Collagen - The Body's Building Block

Collagen is a complex fibrous protein made up of 19 different amino acids. The body's tissues contain 28 types of collagen, which account for 30% of all protein in the body. Collagen is primarily found in bones, cartilage, skin, tendons, and blood vessel walls. It's one of our most vital proteins, and although it's common in our diet, some people may benefit from supplementing their intake.

Different types of collagen

There are several different types of collagen, with Type I, Type II, and Type III being the most common. Type I is the most abundant, making up 90% of the collagen in your body.

Collagen Type I is found in skin, hair, and nails, as well as in bones, teeth, tendons, and ligaments. It contributes to skin hydration and elasticity, helps to strengthen weak or damaged nails, and supports healthy, strong hair. Collagen Type I is common in food supplements for hair, skin, and nails. Great Earth Collagen Powder is fantastic for those who want to focus on their hair and skin.

Collagen Type II is found mainly in cartilage and joints. It is present in connective tissue and is the dominant protein in articular cartilage. The body's own collagen production declines with age, so for some, it can be a good idea to supplement their regular dietary intake with a food supplement containing collagen (such as Great Earth BioCell Collagen).

Reticular fibres form a fine mesh of branched fibres that allow other types of cells and fluids to move freely through them. These fibres are made of Collagen Type III and, like Type I, are found in the skin. This type of collagen is also present in muscles, blood vessels, and intestines, where it provides structure to the underlying tissue.

Why take a collagen supplement?

The body's collagen production peaks around the age of 25, but it begins to decline as early as 35-40. After this point, the body can no longer produce all the collagen it needs. Great Earth BioCell Collagen are collagen capsules containing hydrolysed Type II collagen. Collagen supplements are available as capsules, powders, and tablets.

You can find all our collagen food supplements here

Great Earth's Collagen Supplement - BioCell Collagen

BioCell Collagen is a collagen supplement that contains a combination of Type II collagen, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid. Collagen Type II is found mainly in cartilage and joints and supports joint health.

Chondroitin is composed of glucuronic acid and galactosamine, and chondroitin sulphate occurs naturally in the body. Its main purposes are to preserve cartilage and stabilise connective tissue. Production decreases with age, so it can be beneficial to supplement with a food supplement.

Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar molecule that the body can produce itself, but unfortunately, production declines over the years. Hyaluronic acid is also broken down by UV radiation, such as sunlight. Hyaluronan, which has a shock-absorbing function, is one of the most important components of cartilage. It also has a water-absorbing effect, thereby contributing to skin hydration.

It can be beneficial to supplement with a vitamin C food supplement. One of the key functions of vitamin C is to contribute to the body's normal collagen formation.

What is hydrolysed collagen?

Hydrolysed collagen means that it has been broken down into smaller components before you even ingest it, which facilitates its absorption in the intestine.

Collagen Powder - If you prefer to drink your supplement

We also have Collagen Powder, which you can mix into any drink, your morning coffee, or a smoothie to get your daily dose of collagen. Our collagen powder consists of hydrolysed bovine collagen and contains Type 1 and 3 collagen. It is an easily absorbed powder in the form of collagen peptides, which are quickly taken up by the body and transported to where they are needed. Collagen peptides are the small components that collagen is broken down into to make it easier for the body to absorb.