Collagen is a protein made up of amino acids, primarily proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids group together to form protein fibrils in a triple helix structure, which is characteristic of collagen. The body also requires vitamin C, zinc, copper, and manganese to make this triple helix. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, accounting for about 30% of the bodys total protein. It is the primary building block of the bodys skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. Collagen is found in various animal and plant foods, including chicken, beef, fish, dairy, eggs, beans, leafy greens, other vegetables, whole grains, and citrus fruits, which provide the raw ingredients to support collagen production.
In summary, collagen is made of amino acids, primarily proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline, and the body also requires certain vitamins and minerals to produce this essential protein.
