Collagen protein is essential for healthy tissue structures in the body, found in high concentrations in connective tissues such as skin, tendons, and ligaments. Deficiencies can lead to serious physical ailments and premature aging, but can be alleviated through supplements or increased dietary amino acid intake. Claims that collagen protein supplements aid weight loss are largely without scientific basis.
Collagen protein is one of a family of proteins found in mammalian tissues. These proteins are particularly abundant in muscle and connective tissues, as well as in skin, cartilage, and blood vessels. Collagen protein is a critical component of healthy tissue structures in most areas of the body, and deficiencies can lead to serious physical ailments and premature aging. Collagen deficiencies are most commonly caused by genetic defects and nutritional imbalances and can be alleviated through the use of a collagen protein supplement. Supplementary preparations containing the protein are also claimed to be beneficial in weight loss regimens.
This group of proteins represents a significant percentage of the total protein content of the human body, with average concentrations between 25 and 35%. Collagen is an essential component of tissue and is found in high concentrations in fibrous connective tissue such as skin, tendons, and ligaments. It is also found in muscle connective tissues and in bone, blood vessels, and cartilage. Deficiencies in collagen can lead to serious health problems and a variety of less-threatening conditions, including premature aging of the skin, dull hair, and weak or brittle nails.
The body makes collagen proteins from amino acids in the diet. When this process is adversely affected by genetic defects or a lack of adequate dietary intake of natural amino acids, collagen deficiencies can arise. The natural aging process in all humans also sees a gradual reduction in collagen production and the breakdown of existing collagen components in connective tissue. This process results in a loss of elasticity in the skin that results in sagging and wrinkles. Collagen depletion also leads to cellulite, dry skin, and loss of condition of hair and nails. For these reasons, most topical antiaging products have a strong collagen component formulated for easy absorption into the skin.
Fortunately, there is a wide range of collagen protein supplements available in case a deficiency is identified. Many of these supplements combine collagen protein compounds with other protein sources such as predigested whey. However, as with most essentials, natural sources are always best, and it is preferable to increase collagen production through increased dietary amino acid intake. There have also been claims, some as far back as the 1970s, that collagen protein supplements can aid weight loss, although these are largely without scientific basis and should be viewed with caution.
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