Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body. It is naturally produced in the body from three amino acids named glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids form the triple helical structure of collagen. Collagen is rigid and resistant to stretching. Due to this structural property, collagen maintains skin firmness and provides many other benefits. Collagen is majorly present in connective tissues such as skin, bones & joints to provide them structural support.

What Are the Benefits of Collagen?

Collagen provides multiple benefits to our body. Collagen helps reduce the risk of premature aging of the skin by maintaining the elasticity and firmness of the skin. Collagen also helps maintain bones and joints’ strength by providing them with structural support. Collagen helps reduce the risk of bone loss by providing the ground strength for the extracellular matrix of connective tissues. The benefits of collagen don’t stop here, it is highly beneficial to our cardiovascular system because it provides structural support to the arteries that carry blood to different areas in the body. 

What Are the Deficiency Symptoms of Collagen?

Collagen production decreases with age. Due to this, wrinkles and saggy skin-like symptoms start to appear. Collagen deficiency also causes the weakness of bones and joints. Other deficiency symptoms of collagen include muscle weakness, joint pain, brittle hair, and nails.

Who is at Risk of Collagen Deficiency?

Older adults, people who are in their 30s or 40s, and those who are suffering from certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, smokers, and adult women are at higher risk of collagen deficiency.

What Causes Collagen Deficiency? 

Age is the major factor that causes collagen deficiency in the body. As we get older, the collagen production in the body also slows down. However, there are three other factors, such as excessive sunlight, smoking, and sugar that also contribute majorly to the depletion of collagen in the body. Because sunlight unfolds the collagen fibers and disrupts their structure. Similarly, the harmful chemicals present in the smoke can also damage collagen. Moreover, sugar causes the collagen fibers to cross-link with each other and damage the collagen structure due to which skin elasticity gets reduced.

From Where to Take Collagen?

We can get a good amount of collagen by consuming a protein-rich diet and premium quality collagen supplements.

Collagen From Food Sources:

Collagen is present in all animal-based foods. As collagen is concentrated in skin and bones, it is abundantly present in chicken skin, fish skin, and bone broth, and these are rich sources of collagen.

As our body naturally produces collagen in the body by using amino acids. We need to take a protein-rich diet such as fish, poultry, beans, and eggs. Because, when proteins are broken down in the body, they provide us with amino acids, and some of them are the building blocks of collagen.

Amino acids are not the only components that are needed for collagen production. Other important factors such as vitamin C also support collagen production in the body. So, make sure to consume vitamin C-rich foods along with protein-based foods to maximize collagen production in the body. We can also get a rich amount of collagen from the best quality collagen supplements.

Collagen From Food Supplements: 

Nutrifactor’s Gencell, Nutri Collagen, and Butex are the best collagen supplements available in Pakistan. 

Gencell is a combination of super Collagen type I & III along with Vitamin C and Biotin to support youthful skin, strong hair, and shiny nails. Gencell contains a rich amount of collagen, 1000 mg, to help reduce the signs of premature aging and maintain the bones' and joints’ health.

Nutri Collagen contains a good amount of collagen along with vitamin C, which supports collagen production in the body. This supplement helps support skin rejuvenation, maintenance, and integrity. It also helps reduce hair fall & hair thinning issues, supports stronger & healthier nails, and promotes stronger bones & joints.

Butex is a blend of 17 vital vitamins and minerals along with collagen, the right balance of nutrients to support beautiful hair, strong nails, and vibrant skin. This amazing supplement contains essential nutrients to provide natural beauty from within.

Bottom Line:

Aging is a natural process that causes reduced collagen production in the body. But there is an alternate source of getting halal collagen and that is good quality collagen supplements. Make sure to add at least one collagen supplement to your routine to maintain your skin, hair, nails, and joint health.

References: 

•    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507709/

•    https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen

•    https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-benefits

•    https://www.healthline.com/health/collagen-vascular-disease

•    https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/collagen-food-boost