Colafit

Talking about the role and importance of collagen for our body means talking about one of the basic tissues – connective tissue. Together with cartilage and bone, it forms the supporting tissue, and it is spread throughout the body. It has a number of different roles: it connects individual bones into joints, builds envelopes around organs and separates them from each other, connects the skin with the structures below it, wraps muscles and certain muscle groups, covers and protects blood vessels and nerves at the places where they enter or exit organs, so, apart from supporting, it also has a nutritional role. The special structure of the binder also ensures a role in preserving the natural resistance of the organism, a regenerative role (it participates in the restoration of all types of supporting tissue).

Collagen is a set of closely related proteins with a triple protein helix structure. They belong to the group of glycoproteins. As the building material of the intercellular space of all connective tissues, they are also known as intercellular cement. Proteins are the most abundant in the human body (they make up 30-35% of the total proteins in the body) and represent the main protein component of the skin, bones and connective tissue. Amino acids characteristic of collagen are glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine. Collagen gives strength and stability to the tissue, and the basic characteristic of its fibers is flexibility. It is extremely resistant to loads, so it practically does not stretch, so that it stretches only 5% at maximum load. It is known that collagen fibers make up about 80% of connective tissue. The hydrophilic amino acids that make up collagen are responsible for its key role in preventing tissue water loss. So far, 19 different types of collagen are known, of which four are the most important. Type I collagen is the most important for bones, tendons and ligaments and makes up 80% of the total amount of collagen in the body. The human body has the ability to synthesize collagen, which is constantly needed due to the growth and replacement of worn-out tissues, healing and restoration of damaged tissue. Over time, the body gradually loses its capacity for renewal due to the aging process, permanent overloads (extreme sports, physical activity) or autoimmune diseases. In youth, the loss of collagen is quickly replaced, but with age, this loss becomes greater, so it is calculated that after the age of 25, the body loses an average of 1.5% of collagen per year. The loss of collagen has a negative impact on the appearance and functions of the entire body and leads to various degenerative changes. Its deficiency causes, among other things, disorders of the musculoskeletal system (stiffness, arthritis, muscle injuries), disorders in the function of the immune system and the appearance of age-related physical changes such as wrinkles, cellulite, dry skin, dull hair and skin.

Lifestyle, proper nutrition and continuous physical activity can somewhat alleviate and slow down the loss of collagen and its consequences, however, in today’s modern age, this is not enough. Strength, health and beauty are no longer attributes that are expected and associated only with younger women and men. They are often a condition for success, but increasingly also our (justified) desire and need for a quality life even in old age. Life expectancy is getting longer, but the benefits of this extension can only be enjoyed by the aging population if they maintain their health and basic body functions. According to an increasing number of articles, collagen is one of the substances that promises us exactly that, and which is offered and applied in various forms: as nutritional supplements, cosmetic products and injections. The key influence of collagen on health and life is undeniable. Laboratory research and clinical studies with their results contribute to an objective view of all aspects of collagen application and a true judgment of its real effectiveness.

Degenerative changes in the spine and most joints cause various ailments more and more at an earlier age, and reduce working capacity, which can be improved by means of recovery of worn and damaged connective tissue. It is precisely for this purpose that increasingly popular food supplements based on collagen are used. Their composition is close to the biological composition of cartilage, tendons and ligaments, so they can more easily help in the recovery of joints, skin, hair and nails. They are most often intended for faster recovery and strengthening of connective tissue, especially after trauma and during recovery after surgery, and are also used as a means of preventing degenerative processes (rheumatism, arthritis, gout, osteoporosis, arthrosis).