Collagen – what is it and why do we need it?

Collagen has been talked about a lot in recent days. It is the most important protein in our body and the main component of skin, tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, bones and teeth. Its deficiency can cause many problems. In this text, you will learn what collagen is and what role it plays in health and beauty.

Protein of youth and the foundation for the skin

These are just a few terms used to describe collagen, which shows how important this substance is for our health and well-being. Collagen is responsible for the proper hydration of the skin and the renewal of its cells, as well as securing our internal organs and giving tissues stretch resistance.

Collagen is in fact is not a single protein, there are several types: the most common type I is present in skin, tendons and bones, while type II collagen is found, for example, in cartilage.

Often we believe that ageing skin or worse well-being is something that cannot be fought. That is not quite the case. Of course, we cannot stop wrinkles or discomfort, but we can have a significant impact on them – for example, by supplementing collagen. Until around the age of 26, we produce it ourselves (an average 3 kg per year, by way of replacement – the one that breaks down is replaced by a new one). However, troubles start later, when we lose this ability.

What happens when there is not enough collagen in our body?

Deficiency not only affects our appearance, but also our mood. From the outside, we notice that the skin is no longer as firm and elastic as it used to be. There may be more wrinkles or discoloration on the face, and cellulite around thighs and glutes, which is the bane of even slim women. Some may see that their hair has become dull and brittle and their nails much weaker than they were before.

A lack of collagen causes osteoarticular problems. Can’t keep up with your grandchildren? Do you feel soreness in your shoulder or wrist after a Saturday cleaning? This could be a sign of a collagen deficiency!

Collagen – drink or tablets?

When discussing collagen supplementation, the question of whether to choose collagen in tablets or liquid often comes up. Some, on the other hand, believe that eating meat jellies, or auszpiks, is superior to taking supplements. Who is right?

To begin with, the absorbability of collagen is related to its hydrolysis, that is, its breaking down into individual amino acids. These are absorbed at about 95 per cent in the intestines and are carried throughout the body. So, if you are looking for a good collagen supplement, you should go for the hydrolysed variant.

And what about pork jelly? We have some good news for their enthusiasts: according to majority of experts, they are a very healthy delicacy and we should not deny them to ourselves. However, it is difficult to make up for collagen deficiency with food alone – we would have to eat auszpik almost every day, which is not really possible. Therefore, it is worth including meat jellies in the diet, without giving up supplements.