Collagen represents about 25% of all protein in the human body. Its function is primarily structural, that is, provides support to cells, holding them together, being the main protein component of organs such as skin, bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
This protein is produced in the human body from birth. However, in female maturity, estrogen deficiency causes a decrease in the amount of fibroblasts, cells responsible for the production of collagen.
Decreasing collagen causes muscles to become flabby, bone density to decrease, joints and ligaments to lose their elasticity and strength, and cartilage surrounding the joints to become fragile and porous.
Deficiency of this substance is also associated with the slowdown of activity of the sebaceous and sweat glands, which produce the oil that protects the skin, causing dehydration and loss of elasticity of the skin, causing sensitivity that leads to poor healing, sagging and the appearance of wrinkles and stains.
Studies show that from age 30, the body suffers an annual loss of approximately one percent of collagen. "At maturity, which reaches around 50, we produce on average only 35% of the collagen we need," says expert Ione Queiroga, nutritionist at Onvittá da Onodera.
However, collagen reduction is not only related to the arrival of maturity, since external factors may also reflect negatively on protein levels. Habits such as smoking and excessive sun exposure reduce the supply of collagen in the body, affecting the support and elasticity of the skin. Not to mention stress, which causes premature cell aging and consequent nutrient loss ?, comments Beatriz Botequio de Moraes, nutritionist at Equilibrium Nutrition and Wellness Consultancy.
Collagen Replacement
Collagen can be replenished in our body through a balanced diet. Animal foods such as red meat, for example, are excellent sources of collagen. In some cases supplementation through daily use of industrially extracted collagen from animal bones, skins and tendons is recommended.
A study at the University of Kiel in Germany showed that collagen supplementation in the normal daily diet helps prevent and treat degenerative diseases of bones and joints such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, thus avoiding the use of painkillers and antidepressants. inflammatory.
In addition, the Medcin Institute of Skin and Dermatology, Sao Paulo, in a clinical investigation identified that ingestion of collagen supplement contributes to skin firmness, elasticity and hydration.
The results showed that women who consumed five grams a day had a 17% increase in hydration, 5.5% in firmness and 10% in skin elasticity.
Some doctors, based on these studies, are indicating collagen replacement through supplements as both a new tool for treating osteoarthritis and maintaining beauty.
Benefits of Collagen Supplementation
Collagen supplementation is not an exclusive necessity of mature women. Using it before age 30, in addition to preventing future damage to the health of the skin and joints, contributes to the strengthening of nails, hair and even to weight loss and combat cellulite and stretch marks.
Collagen contributes to weight loss because it generates satiety. If consumed before meals collagen helps to reduce appetite. According to Valéria Goulart, a nutritionist at the Brazilian Association of Nutrology, the powder version is the most suitable to help with weight loss: "It forms a kind of gel that expands in the stomach and takes up space, reducing hunger," he explains.
Collagen also stimulates fat breakdown by improving protein metabolism, which helps in increasing muscle mass, ensuring a firm and cellulite-free body. The fight against cellulite is also because collagen improves the lymphatic system, sweeping toxins more easily.
Collagen supplementation has no contraindications, but it is ideal to talk to a doctor so that he can properly assess the amount of collagen indicated to meet your need, whether it be for health or aesthetic aspects.
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