There is a repeating motif with these amino acids–namely Gly-Pro-X, and X can be any amino acid (2,4). Glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline are highly abundant in collagen and contribute to the triple-helical structure of collagen (2,3). In fact, the origin of the word collagen (1860-1865) comes from the Greek word, kolla which means “glue.” The basic structural unit of collagen is a triple helical molecule forming long, thin, interlaced fiber type molecules (2,5). As the name implies, connective tissues connect different tissue and act to hold tissue together within the body (4). Amazingly, 30% of all proteins in the human body are collagen and consist of connective tissues (tendons, ligaments, bones, fascia, muscles, cartilage, skin, teeth, the eye, the submucosal layer of the small intestine, hair, nails, and blood vessels). There are more than 25 types of collagen, but more than 80% of all the collagen in the human body are Types I, II, and III- with Type I being the most prevalent (1). There are 19 different amino acids present in collagen, but because it lacks tryptophan (one of the nine essential amino acids), it is considered an inadequate dietary protein source (4). Collagen-what is it? Collagen is a vital protein in fact, it is the most plentiful protein in all animals (1). Let’s look a bit deeper at collagen’s role and then at the science to determine whether collagen should be part of your daily strategy to a healthy active life. Is it just trendy or is there legitimacy to the excitement? Collagen is flaunted as a supplement that can provide skin health, reduce wrinkles, reverse aging, help ease joint pain and increase collagen production, help improve healing from long term injury, and increase muscle mass. Trendy craze or legitimate hype? Collagen supplementation has received a plethora of publicity over the past few years. 0 Blog Best Collagen supplements for joints.
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