Collagen does not retain the same properties from the moment of its creation to the end of its existence. It operates dynamically, which means it is consumed. The used fibers, however, are exchanged for new ones due to the metabolic process, which is essential for a living organism. Metabolism of collagen fibers, however, is much more effective at a younger age. Up to the age of 25, collagen produced by the body completely complements its needs. This demand is at the same level or increases in situations such as fractures, healing processes. From that moment, the density of collagen in the skin decreases on average by 2% per year, and production gradually decreases by an average of 10-20% with each decade of life. Significant shortages appear about 50 years of age,. Women in the perimenopausal period are particularly vulnerable, because according to researchers, in the first 5 years of menopause the amount of collagen fibers in the skin decreases by 30-35%. With age, this loss and the lack of collagen is increasing and after 60 years collagen production secures only about 50-60% of the demand. When its amount starts to decrease, the whole organism feels the effects. The skin loses its elasticity and firmness, and becomes flabby and sagging. There are stretch marks, cellulite and varicose veins. Eyesight problems begin to occur. Immunity to diseases, including cancers, is reduced. Wound healing process is prolonged. The condition of muscles, bones and joints deteriorates.
The consequences of the lack of collagen are much more and they concern practically every function of the body. It can be said without exaggeration that its presence is critical for our health and longevity.
It causes wrinkles, dry skin, dysfunctional disorders of the movement organs, muscle stiffness, fascia deformation, weakening of the connective tissue, tendons and muscle attachments. In case of active people, the body’s needs for collagen increase, because during physical exertion, collagen is consumed in a greater quantity and it starts to be lacking. This is especially true for older people and those who actively play sports. High-performance sport (also hard physical work) increases the need for collagen. Particular difficulties arise from practicing sports requiring long-term effort. According to the theory of the invasion of free radicals, scientists are accompanied by the belief that they are destructive to renewal processes. It was confirmed, however, that by regular replenishment we can counteract this.
Poles also contributed to collagen research. In 1987 a group of Polish scientists from the University of Gdańsk, conducting research on fish skins, obtained biologically active collagen very similar to human one. Due to this, the world’s first collagen based cosmetic was created, which had some repair properties of human skin fibers, including wrinkles. This has begun world research on the development of the ideal “elixir of youth”.
Collagen cannot be found in plants, only in mammals, birds and some fish species. The most common is beef collagen, which is obtained from cows and pig one from pigs. These types of collagen are easier to extract, for applications in the pharmaceutical and medical industries.
