Collagen

What is Collagen?

Amino acids are the building blocks for the formation of proteins. There are many different types of proteins, but the most abundant in the body is collagen (30%). This is the main protein that gives connective tissue and skin structure, cohesion, elasticity and strength. Including cartilage, bones, tendons, ligaments (ligaments), skin and blood vessels. 3/4 of the skin and 1/3 of the protein in the body is made up of collagen.

As we age, existing collagen breaks down and it becomes more difficult for the body to produce enough. The body's own production of collagen is supported by the intake of collagen.

Types of Collagen

There are more than 14 types of collagen, most tissues and organs contain different types of collagen. Collagen, by definition, is an animal product. It is obtained from the tendons, bones, skins, connective tissues and cartilage of animals such as cattle, pigs, chickens (eggshells) and fish.

Also, it is obtained from the tendons, bones, skins, connective tissues and cartilage of animals such as cattle, pigs, chickens (eggshells) and fish.

More than 90% of the collagen in the body is type I collagen: tendons, ligaments, joint capsule, synovial membrane, muscles, blood vessels and bone tissue.

- Type I, III, V and XI are found in almost all types of connective tissue

- Tendons contain only type I

- Skin contains type I and type III

- Cartilage contains mostly type II, in addition small amounts of collagen type IX, X and XI

- Tissues that are engaged in wound repair type III

Bovine collagen consists mainly of type I and type III collagen. Viscollagen and eggshell membrane from mainly type I collagen. In addition, fish collagen is rich in hydroxyproline. An amino acid that forms an important part of the skin, the walls of blood vessels and other connective tissues.

Patented Collagen

Patented collagen, backed by research with high quality ingredients.

Thorne uses PeptPure® bioactive collagen peptides Type I & III. PeptPure is produced directly from fresh, grass-fed beef hides into fully hydrolyzed collagen powder.PeptPure has in-house manufacturing through to the final product. PeptPure is guaranteed to meet the highest quality standards, is fully traceable and has sustainable sources.

UC-II® is a registered trademark of Interhealth for joints. Healthy Origins, Bonusan and Vitals use it. The efficacy of UC-II® undenatured type II collagen, at a low dose (only 40 mg) once daily, has been demonstrated in several well-controlled clinical trials.

BioCell Technology, the provider of BioCell Collagen, has invested in nearly two decades of clinical trials and research and development activities. BioCell Technology is a pioneer in the applications of low molecular weight hydrolyzed collagen type II. BioCell collagen is made from pure chicken breastbone cartilage that is free of hormones and antibiotics. BioCell Collagen® targets joint health.

Undenatured and hydrolyzed collagen

Undenatured collagen is collagen in its original form with the spatial (spiral) structure that can be well recognized by the body.

Hydrolyzed collagen is peptides and is also called denatured collagen. Here the original molecules have been reduced to smaller particles.

Essential cofactors in Collagen Synthesis

Collagen is produced in the body by combining amino acids. To make collagen, the body requires the following substances:

- Hydroxyproline is an important component of the protein collagen. The formation of hydroxyproline requires the amino acid proline and vitamin C.

- Proline: present in protein, dairy, cabbage, mushrooms and asparagus, among others.

- Glycine: present in pig skin, chicken skin and gelatin, and a variety of other protein-rich foods, among others.

- Vitamin C:: present, among other things, in citrus fruits and bell peppers.

- Zinc: present in beef, lamb, pork, seafood, chickpeas, lentils, beans, milk, cheese and various nuts and seeds, among others.

- Copper: present in organ meats, cocoa powder, cashews, sesame seeds and lentils, among others.

- Glycosaminoglycans: building blocks for collagen-containing tissues such as cartilage, bones and intervertebral discs. Among others present in Green-lipped mussel.

Collagen is even more effective when combined with Vitamin C and Glucosamine, Chondroitin & MSM and Hyaluronic Acid.

Written by: Marijke Arends
Reviewed and edited by: Liesbeth Thoen and Peter Smeets

Updated: January 3, 2023