The Daily Pill is a series of very short daily posts where I share the definition of a medical term I think we should all know. Read it every morning and build up your medical vocabulary.
Collagen
Collagen is a protein that's essential for the structural integrity of various tissues in our bodies including skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Collagen is actually THE MOST abundant protein in all mammals - making up about 25% to 35% of the whole-body protein content. 😮
Collagen is the main component of the extracellular matrix - think of it as the scaffolding that holds everything together. Collagen fibers are strong and flexible, providing support and elasticity to tissues. It's what helps skin maintain tone, what helps tendons and ligaments maintain their firmness and elasticity, and what keeps joints moving smoothly. Ligaments and tendons are made of mostly collagen: A Practical Guide to Joint Health.
Environmental factors like smoking or UV radiation can degrade collagen - contributing to signs of aging. 👎🏽
🤔Why you need to know:
You can actually take collagen supplements, particularly after an injury on the mats because collagen supplements enhance connective tissue repair. I take them daily.
Not only is collagen a protein - so it helps build muscle, but it also has many joint and overall health benefits. If you do take collagen, your hair and fingernails will grow faster - that’s how you know its working.
Corresponding mini rabbit hole here (8min clip):
🧠Trivia:
Collagen has been used in the production of glue for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians and other cultures used it to make strong adhesives from animal by-products, which were crucial for building furniture, reinforcing buildings, and binding books. Even today, high-quality glues for musical instruments like violins are still made using collagen derived from animal hide.