Collagen in Your Body

It’s the most abundant protein in the human body, the substance that holds you together. Here is how it functions from head to toe.

BY REBECCA HEATON

Collagen is a hard, insoluble and fibrous protein that makes up one-third of the protein in the human body and is the basic building block of your entire body. There are 16 different types of this important protein in your body. But most of it is type I, II or III. Each one has a different job. Type I builds skin, bones, tendons and ligaments. Type II helps to make cartilage, the flexible tissue between bones and in your ears and nose. Type III helps create muscles and blood vessels.

Here is how it works.

SKIN

Provides firmness and helps skin retain moisture and elasticity.

Did You Know?
The word collagen comes from the Greek word “kólla,” which means glue.

SKIN

Provides firmness and helps skin retain moisture and elasticity.

Did You Know?
The word collagen comes from the Greek word “kólla,” which means glue.

NAILS

Contains the amino acid arginine, which carries nitric oxide through the capillaries and into the nail bed area (or matrix) where the nail grows, essentially feeding it and promoting faster and stronger nail growth.

hand

NAILS

hair

HAIR

Contains amino acids that bolster hair follicles to produce keratin protein, which promotes hair growth, strength and elasticity.

Did You Know?
Your body is 30 percent protein, and of that 30 percent, 90 percent is collagen.

hair

HAIR

Contains amino acids that bolster hair follicles to produce keratin protein, which promotes hair growth, strength and elasticity.

Did You Know?
Your body is 30 percent protein, and of that 30 percent, 90 percent is collagen.

ORGANS

Functions as a protective covering and fibrous barrier in the lining of your organs, such as the stomach, kidneys and spleen. In the stomach, promotes healing of the stomach lining and digestive tract. Aids digestion by increasing production of hydrochloric acid, which breaks down proteins, kills off pathogens and boosts mineral absorption.

BONES

Helps reinforce bone mineral density and maintain bone strength. Collagen (protein) and calcium (mineral) are the two main substances in your bones and combine to create both strong and flexible bones. The collagen is the softer part of your bones that is encased by the harder calcium mineral.

ORGANS

BONES

JOINTS & MUSCLES

Joints: Supports and protects cartilage, ligaments and tendons in your joints for better flexibility. A major component of these connective tissues is collagen.

Muscles: Strengthens blood vessels and plays a role in tissue development.

fitness

JOINTS & MUSCLES

Joints: Supports and protects cartilage, ligaments and tendons in your joints for better flexibility. A major component of these connective tissues is collagen.

Muscles: Strengthens blood vessels and plays a role in tissue development.

Collagen in Your Body

It’s the most abundant protein in the human body, the substance that holds you together. Here is how it functions from head to toe.

SKIN

SKIN

NAILS

NAILS

HAIR

HAIR

ORGANS

BONES

ORGANS

BONES

JOINTS & MUSCLES

JOINTS & MUSCLES

RECIPES WITH COLLAGEN

Creamy Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Instant Pot Soup

Thai Green Curry

Chicken Pot Pie Soup