Collagen is “the essential bodily protein” that is most abundant and important in the body. It is a protein in the human body that plays many roles in maintaining good health. Collagen holds all the structures of the body together, supporting our organs and keeping skin firm and elastic.
Humans produce collagen naturally. Older collagen fibers are broken down in the body and replaced by new collagen fibers. When healthy young people eat enough high quality protein foods, the protein is broken down into amino acids and used to create new collagen.
However, collagen production slows as we grow older. Between the ages of 20 and 30, collagen production slows down by nearly one third, and by age 65, our bodies produce barely half as much collagen as they did when we were younger.
Other factors influencing collagen production:
- Sun exposure
- Smoking
- Stress
- Lack of exercise
- Poor eating habits
- Certain diseases
- Pesticides
- Other environmental factors
Lower collagen production has consequences:
- Wrinkles
- Sagging skin
- Joint pain
- Limited mobility
- Slower injury recovery
- Loss of energy