When consuming collagen, it is recommended to consume it with Vitamin C to enable the body to convert collagen into a usable protein.

In its most basic definition, collagen is the most abundant type of structural protein in animals. A structural protein is a type that forms the framework of your cells and tissues.

Protein is mainly composed of three types of amino acids: glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which work to form the characteristic triple helix structure of collagen.

A certain type of connective tissue cells known as fibroblasts also work in the human body to produce and maintain collagen. As we age, collagen can break down and this can impair the function of fibroblasts and slow collagen production. This, along with the loss of skin elasticity in the human body, is the primary cause of signs of aging such as wrinkles and saggy skin.

The main causes of collagen loss.

Did you know that as you age, your collagen production naturally decreases?

During the aging process, collagen breaks down and is distributed more loosely, causing the most characteristic signs of aging, such as wrinkles, skin sagging, and less moisture in your skin, to become more pronounced.

While collagen loss is an inevitable part of aging, certain lifestyle factors and diets can accelerate the process. These factors include sun exposure, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and choices such as a high sugar or overly processed diet. All of these factors can cause premature aging by degrading collagen, resulting in:

Wrinkles

Skin aging

Damage to skin repair mechanisms

Glycation can also occur, where there is a reduction in the collagen turnover and inhibition of collagen from interacting with cells and proteins. Some of the best things you can do to prevent these symptoms from becoming more pronounced as you age are to never smoke, reduce alcohol intake, use daily sunscreen, and avoid excessive sun exposure.

Amino acids aren’t the only things your body needs for collagen production. Vitamin C, which is found in high amounts in citrus, peppers, greens and strawberries, is also necessary for collagen synthesis. Certain plant compounds also aid in collagen production, and these compounds can help improve the health of your skin by reducing any inflammation and preventing collagen breakdown from occurring in the first place.