Endogenous Collagen Secrets

By Dr. Magdy Badran

CAIRO, Feb. 1 (SEE) - Collagen is a hard, insoluble, and fibrous protein that makes up around 30% of the protein found in the human body. It is found in the bones, muscles, tendons, teeth, skin, the cornea and lens of the eye.

Connective tissue is the material that forms the structural framework for your organs, bones, eyes, tendons, cartilage, skin, blood vessels, lymphatics, and muscles. Collagen is the chief protein in connective tissue.

Collagen is manufactured by specialized cells called fibroblasts. These cells are capable of incorporating amino acids into the collagen molecule. Glycine, proline, and lysine are the primary amino acids found in collagen, accounting for at least 50 percent of its amino acid content.

There are at least 16 types of collagen, more than 29 sub-types of collagens that naturally occur in the body. Type 1 collagen fibrils are particularly capable of being stretched. Gram-for-gram, collagen fibrils are stronger than steel.

Endogenous collagen is natural collagen, produced by the body. Exogenous collagen is synthetic. It comes from an outside source, such as supplements. Exogenous collagen is used for medical and cosmetic purposes, including the repair of body tissues.

The word "collagen" originates from the Greek "kolla," meaning glue. In most collagens, the molecules are packed together to form long, thin fibrils. Collagen supports the internal organs and strengthens blood vessels.

Collagen makes up 70% of the protein within our skin. Collagen is found in the dermis, or middle layer, of skin that gives it its fullness, plumpness, strength, and elasticity.It also plays a role in replacing and restoring dead skin cells.

The causes of collagen degradation include the aging process, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, vitamin C deficiency, excess caffeine, dehydration, chronic stress, poor sleep, and malnutrition. Habitual factors that damage the production of collagen include smoking and high sugar consumption. Connective tissue diseases, such as rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can also lead to collagen degeneration.

With age, the body produces less collagen, the structural integrity of the skin declines and wrinkles form. Smoking accelerates the aging process of skin, contributing to wrinkles. Heavy smokers are nearly five times more likely to be wrinkled than non-smokers. Smoking creates collagen-destroying enzymes and diminishes collagen production.

The nicotine in cigarettes causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the skin; this means the skin will not be getting all of the vital nutrients that it needs in order to function properly. Smoking decreases the flow of oxygen to the skin by as much as 30 percent.

Smoking creates an abundance of free radicals that can cause cellular damage and depletes essential vitamins and minerals in the body including the skin.

Vitamin C plays an essential role in the synthesis and supporting the stability of collagen molecules. Apart from its antioxidant capacity, vitamin C may also be able to reactivate other antioxidants, such as vitamin E, so that they can be reused by the body.

Smokers have lower blood levels of vitamin C.Cigarettes rob your body of Vitamin C by breaking down and excreting it much faster than normal. People exposed to second-hand smoke also need extra Vitamin C. Toxic substances from the cigarettes destroy the Vitamin C. The exposure of blood plasma to cigarette smoke depletes vitamin C present in the plasma.

Symptoms of collagen deficiency include wrinkles, muscle pain, joint pain, frequent headaches, chest pain, dizziness, and fatigue.

It’s important to eat a nutrient-rich diet for the synthesis of collagen as well as its protection. Foods rich in vitamin C are guava, kiwi, citrus fruits, papayas, bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, lemon, and tomatoes.

Glycine food sources include meat, fish, egg, dairy products, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, pumpkin, cucumber, banana, and beans. Proline food sources include beans, cucumber, and cabbage. Foods that are relatively high in lysine are pumpkin seeds, legumes, pistachios, and potatoes.

Copper activates an enzyme that plays a critical role in collagen production. It’s also an antioxidant that helps protect collagen once it forms. Foods high in copper include nuts, shellfish, and grass-fed red meat. Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries are all loaded with antioxidants that fight free radicals while boosting collagen.

Sulfur is a major player in collagen production. Eggs, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, and cabbage are all rich in sulfur. Garlic offers lipoic acid and taurine, which both help rebuild damaged collagen. Plus, it contains sulfur.

Dark leafy green veggies like spinach have antioxidants that protect you against free radicals, which are out to destroy your collagen. Orange veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins are loaded with vitamin A, which restores collagen that’s been damaged. Red veggies like beets, tomatoes, and red peppers are full of lycopene, which boosts collagen and protects the skin from sun damage.