The Collagen basics
There are 28 known types of collagen, with type I collagen accounting for 90% of the
collagen in the human body.
Collagen is composed mainly of the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids form three strands, which make up the triple-helix structure
characteristic of collagen.
Collagen is found in connective tissue, skin, tendons, bones, and cartilage. It provides
structural support to tissues and plays important roles in cellular processes, including:
· tissue repair
· immune response
· cellular communication eg. cell signalling to stimulate growth
· cellular migration, a process necessary for tissue maintenance & regeneration
Connective tissue cells called fibroblasts produce and maintain collagen. Typically around the age of 25, collagen becomes fragmented, fibroblast function becomes impaired, and collagen production slows. These changes, along with the loss of another key structural protein called elastin, lead to signs of ageing such as reduced skin elasticity.
i.am collagen
Our products incorporate one of the best marine collagen peptides in the world, manufactured in France to the highest possible standards for;
1. Efficacy – we only want to use the best-performing collagens
2. Sensory - there is no fishy taste or smell
3. Solubility – our collagens are highly soluble so are easily consumed in food or beverages.
While using the best collagens in our products does come at a cost, we will not compromise on quality.
Preventing
collagen loss
While collagen loss and damage from ageing are inevitable, certain dietary and lifestyle factors can accelerate this process. For example;
· Smoking - is proven to degrade collagen and cause skin ageing, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity.
· Excessive drinking - has also been shown to accelerate skin ageing by reducing collagen production and damaging skin repair mechanisms.
· High-sugar, ultra-processed diet - can lead to premature ageing by contributing to a process called glycation, which reduces collagen turnover and interferes with collagen’s ability to interact with surrounding cells and proteins.
· Excessive sun exposure - degrades collagen production as well, so wearing sunscreen and avoiding excessive sun exposure can help prevent signs of premature skin ageing.
Are all collagen
supplements equal?
Marine collagen is the most potent collagen when compared to Bovine and Porcine collagens. Comparatively, it is both highly soluble and bioavailable. However, collagen is a protein with a long amino acid chain. Unless it is broken down into smaller chains - also called Hydrolysed Collagen or Collagen Peptides - they are difficult to absorb. Collagen should also be paired with Vitamin C to increase bioavailability and absorption.