Collagen: schützt, verbindet, hält zusammen

Gesundheit und Schönheit von Innen!

 

Wussten Sie, dass bis zu 35% des gesamten Eiweißgehalts unseres Körpers aus einer Proteinart besteht?

Dieses Protein ist eine Schlüsselkomponente unseres Bindegewebes - das am weitesten verbreitete Gewebe im Körper, das andere Körpergewebe bindet, hält, unterstützt und stärkt sowie die Organe isoliert und schützt.

Es bildet unsere Bänder, Sehnen, Haut, Gelenke, Knorpel, Knochen und sogar die Darmschleimhaut, Blutgefäße und unsere Zähne! Es ist daher absolut wichtig für die Gesundheit und ordnungsgemäße Integrität und Funktion auf allen Geweben und Organen.

 

Lesen Sie mehr zu Collagen (Kollagen) in englischer Sprache von unserem Partner BioCare. Continue reading in english from our partners BioCare:


Did you know that up to 35% of all body protein content is made up of one type of protein? This protein is a key component of our connective tissue – the most widely distributed tissue in the body, which binds, holds, supports and strengthens other body tissues, as well as insulating and protecting the organs. It makes up our ligaments, tendons, skin, joints, cartilage, bone and even the gut lining, blood vessels and our teeth! It is therefore absolutely vital to health and proper integrity and function on ALL body tissues and organs.

 

So, what is this protein? We are talking about collagen, of course. You may have heard about collagen from face cream adverts, but as you can see, it does so much more than just preventing wrinkles!

 

Like any protein, collagen is made up of long chains of amino acids, however the high concentration of proline and glycine make collagen quite unique. There are several steps and enzymatic processes in collagen synthesis, and by the end, we end up with a three-dimensional and adaptable structure. The important bit to remember here, is that those enzymes require vitamin C. Without adequate supply of vitamin C this process won’t work efficiently, and without continuous collagen supply, we can end up with weak connective tissue and problems with our joints, skin, bones and so on. Each of those tissues, whether it’s your joints or your skin, are structurally different. Some are more elastic and stretchy (e.g. tendons) whereas some are tough and rigid (e.g. bone).

 

Apart from collagen, there are other important molecules that bind with each other forming a distinctive blend of material, each with different characteristics and functions. These include hyaluronic acid, glucosamine or chondroitin. Collagen often forms the backbone, onto which those other components attach, e.g. minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in bones. If you are looking for a product that combines all of these in one synergistic solution, click here.



Common signs of weak connective tissue and decreased collagen synthesis:

  • Decreased skin elasticity, sagging, wrinkles, easy bruising
  • Joint problems such as arthritis, stiffness and pain
  • Frequent sport injuries e.g. torn ligaments
  • Broken facial capillaries - so called ‘spider veins’
  • Bone problems – osteopenia, osteoporosis, fractures
  • Rare conditions such as Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (BJHS) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which are caused by genetic mutations which disrupt the structure, production, or processing of collagen
  • Intestinal permeability, aka ‘leaky gut’
  • If you have an inflammatory condition, there is a higher chance of collagen damage
  • Collagen synthesis generally decreases with age

But not all collagen is equal

 

In fact, our body produces various types of collagen, for example type 1, 2, 3 and so on. However, type 1 forms the vast majority of body collagen. Although we can buy collagen in powders or supplements, it is not guaranteed that it will be used properly in the body, because it is quite a big molecule and it gets broken down in the stomach, rendering it less useful. That’s why it is important to get the right type of collagen, with proven benefits. Marine Collagen displays high resemblance to human collagen and is therefore easily absorbed through the gut wall and quickly delivered to the target tissues.[i],[ii],[iii] It can improve skin elasticity,[iv] hydration and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.[v] This form can also improve the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) – another component of joints, ligaments and tendons.[vi]

 

We also need to support the body’s ability to produce collagen and prevent it from getting damaged. In addition, we can provide other nutrients to support general connective tissue health. Here are some of the main ones:

  • Vitamin C increases collagen synthesis by acting as a co-factor for hydroxylase enzymes.[vii],[viii]
  • Rutin is a flavonoid which has antioxidant properties.[ix],[x] It supports circulation, decreasing blood vessel fragility and permeability. It can be helpful for thread and varicose veins and reduce the tendency to bruise easily.[xi]
  • Hesperidin helps to spare collagen in connective tissue[xii] and reduces inflammation.[xiii]
  • Hyaluronic Acid is a viscous substance found in different types of connective tissue like skin and cartilage, muscles, organs –e.g. brain and eyes. It is also found in synovial fluid, helping to lubricate joints, reduce friction and the skin epidermis, having a vital protective role and providing hydration.[xiv] It can reduce the appearance of wrinkles with significant improvements in skin lustre and suppleness.[xv] It increases skin moisture in people with dry skin,[xvi] whilst long term supplementation may improve symptoms of osteoarthritis.[xvii]
  • Rosehips provide more vitamin C than citrus fruits[xviii] and have high antioxidant activity.[xix]. Rosehip’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties makes it a potential agent for protecting joints and supporting osteoarthritis,[xx] by reducing degradation of joint cartilage.[xxi]
  • Nucleotides are organic compounds which are part of DNA and RNA, essential for cell division, repair[xxii] and regeneration of damaged tissue.[xxiii]
  • Glucosamine (and related compounds like chondroitin) form glycosaminoglycans and prevent collagen degradation and free radical production.[xxiv]
  • Antioxidants such as berry/cherry extracts, grapeseed[xxv] and pine bark[xxvi] reduce collagen breakdown

All of those nutrients together are much more powerful than a single ingredient. Because of the abundance of collagen in the body, supporting its production can potentially have many positive effects on our health. That is why we developed Collagen Complex, read more about it here.

 

Got a question? The brand you can talk to:

We have a team of Clinical Nutritionists at the end of our advice line, open to you, for product support and advice (5 days a week). 0121 433 8702 or clinicalnutrition@biocare.co.uk. Or send an e-mail to info@nourishme.ch


i] De Luca C, et al. Skin Antiageing and Systemic Redox Effects of Supplementation with Marine Collagen Peptides and Plant-Derived Antioxidants: A Single-Blind Case-Control Clinical Study. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016;2016:4389410.

[ii] Ichikawa, S. et al., 2010, Hydroxyproline-containing dipeptides and tripeptides quantified at high concentration in human blood after oral administration of gelatine hydrolysate. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 61 (1):52-60

[iii] Shigemura, Y. et al., 2014, Dose-dependent changes in the levels of free and peptide forms of hydroxyproline in human plasma after collagen hydrolysate ingestion, Food Chemistry, 159:328-332

[iv] De Luca C, et al. Skin Antiageing and Systemic Redox Effects of Supplementation with Marine Collagen Peptides and Plant-Derived Antioxidants: A Single-Blind Case-Control Clinical Study. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016;2016:4389410.

[v] Inoue N, Sugihara F, Wang X. Ingestion of bioactive collagen hydrolysates enhance facial skin moisture and elasticity and reduce facial ageing signs in a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study. J Sci Food Agric. 2016;96(12):4077-81.

[vi] Asserin J, et al. The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015;14(4):291-301.

[vii] Murad et al Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.USA 78(5)

[viii] Boyera et al. Effect of vitamin C and its derivatives on collagen synthesis and cross-linking by normal human fibroblasts. Int J Cosmet Sci. 1998; 20 (3): 151-8.

[ix] Kostyuk VA, Potapovich AI. Antiradical and chelating effects in flavonoids protection against silica induced cell injury. Arch Biochem Biophys 1998 Jul 1;355(1):43-8

[x] Escarpa A, Gonzalez MC. High performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection for the determination of phenolic compounds in peel and pulp from different apple varieties. J Chromatogr A. 1998 Oct 9;823(1-2):331-7

[xi] Clement D L. Management of venous edema: insights from an international task force. Angiology. 2000; 51:13-17

[xii] Balakrishnan, Menon. Effect of hesperidin on matrix metalloproteinases and antioxidant status during nicotine-induced toxicity. Toxicology. 2007; 238 (2-3): 90-8.

[xiii] Choi et al. Hesperidin inhibits expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha and inflammatory cytokine production from mast cells. Mol Cell Biochem. 2007; 305: 153-61.

[xiv] Oe M, et al. Oral hyaluronan relieves knee pain: a review. Nutrition Journal. 2015;15:11.

[xv] Oe M, et al O. Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study over a 12-week period. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:267-273.

[xvi] Kawada C, et al. Ingested hyaluronan moisturizes dry skin. Nutrition Journal. 2014;13:70.

[xvii] Tashiro T, et al. Oral Administration of Polymer Hyaluronic Acid Alleviates Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study over a 12-Month Period. The Scientific World Journal. 2012;2012:167928.

[xviii] Roman et al. Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of Rosa canina L. biotypes from spontaneous flora of Translyvania. Chem Cent. J. 2013; 7: 73

[xix] Tumbas et al. Effect of rosehip (Rosa canina L.) phytochemicals on stable free radicals and human cancer cells. J Sci Food Agric. 2012 Apr; 92 (6): 1273-81

[xx] Winther, K, Apel, K, Thamsborg, G., A powder made from seeds and shells of a rose-hip subspecies (Rosa canina) reduces symptoms of knee and hip osteoarthritis: a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Scand J Rheumatol. 2005 Jul-Aug; 34 (4): 302-8

[xxi] Schwager et al. A novel rose hip preparation with enhanced anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects. Mediators Inflamm. 2014; 2014: 105710

[xxii]Hess JR, Greenberg NA. ‘The role of nucleotides in the immune and gastrointestinal systems: potential clinical applications

[xxiii] Verkerk R. ‘Nucleotides: Speculation on lifestyle-Induced Essentiality’. NHD Magazine. 2011: 67:29-32

[xxiv] Tiku et al. Glucosamine prevents in vitro collagen degradation in chondrocytes by inhibiting advanced lipoxidation reactions and protein oxidation. Arthritis Res Ther. 2007; 9 (4) :R76.

[xxv] Boniface, Robert. Effect of anthocyanins on human connective tissue metabolism in the human. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd. 1996; 209(6): 368-72.

[xxvi] Grimm et al. Inhibition of NF-κB activation and MMP-9 secretion by plasma of human volunteers after ingestion of maritime pine bark extract. Journal of Inflammation. 2006; 3: 1.

 

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