10KATE Laboratories

What is Collagen, and what different types are there?

Posted on by Melissa
09
Aug

 

What is collagen?

In the human body, collagen is a structural protein that is widely present and plays a number of vital roles in maintaining good health. Collagen can be compared to the “glue” that keeps your body together and gives your tissues their integrity, strength, and flexibility.

Types of Collagen

At least 28 different types of collagen have been identified in a variety of connective tissues such as cartilage, muscle, bones, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, skin, and nails. However, 5 types are most commonly found and it’s important to know the difference when buying a collagen supplement.

Type 1 Collagen

Type 1 collagen makes up about 80-90% of the collagen found in the human body. The long, tightly packed collagen fibers in type 1 form a matrix that’s flexible yet unbreakable. It’s vital for providing structure, strength, and elasticity to your skin, tendons, muscles, organs, blood vessels, bones, and even the cornea of your eyes. Type 1 collagen is probably most well-known for its skin health benefits. It makes up roughly 90% of collagen in the skin and is necessary for a supple, hydrated, and youthful appearance.

Type 2 Collagen

The majority of the cartilage in joints is made up of type 2 collagen fibers.
About 90% of good articular cartilage is made of it, and it produces a smooth sliding surface that prevents the ends of the bones from grating against one another.
Type 2 has shock-absorbing qualities that cushion joints and keep them flexible thanks to its shorter fibers than type 1.
Our Carticol pills, which have been professionally created to lessen painful arthritis and joint degradation, contain undenatured collagen type 2.

Type 3 Collagen

Type 3 collagen is the 2nd most abundant form of collagen in the body. These densely packed fibers work in conjunction with type 1 collagen to give firmness and elasticity to skin, muscles, lung tissue, the uterus, and the digestive tract.

Type 4 Collagen

Type 4 collagen is a little different from other forms of collagen as it’s a sheet-like protein. It makes up the basal lamina – a thin, cushion-like layer of fluid that’s a vital part of the endothelial cells that surround and protect muscles, digestive organs, respiratory organs, blood vessels, and fat cells.

Type 5 Collagen

Type 5 collagen consists of very long, thin fibers that work in conjunction with collagen types 1 and 3 to support healthy skin, eyes, and hair. It’s also essential for proper fetal development as it strengthens the placental tissue responsible for providing nutrients and oxygen to a baby in utero

Health Benefits of Supplementing with Collagen

After the age of 30, your body’s capacity to make collagen starts to wane.
Lifestyle factors like smoking, excessive sun exposure, long-term stress, and vitamin shortages also reduce the amount of collagen in the body.

You may benefit from a collagen supplement if you have one or more of these symptoms:
 
  • Premature wrinkles
  • Dry skin
  • Slow wound healing
  • Stretch marks
  • Brittle nails
  • Loss of muscle mass
  • Arthritis
  • Stiff tendons and ligaments

Benefits of Undenatured Collagen Type 2

Undenatured type 2 collagen promotes joint and connective tissue health by modulating the immune response, reducing inflammation, and supporting your body’s healing process.

Research supports the use of undenatured collagen for treating the following joint conditions:

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful condition that results when collagen in joint cartilage is broken down and damaged due to wear and tear. When this occurs, T-cells in the immune system start to attack the cartilage matrix, causing inflammation. The most common risk factors for osteoarthritis are aging, repetitive exercise, and excess body weight. Undenatured type 2 collagen is clinically proven to modulate the immune response to reduce collagen breakdown and minimize the symptoms of osteoarthritis. This is known as “oral tolerance” and occurs when undenatured collagen molecules interact with Peyer’s patches in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) that lines the intestinal tract1. When taken in small doses, it downregulates the immune system, preventing T-cells from attacking collagen in the joints. A 2016 study in the Nutrition Journal looked at the impact of undenatured type 2 collagen (UC-II) on the symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis. It found that taking 40 mg of UC-II daily resulted in a significant improvement in pain, stiffness, and mobility2.
 
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Research supports the use of low-dose undenatured type 2 collagen for active rheumatoid arthritis – a painful and debilitating autoimmune condition that affects joint linings. Through oral tolerance, it may slow down collagen degradation and reduce joint swelling and tenderness3.
 
10katecarticol

Carticol®–
Undenatured Collagen Type 2

Important micronutrients for cartilage function and bone health ** with high-dose, Undenatured Collagen Type 2 (160 mg).

 

The best for your joints!

Benefits of Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides

Aches and pains, muscle loss, loose skin, weak bones, and other signs of premature aging don’t have to be your fate! Hydrolyzed collagen peptides provide your body with the building blocks needed to keep your connective tissue in good shape. The small peptides are easily absorbed in the digestive tract, where they get to work rebuilding your body’s collagen stores and improving your quality of life.
Supports Skin Health
Since your skin is made up of roughly 70% collagen (90% of which is type 1), hydrolyzed type 1 collagen peptides are ideal for promoting a healthy skin barrier and a glowing appearance. The bioavailable peptides stimulate collagen production and support the synthesis of elastin and hyaluronic acid, compounds needed for holding onto moisture and maintaining elasticity. A 2018 systematic review published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that taking hydrolyzed collagen peptides boosted the collagen density of the skin and noticeably improved skin elasticity and hydration4.
 
Encourages Strong Hair and Nails
Collagen is an essential structural protein for maintaining strong, smooth nails and lustrous hair. Ensuring your body has access to collagen peptides supports hair and nail growth and reduces brittle nails5.
 
Promotes Joint Health
Supplementation with hydrolyzed type-2 collagen is ideal for seniors and exercise enthusiasts who want to enhance joint mobility and physical performance. A growing body of evidence suggests collagen peptides support the synthesis of type 2 collagen in articular cartilage. This helps to improve quality of life and reduce the joint pain and stiffness associated with arthritis, intense exercise, and excess body weight1, 7.
 
Strengthens Muscles
Collagen Type 1 and type 3 are the predominant forms of collagen found in your musculoskeletal system, providing structure, strength, and flexibility to muscle tissue. However, declining collagen levels and loss of muscle mass occur with aging, resulting in weakness, poor mobility, and a loss of independence. Research has found, when used in conjunction with resistance exercise, hydrolyzed collagen peptides support muscle growth and strength8, 9. They provide the body with amino acid building blocks to stimulate collagen production and muscle protein synthesis. And it’s not just useful for older people, it’s also beneficial for athletes who want to improve their muscle strength and flexibility.
 
Promotes Healthy Bone Density
Hydrolyzed collagen provides your body with the materials needed to synthesize collagen type 1 and type 3 – the main proteins found in bone tissue. When used in conjunction with an exercise program and nutrient-dense diet, hydrolyzed collagen peptides provide the framework for strong, flexible bone tissue.
 
Enhances General Well-Being
You don’t need to wait until you’re struggling with chronic symptoms before supplementing with hydrolyzed collagen peptides! It’s a wonderful preventative supplement for general well-being; supporting your body’s collagen production to ensure you keep looking and feeling young.

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