what is collagen

Collagen is a protein that is found in the bodys various connective tissues. It is the most abundant protein in mammals, making up from 25% to 35% of the whole-body protein content. Collagen is the primary building block of the body's skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. It is also found in organs, blood vessels, and the intestinal lining. Collagen is composed mainly of the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which form three strands that make up the triple-helix structure characteristic of collagen. The body produces collagen naturally, but as people age, their existing collagen breaks down, and it gets harder for the body to produce more. Collagen supplements are made from the tissues of cows, pigs, chickens, or fish, and they contain a digestible form of collagen called collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen. The main role of collagen is to provide structure, strength, and support throughout the body. Collagen's specific roles include helping fibroblasts to form in the dermis, playing a role in replacing dead skin cells, providing a protective covering for organs, and giving structure to tissues.