By Dr. Nur Yılmaz
It is a structural protein molecule consisting of certain amino acid sequences called glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, alanine, glutamine. It is the main protein in connective tissues and constitutes 30% of all proteins.
In addition ,collagen is approximately
75% on the skin,
85% tendon,
90% bone (organic bone mass)
the rest is found in blood vessels and internal organs.
80% by mass of muscle tendons, 75% of the skin, and 90% of the whites of the eyes are made of collagen.
Firstly connective tissue cells called Fibroblasts produce collagen, which is a type of protein in our body. However, as we age, the production in our body slows down. With the age of 30, collagen production decreases by 1-2% every year and losses begin.
A healthy and young skin is directly proportional to the high collagen level. Our skin, the largest organ of our body, made of 3 layers:
1-Epidermis
2-Dermis
3-Hypodermis
Collagen and elastin fibers are found in the dermis layer. With the loss of collagen; The amount of hyaluronic acid in the dermis layer of the skin decreases, the skin begins to dry and becomes vulnerable to sunlight.
HOW CAN WE REDUCE COLLAGEN LOSS?
Although we cannot stop the loss of collagen, it is in our hands to prevent it from decreasing. So how should we take precautions?
To maintain a healthy body, it is important to consume foods that are rich in essential vitamins and minerals. This can include consuming foods that are rich in vitamin A (such as tomato, spinach, broccoli, grapefruit, leek, carrot, and apricot) and vitamin C (such as citrus fruits, blueberries, strawberries, kiwi, melon, and parsley). Additionally, drinking plenty of water and consuming the recommended daily amount of amino acids and protein from sources such as fish, meat products, milk, yogurt, cheese, hazelnuts, eggs, and legumes can also help. Other tips include consuming red vegetables and fruits (such as beets, apples, and cherries), paying attention to sleep patterns, and avoiding cigarettes and alcohol usage.
What is collagen peptide?
Protein is the structure in which amino acids connect to each other by peptide bonds.
Amino acids are formed by the help of collagen peptides, pancreas and proteases released from the small intestine as a result of the collaborated breakdown by specific enzymes such as “collagenase”. The gamma glutamyl cycle, i.e. glutathione is of great importance in the absorption of amino acids.
