Collagen
About Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and the main structural protein of the extracellular matrix. Its name comes from the Greek kolla, meaning glue. At least 28 types have been described; type I predominates in skin, bone and tendon, type II in cartilage and type III in skin and blood vessels. Each molecule is a triple helix of three polypeptide chains built on a repeating pattern rich in glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, and the hydroxylation of proline and lysine during synthesis requires vitamin C, which is why vitamin C deficiency in scurvy weakens connective tissue. Gelatin is denatured collagen. Hydrolyzed collagen, or collagen peptides, is processed into small fragments; after digestion, amino acids and some dipeptides such as prolyl hydroxyproline are absorbed into the blood. Supplements have been studied for skin elasticity and hydration, joint pain, tendon recovery and bone density, with modest and variable results. Nutritionally, collagen is an incomplete protein because it lacks the essential amino acid tryptophan.
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