

chronic stress,
stimulants,
excessive exposure to sunlight,
environmental pollution,
sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity,
sleep deprivation,
using an incorrect, poorly balanced diet,
improper hydration.

Adversely on the level of collagen in the body can also be affected by hormonal disorders, mechanical loads, as well as some diseases occurring in the body.

Collagen deficiency - symptoms

Reducing the level of collagen in the human body is a natural phenomenon. What are the symptoms of collagen deficiency? The data obtained so far suggest that the lack of collagen is associated with non-specific symptoms and may cause, among others:

chronic fatigue,
increased brittleness of hair and nails,
excessive hair loss,
lowering immunity,
loss of elasticity and firmness of the skin,
slowing down the wound healing process,
disorders of circulatory processes,
increase in blood pressure,
increased risk of injury.

The collagen plays an important role in the proper functioning of the locomotor system. Lack of the collagen in the joints can be a dangerous phenomenon, contributing to the occurrence of undesirable symptoms, such as:

increased susceptibility to damage and increased bone fragility,
stiffness of joints,
difficulty with movement,
joint and muscle pain,
increased risk of developing osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

How to supplement collagen deficiency in the body?

To increase the level of collagen in the human body, it is worth introducing appropriate modifications in everyday life - take care of the right length and quality of sleep, regularly do sport, reduce stress levels and also to give up smoking cigarettes and limit alcohol consumption.

To supplement collagen deficiencies in the body, it is also worth focusing on the daily diet - crow's feet, offal, meat and fish jellies, as well as decoctions prepared on bones, cartilages and animal and fish skins are considered sources of the collagen. However, since these are products that are considered rich sources of fat and cholesterol, they should not be included in the menu too often. However, it is worth using in the daily menu food rich in compounds that can support endogenous collagen production. Such components of the diet can include, among others, legumes, eggs, vegetables or fruits - especially rich in vitamin C, such as orange, kiwi, strawberries, spinach, kale or pepper.

A good solution among people struggling with low levels of the collagen in the body may also be collagen supplements, which are a concentrated source of the desired substance.

Dietary supplements with collagen

On the market of dietary supplements, can be found many collagen preparations that are enjoying growing interest among consumers - both among athletes and among people who care about a beautiful and healthy appearance.

Collagen in tablets is available, as well as youth protein in the form of capsules, in powder or in the form of handy shots. It is possible to provide the collagen to the body in the form of one-component products, as well as in the form of comprehensive dietary supplements, which in addition to the collagen also contain other valuable ingredients, such as vitamin C, chondroitin, MSM or glucosamine.

Choosing the right form of supplementation is a matter of individual needs and preferences of the consumer. When deciding to use preparations containing the valuable compound, it is worth remembering, that collagen supplements should always be used in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines, so as not to lead to excessive consumption of the ingredient and the occurrence of undesirable side effects.

Sources of collagen and vitamin C in cups

Excess collagen - causes

Collagen deficiency is a much more frequent phenomenon than excessive supply of the component, but it is worth paying attention to the fact that too high level of the collagen in the body can also negatively affect the functioning of the human body. What can be the causes of excess collagen?

Excess collagen in the body is most often the result of improper supplementation with preparations considered as sources of the component. However, other factors may also contribute to too high a level of the compound in the body, such as autoimmune diseases, genetic mutations or hormonal disorders. The reason for the excess of collagen may also be tissue damage, which may contribute to the disorder of the wound healing process.

Excess collagen - symptoms

Too high levels of collagen in the human body can contribute to the occurrence of undesirable symptoms, such as:

epidermal thickening and hardening of the skin,
scarring, or the formation of mild fibrous hyperplasia of the skin,
joint pain,
tingling and numbness in the extremities.

Long-term excess of collagen in the body can also cause palpitations and chest pain.

Bibliography:

Natalia Goździak

Copywriter - nutritionist. Bachelor's degree in sports dietetics She graduated from the Academy of Physical Education in Poznan, while her master's degree in dietoprophylaxis and dietotherapy - from the University of Physical Education in Poznan. at UP in Poznań. However, she treats the principles of healthy eating primarily as valuable guidelines, rather than strict rules that must be strictly followed. Knowledge in the field of copywriting, on the other hand, she draws from courses and industry literature, but since the best way to learn is to practice. learning is practice, she spends many hours each day playing with words and creating new, unique content. content. Privately, she is passionate about photography and can't imagine life without books.