Collagen is a protein found in mammals and is the most abundant protein in the body (it makes up about 30% of the proteins in humans). It is the major component of connective tissue such as skin, ligaments and tendons and is also found in bones, cartilage, blood vessels and the gut.

Functions of collagen

Collagen has very good tensile strength and therefore gives cells structure from the outside. It is found in all smooth muscle tissues, blood vessels, the digestive tract and many soft organs, and is responsible for holding the cells and tissues together. It binds connective tissue (e.g. ligaments to the skeleton) and provides elasticity and strength while protecting the softer tissues.

Collagen protects structures such as the skin by preventing the taking up and spreading of pathogenic substances, environmental toxins and micro-organisms. It plays a major part in the elasticity and youthfulness of skin, allowing it to contract and expand without damage.

Uses

There are many different uses for collagen and this varies from use in cosmetics, casings for sausages and gelatin to the manufacture of strings for musical instruments.

Aging and collagen

Collagen, along with keratin, creates the elasticity, softness and strength of skin. Unfortunately collagen production slows down with age, causing cell structures to be less strong and elastic. This leads to sagging skin and wrinkles, lifeless hair, less flexible tendons and increased proneness to injury.

Medical advances

Medical research has found that collagen can be used in treatment for heart disease, gum healing, wound care management, reconstructive surgical uses as well as treatment for arthritis.

 

 

Sources
Di Lullo, Gloria A.; Sweeney, Shawn M.; Körkkö, Jarmo; Ala-Kokko, Leena & San Antonio, James D. (2002). “Mapping the Ligand-binding Sites and Disease-associated Mutations on the Most Abundant Protein in the Human, Type I Collagen”. J. Biol. Chem. 277 (6): 4223–4231.
Sikorski, Zdzisław E. (2001). Chemical and Functional Properties of Food Proteins. Boca Raton: CRC Press. p. 242.
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