Collagen is a building protein that performs structural functions in all cells and tissues of the body, and is a basic component of the intercellular matrix. It occurs in various tissues and organs, including: skin, blood vessels, joint cartilage, bones and teeth. It constitutes about 33% of the proteins of the human body. There are about 29 types of this protein. Collagen types differ in their structural and functional features.
Collagen structure
Collagen proteins form characteristic structures: right-handed, extended superhelices, which are formed by winding three single, left handed polypeptide chains around a common axis. Each chain contains about 1,050 amino acids, of which 30% is glycine and about 20- 25% proline and hydroxyproline. Such a triple helix with a length of 300 nm and a diameter of 1.5 nm is the basic structural unit of collagen and is called tropocollagen. Collagen is the term for single alpha chains of amino acids. The collagen we usually mean is tropocollagen.
Collagen in the diet:
products rich in amino acids (proteins),
products rich in vitamin C,
products rich in minerals.
Collagen synthesis takes place mainly in fibroblasts and chondrocytes, and it consists only of endogenous amino acids.
Fibroblasts produce collagen from amino acids, the smallest components of proteins. Vitamin C determines the proper synthesis of collagen.
Functions of collagen in the human body:
maintaining the structural integrity of tissues and organs.
ensures the mechanical strength of the tissue: hardness, elasticity, elasticity, stiffness.
binds water in tissues.
takes part in the blood clotting process.
in regenerative processes: wound healing, scar formation, bone healing after fractures.
enables better absorption of minerals.
supports protective and repair processes in cartilage tissue, reduces the activity of enzymes responsible for inflammation and pain.
takes part in the cell renewal of the skin, ensuring its appropriate elasticity, smoothness, good tension and hydration.
stimulates immune cells.
supports the regeneration of the intestinal and stomach mucosa.
provides arteries and blood vessels with an appropriate structure that ensures proper blood flow.
Collagen in the diet:
products rich in amino acids (proteins),
products rich in vitamin C,
products rich in minerals.
Collagen synthesis takes place mainly in fibroblasts and chondrocytes, and it consists only of endogenous amino acids.
Fibroblasts produce collagen from amino acids, the smallest components of proteins. Vitamin C determines the proper synthesis of collagen.
Collagen deficiencies in the diet:
excessive fatigue,
sunken cheeks,
joint stiffness and pain,
longer wound healing time,
difficulty moving,
deterioration of the condition of skin, hair and nails
difficulties with concentration and learning,
development of diseases: osteoporosis, leaky gut syndrome, circulation problems.
All collagen molecules in the human body are composed mainly of three amino acids; glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. However, they differ in the way they are arranged and in their structure, and these differences determine the type of collagen.
The most popular types are collagen types I and III and collagen type II.
Type I: constitutes approximately 90% of the total collagen found in the body. It occurs mainly in the dermis, tendons, bones, ligaments, cornea, scar tissue, and subcutaneous tissue.
Type II: is a structural component of the hyaline cartilage of articular surfaces, it is also found in other tissues and in the retina, sclera and lens of the eye. It forms fibers together with type XI collagen.
Type III: accounts for approximately 15% of all collagen. It is a structural component of the uterus, intestines and blood vessels. It is an element of the dermis, liver, lung and spleen tissues, and is responsible for maintaining the proper muscle structure. It covers type I collagen and is responsible for its proper arrangement and skin elasticity.
Type IV: is the main component of the basement membrane, i.e. the intercellular matrix that attaches cells to each other. It occurs in nerve cells, adipose tissue, muscle fibers, epithelium and endothelium. It creates a scaffolding for other elements in the structure.
Type V: also called fibrous. This is a key protein in the process of fiber formation. It is responsible for the structure of the bone matrix, cornea, liver, lungs, placenta and maintaining the elasticity and strength of blood vessels.
Type VI: maintains the integrity of connective tissues by forming specific microfibers, creates a higher order structure.
Type VII: occurs in epithelial tissue, including the skin and on the surface of arteries, and is a key element connecting the basement membrane with the basal lamina.
Type VIII: occurs in the endothelium – tissues that make up the mucous membranes and the inside of veins and arteries, is present in the skin, brain, heart, kidneys, bones and cartilage.
Type IX: forms a bond to the surface of collagen fibers, occurs in the skin, brain, heart, kidneys, blood vessels, bones and cartilage.
Type X: is an important bone building material, found in cartilage.
Type XI: present in cartilage and intervertebral discs, responsible for maintaining the structure and elasticity of connective tissue, supports the action of type I collagen.
Type XII: occurs in cartilage, tendons and skin, bonds to the surface of collagen fibers.
Type XIII: present in skeletal muscle, heart, eye, skin and intramembrane cells.
Type XIV: located in vessels, eyes, nerves, tendons, bones, skin, cartilage, forms a bond to the surface of collagen fibers.
Type XV: stabilization of skeletal muscles and microvessels, occurs in capillaries, ovaries, heart, testes, skin, placenta, kidneys.
Type XVI: forms a bond to the surface of collagen fibers, occurs in the heart, smooth muscles, skin and kidneys.
Type XVII: occurs in the skin.
Type XVIII: responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the basement membrane, occurs in the kidneys, lungs and liver.
Type XIX: present in the belt of basement membranes in skeletal muscles, skin, kidneys, liver, placenta, spleen, prostate, forms a bond to the surface of collagen fibers.
Type XX: forms a bond to the surface of collagen fibers, occurs in the corneal epithelium.
Type XXI: forms a bond to the surface of collagen fibers, occurs in the stomach, kidneys, vessels, heart, placenta, and skeletal muscles.
Type XXII: forms tissue connections.
XXIII: containing transmembrane domains, metastatic carcinogenic cells, heart, retina.
Type XXIV: supports the action of collagen types I and II, occurs in bones and cornea.
Type XXV: present in the eye, brain, heart, testes, containing transmembrane domains.
Type XXVI: forms a bond to the surface of collagen fibers, occurs in the testicles and ovaries.
Type XXVII: supports the action of collagen types I and II, occurs in cartilage.
Type XXVIII: cells of the nervous system, forms microfibers.
Type XXIX: occurs in the skin, forms microfibers.
Aggregation (i.e. connection) of type I and III collagen fibers gives elasticity to tissues.
V: works with types I, II and III.
V and XI: play a major role in initiating the process of fibrillogenesis, i.e. the process by which the body produces collagen fibrils.
XI: supports the action of type I collagen.
XXIV: supports the action of collagen types I and II.
XXVII: supports the action of collagen types I and II.
Collagen functions in cosmetology:
takes part in skin cell renewal.
ensures adequate elasticity, smoothness and good tension.
creates a hydrophilic film on the skin surface and prevents transepidermal water loss.
normalizes oiling and regulates sebum secretion.
soothes irritations and affects skin regeneration.
helps in the fight against scars, stretch marks and cellulite.
helps in the care of skin affected by acne, capillaries and discoloration.
smoothes wrinkles and lines.
