Collagen has been described as the glue that holds our body together. It is the most abundant protein in the body. As we age, our body loses the ability to make collagen protein. A collagen deficiency can develop which results in Joint Pain, brittle hair, skin wrinkles. Our collagen supplement is hydrolyzed for better absorption.
Collagen is the major protein component of connecting tissues in the human body and in most other mammals. Around 25 to 30 % of the protein in the body is of this type. Collagen is also present in the endomysium as one of its major components. Usually, in case of tissues, 1 to 2% of collagen is present. However, in case of tendinous muscles, 6% of collagen is present. Bundles of many collagen strands form a tough collagen fiber that forms the extracellular matrix of most tissues. It provides support to cells and gives them their external shape.
Being tough, it is a major component of fascia, ligaments, bones, tissues, skin, tendons etc. Its presence ensures that the skin is elastic and tough. It also provides strength to blood vessels and also plays a role in the development of tissues. Crystalline form of collagen is present in the cornea and the lens of the eye. Thus, deficiency of collagen can lead to a variety of ailments including wrinkling of the skin, acute aches at specific places in the body etc.
As a cure for such deficiency, collagen supplements are being marketed. Most of these supplements contain collagen obtained from bovine sources. Among the four types of collagen present in the human body, bovine collagen can supply types I and III. These two types form more than 90% of the collagen present in the body. Types II and IV are present in cartilages and cell membranes respectively. Hydrolysis of bovine collagen within the body provides a supply of 19 amino acids. Apart from supplements, bovine collagen is also used in various body lotions. Its application on the skin helps in keeping it healthy and free from wrinkles. Oral doses of collagen are available that help in joint mobility. Also applying creams or soaps having bovine collagen on the hair tends to keep it stronger and reduces hair fall. It is also used in treatment of conditions like back ache and fibromyalgia. Bovine collagen if used improperly may trigger certain immune reactions within the body.
Another use of Bovine Collagen is in the construction of artificial substitutes for skin that are needed in case of severe burns. Various cosmetic products also contain bovine collagen as its base. Thus, collagen is being widely used in the medical and cosmetic industry. Although, other sources of collagen have been found, bovine collagen still remains one of the major sources of collagen.
