Collagen is a fibrous protein found in vertebrates, the major element of skin, bone, tendon, cartilage, blood vessels and teeth. It forms insoluble fibers of high tensile strength and which contains the unusual amino acids hyroxyproline and hydroxylysine. It is rich in glycine but lacks cysteine and tryptophan, and has an unusually regular amino-acid domain.

The collagen superfamily is highly complex and shows a remarkable diversity in molecular and supramolecular organization, tissue distribution and function. However, all its members share a common structural feature, the presence of at least one triple-helical domain, which corresponds to a number of (Gly-X-Y)n repeats (X being frequently proline and Y hydroxyproline) in the amino acid sequence.

Collagen supplement - Collagen Pill
In the past few years several companies have started selling collagen supplements. There's hardly any human research evaluating the role of collagen supplements in treating medical conditions, and hence, at this time, claims made regarding collagen capsules cannot be endorsed. Chicken Collagen II (Unhydrolyzed) is being promoted by raw material supply companies.
   For those who do not have a medical background, it may make sense that If collagen loss leads to skin sagging and wrinkles, then replenishing collagen either orally or through creams should restore elasticity and health of aging skin. But, it doesn't work this way. There's no scientific proof that collagen, applied topically, can penetrate the epidermis.
The collagen molecules are very complex and large and would not penetrate, and even if collagen did penetrate, it would not be able to incorporate itself within the complex collagen structure in the skin.

Collagen and weight loss
There is no evidence at this time that collagen supplements lead to weight loss.

Collagen and Wound Healing
Collagen plays a major role in wound healing. Its presence is important in all stages of the healing process. However, this does not mean that ingesting a collagen supplement leads to better wound healing.

Collagen injection - Lip Collagen Injection
Injection of collagen is often used to correct small indentations in the skin and fine wrinkle lines as well as to augment or enlarge the lips. Although developed in the late 1970s it was not until the early 1980s that it became widely used.

Collagen and the Heart
Collagen fibers are the most abundant components of the extracellular matrix in arteries and myocardium. Disturbances in the collagen turnover (synthesis and degradation) have been linked to inflammatory diseases including cardiovascular pathological syndromes. In the myocardium, changes in collagen turnover may result in ventricle dilatation and subsequent contractile dysfunction. In arteries, collagen synthesis and degradation are associated with the progression of atherosclerotic disease and intimal hyperplasia following injury. Collagen synthesis is tightly regulated at several levels: synthesis of procollagens, suitable folding of polypeptides, secretion and cross-linking of mature fibers. On the other hand, degradation of newly synthesised procollagen and mature collagen fibers depends on the action of Matrix-Metalloproteinases (MMPs).

Collagen i antibody
Anti-type II collagen autoantibodies are present in rheumatoid arthritis.

Collagen disease
Glucocorticoids are irreplaceable for the treatment of connective tissue diseases due to their strong and rapid anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory effects. Its use and their dosage depend on the activity of the disease and organ manifestations. There is no alternative to high doses, often even as intravenous pulse therapy, in life-threatening situations with imminent organ failure. Despite an additional immuno- suppressive medication, glucocorticosteroids are mandatory for long-term treatment in most cases. In special situations like high age, gravity or comorbidities like renal failure or hepatosis, glucocorticosteroids are the option with the least possible potential for complications. In the future, new corticosteroids and steroid sparing immuno-suppressants like biologics will be able to reduce the spectrum and the severity of corticoid-induced side effects. Modern state-of-the-art therapeutic regimens for patients with connective tissue diseases should not only be able to sufficiently control the disease activity but also include the prophylaxis of associated comorbidities like arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis or infections.

Collagen cream
Collagen cream concentrate is promoted for dry skin.

Collagen vascular disease
The collagen vascular diseases are a collection of conditions, which are thought to be secondary to pathologic alterations in the immune system. Deposition of immune complexes in blood vessel walls resulting in either ischemia or thrombosis is the most widely accepted pathologic mechanism.

Catrix Collagen
Catrix is a new collagen wound-healing powder that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of wounds healing by secondary intent such as pressure ulcers, venous stasis ulcers and diabetic ulcers as well as second-degree burns and post-radiation dermatitis. Catrix has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of wounds unresponsive to conventional treatments. It promotes the growth of fibroblasts and keratinocytes in the wound, prevents loss of fluid from the wound and protects the wound from bacterial infections and other agents. Catrix is biodegradable and therefore does not require removal from the wound bed before re-application.

Collagen Supplement Research
Increase in bone mineral density through oral administration of shark gelatin to ovariectomized rats.
Nutrition. 2005 Nov-Dec;21(11-12):1120-6.
The incidence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy has resulted in marine collagen hydrolysate (low-molecular-weight gelatin) being sold as supplements and cosmetics in Japan. Shark skin collagen is one of the important sources of marine collagen. We examined the effect of shark skin gelatin in an osteoporosis model animal. METHODS: Shark skin gelatin was orally administered to ovariectomized rats with a low-protein diet. Bone mineral density of the right femur was measured. Collagen and glycosaminoglycan in the tibial end were extracted and analyzed by western blotting and cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis, respectively. RESULTS: Administering collagen to the ovariectomized rats resulted in the bone mineral density of the femur epiphysis being higher than that in the sham-operated rats. The contents of type I collagen and glycosaminoglycan in the epiphysis were increased by administering shark skin gelatin. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that shark skin gelatin would be useful as a dietary supplement for treating osteoporosis.

collagen protein
collagen treatment
liquid collagen
hydrolyzed collagen

Collagen Research
Results from a new study with adult athletes at the German Olympic Center in Essen, Germany find that during a 12-week study period, 79 percent of the study's participants had statistically significant improvement in joint mobility and flexibility after a course of CH-Alpha.  The postmarketing surveillance study was conducted to determine whether CH-Alpha, a nutritional supplement containing collagen hydrolysate, could ease restricted mobility and pain in athletes' knees or hips when walking or climbing stairs, or pain in the shoulder when lifting and manipulating objects above the head. The objective of this postmarketing surveillance study was to determine whether oral use of Collagen Hydrolysate CH-Alpha in athletically active individuals suffering from arthralgia induced by high-intensity athletic activity confers benefit in terms of improvement in pain, functional limitations, or inflammatory activity. This study aimed to determine whether participating athletes' subjective well-being and objective findings, as assessed by the treating physician, change when taking collagen hydrolysate and, if so, whether these changes can be quantified by selected outcome measures. Subjects took 10g of Collagen Hydrolysate CH-Alpha per day for 12 weeks. Subjects were interviewed and assessed before starting to take collagen hydrolysate (baseline visit), during treatment (interim visit at 4 to 6 weeks after the start of therapy), and at the end of therapy (final visit at 12 weeks). The results showed that during the 12-week study, most participants had marked improvement in most of the metrics employed, with significant improvements in mobility, hip or knee pain related to exertion and when walking up stairs, and in shoulder pain when lifting and manipulating objects above the head. Pain on movement was eased in 78 percent of the 86 subjects whose study results were fully evaluated. In athletes with hip or knee pain and those with shoulder pain, 79 percent had reduced pain when climbing stairs or lifting heavy objects respectively. CH-Alpha is a liquid in a vial providing 10 grams of collagen hydrolysate, a collection of proteins and amino acids (the building blocks necessary for joint health). CH-Alpha is a natural product with an amino acid composition nearly identical to the collagen found in the extracellular matrix in joints. CH-Alpha(TM) may increase the concentration of type II collagen and proteoglycans through the stimulation of chondrocytes. The CH-Alpha used in the Olympic Center study was developed and is marketed by GELITA Health Products, which has supported scientific research on collagen hydrolysate since the late 1970s.
1. Oesser S, Adam M, Babel W, Seifert J. Oral administration of 14-C labeled gelatin hydrolysate leads to an accumulation of radioactivity in cartilage of mice. (C57/BL) Am. J. Nutr. 129:1891-1895, 1999.
2. Oesser S, Seifert J. Stimulation of type II collagen biosynthesis and secretion in bovine chondrocytes cultured with degraded collagen. Cell Tiss. Res. 311: 393-399, 2003.
3. Moskowitz, RW. Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease. Semin. Arthritis Rheum. 30(2): 87-99, 2000.

Collagen Questions
Q. I've been told recently that vitamin C plays an integral role in the formation of collagen for soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons of my joints, and I was recommended to possibly take supplemental vitamin C since I lift weights and need to ensure good repair and strengthening of my collagen and soft tissues. Do you agree with this viewpoint on vitamin C for ligament and tendon health, especially in athletes, etc.? Are there any other nutrients you would recommend for collagen health in addition or instead?
     A. Vitamin C is certainly helpful for collagen health, but it is unclear whether additional Vitamin C will make much of a difference if someone already has a healthy diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. There are many different nutrients involved in overall tendon, ligament, collagen, and joint health. You could consider Joint Power Rx for overall joint and collagen health.

Q. I just read your article about collagen supplements. Very informative, especially for the layman. I am 48 years old and in pretty good shape. I work out regularly and am in good health except for osteoarthritis. I have worked at physical labor most of my life and have also had 2 spinal laminectomies, one cervical and the other lumbar. My question is, would collagen supplements help with the arthritis and would it aid in rebuilding of the muscle from heavy work-outs and also help keep skin tone?  I take protein supplements, only 30 - 60 grams a day. I eat well, pasta, veg's, 2% milk and breads. Not much on fruit though. I also take one B-12 and a B Complex with C daily. The only med's I take is one 325 mg. buffered aspirin a day.
   A. Collagen supplements have not been studied adequately in osteoarthritis. You may wish to read the web site on osteoarthritis and also on diet for suggestions.

Q. I refer to your website quite often. I have recently started taking a product with chicken collagen type II. Researching it on the web has produced a lot of varying claims as to what form is best, hydrolyzed or not, pill powder or liquid, etc. I was hoping to find out more from you regarding chicken collagen supplements.
   A. I will form an opinion when good human research is published.

Q. I am 36 years old and suffered a distended bladder 2 years ago, due to fluid retention when nurses forgot to fit a catheter after the birth of my baby, I consequently suffer from a cystocele (2nd degree bladder prolapse) and was wondering whether taking collagen supplements would help in the strengthening of my pelvic floor muscles and repair of tissue damage. I practice Kegel exercises daily, but avoid citrus juices due to recurring UTI’s and an allergy to citrus, I am therefore also concerned I am not getting enough vitamin C. If collagen supplement would help should I be taking types 1 and 3 or type 2 collagen supplement?
   A. I have not seen human studies with collagen supplement use.

Q, What about facial creams and masks that contain collagen? Do they work?
   A. We have not studied the area of facial creams with collagen to have an opinion, as of January 2008.

Q. I tried GNC Taut Collagen drinks for a month and felt quite good. However, I read reports that it's useless since the collagen will only be broken down into amino acids in the stomach. What then is the usefulness of collagen drinks or capsules at all? I am thinking about Nature Farm's Collagen Matrix or Fancl Collagen Drink (with Q10) too. Some say that eating fruits and vegetables help. I have been doing that but I believe that since collagen production slows down as we grow older, we may need an extra help if we want our skin to stay firm and bone health.
   A. We have not seen any good human studies regarding ingesting collagen for skin health. For the time being we are skeptical that collagen ingested internally will have much of an effect on skin health.

Q. I have been advised to use a good quality collagen supplement to help enhance the vitality of radiated tissue in my palate and throat (recovering form throat cancer and anticipating further surgery to my soft palate). In addition high dose vitamin C, in the region of 2-4 grams a day, may also be useful as it assists collagen in its functioning. Anti-oxidant nutrients such as vitamin A, E, selenium, zinc and others would help to protect tissues against damage and assist the immune system. I would suggest a good multivitamin and mineral formulation and also an additional anti-oxidant complex. However, from reading your site you are not so sure about the above advice. Can you confirm your position on collagen supplements to enhance tissue damaged by radium treatment?
   A. I have not seen any human research that using a collagen supplement has health benefits. Some of the other nutrients you mention may be helpful. But overall health improvement with diet, exercise, and deep sleep will also be of benefit. General health improvement will allow the body to heal itself better. MultiVit Rx is an excellent multivitamin.

Q. I came across an ad that said, "BioCell Collagen II TF is a fine powder with improved solubility and reduced bitter tones for ready to drink formulations, chewables, and functional foods. BioCell Collagen II TF provides the same composition of absorbable hydrolyzed collagen type II, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid, but without the bitterness. " Is this supplement effective?
   A. I have not come across any human studies with this product.

Q. I would like your opinion on vegetable collagen supplement. Can it improve the elasticity of the skin? Does it have nutritional benefits for vegetarian women ?
   A. I have not come across any human studies with vegetable collagen supplements. I tend to doubt that ingesting collagen orally would have any effect on skin health.