Oman- Collagen is one of the essential proteins that plays an important role in maintaining healthy bones and joints. It is an essential component that supports connective tissues, including skin, bones and joints.
But as we age, collagen levels begin to decrease, leading to signs of aging.
Orthopedic and joint surgery specialist Dr. Moaz Al-Bashaira says that collagen is one of the most important proteins in the human body, as it constitutes about 30% of the total protein in the body. It consists of 3 polypeptide chains known as “alpha” and “beta”, and it forms an essential part of connective tissue. It consists of amino acids, and gives strength and flexibility to the skin, bones, joints, and tendons.
Collagen plays essential roles in maintaining the health and integrity of various tissues and organs.
Al-Bashaira stated that scientists have discovered more than 13 types of collagen. However, there are 4 types that are considered the most important and common:
- Type I: It constitutes 90% of the collagen present in the body, and is concentrated in bones, tendons, ligaments, and skin.
- The second type: It is found mainly in hyaline cartilage, and is responsible for the flexibility and protection of joints.
- The third type: provides elasticity to tissues such as the skin, lungs, and blood vessel walls.
- Type IV: supports basement membranes in epithelial tissues, and is an essential component of vital organs.
Al-Bashaira explains that collagen positively affects the health of bones and joints by providing the supportive structure that helps maintain their strength and flexibility. It helps reduce friction between joints, which reduces pain and enhances movement, as it gives them strength and flexibility, which contributes to protecting bones from fractures.
Al-Bashaira stated that a deficiency in collagen, whether for genetic or acquired reasons, weakens the bones and makes them more vulnerable to fragility. As for the joints, type II collagen helps maintain healthy bones and joints by enhancing tissue elasticity and improving joint endurance. It also contributes to the regeneration of damaged tissues, reduces the risk of injury and helps maintain their softness and flexibility, as its deficiency leads to joint stiffness and chronic pain.
Collagen deficiency
Al-Bashaira points out that the causes of collagen deficiency are divided into two categories: hereditary and acquired.
One of the most common genetic causes is “hereditary bone dysplasia,” in which sufferers suffer from a deficiency in collagen production or a defect in its structure.
Acquired causes include aging, malnutrition, smoking, alcohol, lack of physical activity, and some hormonal imbalances. A lack of collagen can affect joint flexibility and movement, leading to pain and difficulty moving.
Al-Bashaira says that collagen can be obtained from natural sources such as bone broth, fish, shellfish, meat, and leafy vegetables such as spinach, and collagen can also be obtained from nutritional supplements.
Al-Bashaira explained the effectiveness of collagen pharmaceutical preparations in treating bone and joint diseases, as medical practice has recently begun to use collagen preparations in various pharmaceutical forms, such as pills, capsules, drinking ampoules, and even joint injections with collagen to treat joint osteoarthritis. Although the rigorous scientific evidence based on scientific studies is not strong – yet – to prove the effectiveness of these preparations and adopt them as a treatment option, the experiences of many doctors from their medical practice with their patients herald promising results.
Consultant orthopedic surgeon Dr. Khaled Al-Maaytah says that collagen supplements are important nutrients that contain essential amino acids such as proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline, which play a vital role in the synthesis of collagen protein, as collagen constitutes a large percentage of bone structure, which makes it necessary. For bone and joint health. Some studies also indicate that consuming collagen can improve the health of cartilage and joints as well.
Consult a doctor
Al-Maaytah stated that there are no significant side risks from taking collagen supplements and that they are considered safe for most people, except for some cases, for example if the person suffers from stomach disorders, but it is important to consult a doctor before starting to use them.
Al-Maaytah added that collagen levels can be improved naturally by eating collagen-rich foods such as meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, and one must exercise regularly to enhance collagen production.
Al-Maaytah explains that the appropriate dose of collagen supplements varies according to the type of supplement and the purpose of use, and that there is no specific dose for collagen, but rather depends on the condition of each patient, and a doctor must be consulted to determine the appropriate dose for him.
Al-Maaytah concluded with the golden advice to maintain healthy bones and joints by eating foods that contain gelatin, such as bone broth, as well as foods rich in vitamin C, and also following a balanced and varied diet, maintaining physical fitness, and exercising on a daily basis.