“Collagen deficiency. What causes it?”

Different types of cells in the body, which may initially seem completely unrelated, are all connected under the umbrella of connective tissue (CT).

Blood, cerebrospinal fluid, tendons, joint capsules, synovial fluid, cartilage, conjunctiva, glia, intervertebral discs, skin, and certain muscle tissue parts are all examples of CT. What allows us to group these different structures under one term? Primarily, it’s their origin. The middle embryonic layer, the mesoderm (positioned between the ectoderm and endoderm), evolves into mesenchyme, which is the precursor of all connective cells. Connective tissue forms a supporting framework – the stroma – and external coverings – the dermis, making up a total of 85% of body mass. In addition to its structural function (as the skeleton), CT (Latin: textus connectivus) also performs a nourishing (trophic) function by supplying oxygen and biological substances to all organs through blood flow, as well as a protective and metabolic-regulating function. It aids in thermoregulation, conducts phagocytosis, and initiates immune responses. Finally, these seemingly diverse cells also carry out plastic and regenerative functions. Thus, CT is fundamental to the functioning of other tissues (nervous, epithelial, muscular). Pathologies in connective tissue lead to 90% of human diseases. Key CT elements include fibroblasts, fibrocytes, myofibroblasts, macrophages, mast cells, adipocytes, melanocytes, adventitial cells, and others. The most crucial CT cell is the fibroblast, which is responsible for producing collagen, glycoproteins, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans.

Which connective tissue structures are most affected by collagen deficiency? It’s essential to note that, starting at age 25, we lose about 1-2% of collagen each year; by age 35, a person is already deficient by about 15%, and by age 45, by 30%. The tissues most sensitive to collagen deficiency include the periosteum, tendons, ligaments, vitreous body, lens, intervertebral discs, and skin. So, what exactly is collagen?

Collagen is a fiber-like protein that forms collagen fibers. Being part of various structures within the body, it exists in different forms and types, with the most important being:

• Type I: Found in skin, tendons, blood vessels, organs, and bones (the main component of the organic part of bone).
• Type II: Found in cartilage (the primary component of cartilage), intervertebral discs, and the cornea.
• Type III: Found in reticular connective tissue (main component of reticular fiber), often alongside Type I collagen.
• Type IV: Forms the base of mucosal tissue.
• Type V: Found in cell surfaces, hair, and the placenta.

Thus, 90% of ailments are directly or indirectly related to deficiencies in various types of collagen. Naturally, there is a desire to compensate for this deficiency caused by age-related changes. Skin aging, declining vision, joint stiffness, and back fatigue may not be classified as severe pathologies but do deteriorate both physical and psychological well-being.

Collagen can be found in animal and fish-based jelly and gelatin, but to obtain any significant amount of collagen, one would need to consume several kilograms of these foods. For preventive purposes, collagen supplements may be taken. However, there are significant challenges here. Animal-derived collagen with a high molecular weight hardly reaches the target structures. Intervertebral discs and other structural parts of the support system, which lack a blood supply, maintain their viability by absorbing nutrients from surrounding tissues. A high concentration of absorbed collagen in these tissues ensures their health and positively impacts already weakened organs. This applies to certain eye diseases, skin sagging, intervertebral disc degeneration, and joint inflammation.

What Should Be the First Choice for Collagen?

Firstly, marine collagen, as numerous studies have shown that marine collagen provides high absorption levels. Secondly, natural collagen supplements should contain as many types of collagen as possible. High absorption is also facilitated by a low molecular weight collagen (≤3000 Da). Collagen obtained from food has a high molecular weight, making it less valuable. Another important feature is a tripeptide collagen structure, which activates the body to more effectively produce its own collagen. Product effectiveness is influenced by the compatibility and synergy of its components—when working together, these substances “gain” additional weight and value. Finally, clinical studies confirming the safety and efficacy of the product are extremely important.

Author of the Article: Neurologist Dr. Jokūbas Fišas