collagen - WatsonsHealth

COLLAGEN

Overview & Facts

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It has essential functions, including giving structure to your skin and helping your blood coagulate.

Lately, it has picked up prevalence as a nutritional supplement and may be found in shampoos and body lotions.

Types & Symptoms

There are around 16 types of collagen. The four fundamental types are type I, II, III and IV.

  • Type I represent 90% of your body’s collagen and is made of thick filaments. It gives structure to skin, bones, ligaments, connective tissue and teeth.
  • Type II is made of loose fibers and is found in elastic cartilage, which cushions the joints.
  • Type III supports muscles, organs and blood vessels.
  • Type IV assists with filtration and is found in layers of your skin.

As you age, your body creates less and low quality collagen.

One of the signs of this is in your skin, which turns out to be less firm and supple. Ligaments additionally weaken with age.

Diagnosis & Medications

Collagen diseases may be diagnosed by the following tests:

  • Complete blood count
  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
  • C-reactive protein (CRP)
  • Urinalysis
  • Serum creatinine
  • Rheumatoid factor (RF)
  • Antinuclear antibodies (ANA)

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