What is collagen?
Collagen makes up 30% of the total protein within the body. The collagen is made up of the amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. The collagen molecules are arranged into fibres, which offer strength and support to structures in the body.

Where is collagen found?
Collagen is present all over the body. There are a total of 16 different types of collagen. The most well-known collagen types are type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 is present all over the body and predominant in the ligaments. Type 2 is present at greater concentrations in the cartilage.

Why do supplements help?
Human clinical trials have shown that after six weeks of consuming 7 to 10 grams of type 1 collagen, or 1 to 2 grams of type 2 collagen, new cartilage could be detected by x-ray examination of the joints. Collagen supplements help to stimulate osteoblasts (bone cell), promoting the formation of bone and have been reported to reduce discomfort and pain experienced by those who have rheumatoid arthritis. Collagen is also widely used in the cosmetic industry and is said to reduce wrinkles and smooth the skin, as sagging skin and wrinkles develop when collagen is degraded. Not only this but it has the ability to recruit new skin cells to areas of damage and therefore is beneficial in wound healing.

What damages collagen?
Collagen can be destroyed by a number of activities such as :

  • Smoking
  • Exposure to sunlight
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Excessive sugar intake

How can we help our collagen production?
One of the best sources of collagen is animal bones. To obtain collagen from the bone it is best to make a broth with the bones. However, if this seems too labour intensive collagen supplements can be used but make sure you are getting enough collagen in your supplement to make a difference. At least 7000mg to 10 000mg of type 1 and 1000mg to 2000mg of type 2 is needed in order to have a therapeutic benefit.

These nutrients help support the collagen in your body and ease joint pain…

  • ApresFlex – the most active compound of boswellia serrata – potent anti-inflammatory.
  • Boron as fructoborate – cartilage builder
  • Bromelian – anti-inflammatory
  • Chondroitin sulfate A – glue that holds all the collagen fibrestogether
  • Glucosamine HCL – rehydrates and lubricates joints
  • Glycosaminoglycans – works with chondroitin to “stick” collagen fibres together
  • Hyaluronic acid – acts to rehydrate cartilage, giving it greater cushioning power
  • Methyl sulfonylmethane (MSM) – supports the re-synthesis of flexible disulfide bonds in connective tissue, including tendons and ligaments of the joint.
  • Silica – contributes the element silicon to connective tissue, giving them strength and stability.
  • Whole food vitamin C – plays an essential role in collagen synthesis – without it the body falls apart (e.g. scurvy)

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262881.php
http://science.jrank.org/pages/1582/Collagen-Locations-functions-collagen.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/043398_joint_pain_collagen_arthritis.html#ixzz0LHLcuL70
http://www.vitalproteins.com/collagen-supplements-joint-and-bone-health
http://www.livestrong.com/article/270307-collagen-joint-pain/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collagen
http://livewell.jillianmichaels.com/benefits-taking-collagen-supplements-5076.html