Collagen fibers play an important role in the human body. They are responsible not only for the elasticity of the skin, but also support the structure of internal organs. Today, collagen is also actively used in cosmetology. As a result, the skin looks younger and more attractive. In our article, you can find more detailed information about collagen fibers and their functions.
General information about collagen fibers
Collagen fibers are fibrillar protein. It is one of the constituents of the connective tissue of the body. Fibers provide it with elasticity and strength. They are present in all multicellular animals. Collagen fibers are absent from plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms.
Collagen fibers are the most abundant protein in mammals. Its content in the body ranges from 25%. The product of collagen denaturation is gelatin.
The function of collagen fibers plays an important role in women's lives. It's no secret that they are more than males,worried about their appearance. Due to the high fiber content, the aging process can be slowed down and some wrinkles can be eliminated. They are also used in many areas of our life, namely in the food industry, cosmetology, science and medicine.
Fiber Synthesis
The synthesis of collagen fibers is a complex process that occurs in the presence of a sufficient amount of vitamins and trace elements. It takes place in the fibroblast. One of the most important moments in the process is the hydroxylation reaction, which allows the further process of collagen formation to continue. The catalyst is specific enzymes.
The synthesis of collagen fibers can break the deficiency of ascorbic acid. In this case, the so-called abnormal collagen will form. It is looser in texture. Such synthesis may be the cause of scurvy.
Collagen, elastin fibers are the basis of the skin. The first stops producing enzymes at the age of 20-25 years, and the second at 13-14 years. After that, the skin is not restored, the aging process begins. However, today there are a huge number of cosmetic products, which include collagen. Thanks to them, you can partially restore the skin and get rid of shallow wrinkles.
Fiber formation
The formation of collagen fibers is regulated by procollagen peptidases. Such molecules are not capable of spontaneous formation. For the formation of fibers, preliminary cleavage of N- andC-terminal peptides. It follows from this that the formation of collagen fibers coincides with the formation of fibrin filaments. In these two processes, specific proteolytic cleavage is the main condition.
Collagen fiber is formed in the extracellular fluid near the surface of the fibroblast, but by no means inside it. This is due to the fact that procollagen peptidases are outside the cell. Terminal peptides prevent untimely protein formation.
Fiber composition
Collagen fibers consist of fibrils and include a specific protein - collagen. They are extremely durable and have the ability to swell. Depending on the arrangement of amino acids in polypeptide chains, as well as on the quality of the carbohydrate component, more than 10 types of collagen protein are distinguished. These varieties are included not only in the composition of collagen fibers, but also in the basement membranes of epithelial and cartilage tissues, as well as other structures. With the development of certain pathological processes, collagen breakdown can occur. In this regard, it enters the bloodstream.
The composition of collagen fibers also includes:
- arginine;
- leucine;
- valine;
- serine;
- tyrosine and other beneficial substances.
Fiber Aging
Over time, collagen fibers age. This is an inevitable process that cannot be stopped. It affects all aspects of life. The ability to work gradually decreases, the state of he alth worsens and there is a significantchange in appearance.
Aging of collagen fibers causes changes in the skin at the age of 33-35 years. As a result, wrinkles appear. Modern rejuvenation procedures and plastic surgery can significantly slow down this process. However, they are quite expensive. The duration of the effect of such procedures is individual. Unfortunately, some of them don't fit. According to the results of a study conducted by experts, some people have an overabundance of type 3 collagen. Because of this, they are prone to early aging. The rejuvenation procedures carried out will have a short-term effect.
It's no secret that with age a person can hardly reach the floor with his fingertips without bending his knees. This is due to the fact that over time, the amplitude of flexion of the spine and limbs decreases. The limiter in the degree of stretching is collagen. It protects the tissue from overstretching, as well as damage to blood vessels and nerves. Experts recommend regular exercise, regardless of age. They claim that this will improve collagen fibers and make you feel your best.
Restoration of collagen fibers
Experts from all over the world for many years want to create the perfect substance that will restore collagen fibers. Ascorbic acid, peptides and plant extracts have a similar function. They are actively used in the creation of special creams and masks. However, this composition does not100% result. Scientists have learned how to break up the molecules of the listed components and enclose them in special compounds. Due to this, the substance passes through the epidermis.
Today, anyone can buy a cosmetic product, which includes collagen fibers. However, experts say that in this case, the molecules are large and are not able to penetrate the skin in order to restore the amount of collagen in the body. The positive qualities of such a product can only be attributed to the fact that it moisturizes the top layer of the cover.
To prevent the aging process and restore collagen levels, experts recommend injections. Thus, the protein is delivered deep into the skin and has a positive effect on its condition.
In order to slow down the aging process, which occurs due to the cessation of the production of enzymes by collagen fibers, it is imperative to lead a he althy lifestyle. There are five known enemies of collagen fibers:
- smoking;
- alcohol;
- stress;
- insufficient skin hydration;
- excessive ultraviolet.
Proper nutrition for collagen production
Nutrition plays an important role in collagen production. It is important to give preference only to high-quality, he althy and fresh products. This is due to the fact that collagen fibers are formed from a number of amino acids that enter the body only with proteins. Their deficiency can affect the condition of the skin,nails and hair.
Eating foods that are rich in protein helps build a complete collagen molecule. This may explain the change in the skin condition of those girls who often resort to a wide variety of diets.
Amino acids, which enter the body along with protein, allow the body to form its own collagen. However, with a lack of at least one amino acid, the process of fiber formation stops. Gradually, hair begins to fall out, the skin fades, and the nails become brittle.
What foods should be preferred for collagen production?
Not all products can help restore collagen fibers. The most valuable product is fish and seafood. Salmon is especially useful. It contains omega-3 fatty acids and is also rich in natural collagen. Any cosmetologist knows that sea fish is a source of he alth, beauty and youth. It must be included in the regular diet. Shrimps, crabs, oysters, mussels and sea kale have the same properties. Thanks to these products, you can not only restore collagen fibers, but also get rid of iodine deficiency.
Another valuable product is turkey meat. Thanks to him, the production of collagen fibers is stabilized and their premature destruction is prevented. Few people know, but pork and beef slow down the formation of collagen. That is why it is recommended to give preference to the turkey.
NotThe secret is that vegetables are extremely beneficial for the body. They are a source of a variety of vitamins and minerals. To restore collagen fibers, it is important to give preference to green vegetables. In addition, they will normalize metabolic processes. Also, the condition of the skin improves with the use of apples, carrots and tomatoes.
Special attention should be paid to products that contain vitamin C. It is the main stimulant on which skin elasticity depends. Vitamin C is found in oranges, tangerines, apricots, lemons and peaches.
Collagen injections
Every year, collagen injections are becoming more and more popular. The cost of this procedure depends on the type of collagen used. There are three types of substance:
- Animal. It is obtained from the skins of cattle. It is believed that this is the most dangerous and ineffective type of collagen. It can cause a severe allergic reaction.
- Vegetable. Produced biotechnically from wheat proteins. Such collagen does not cause allergic reactions. It is used in luxury cosmetics and is expensive.
- Marine. The molecules of such collagen are similar to those produced by the human body. It is affordable, but in some cases it can cause an allergic reaction.
Collagen fibers and medicine
Collagen fibers of the skin play an important role in the life of mankind. Scientists have proven that the violationCollagen synthesis in the body underlies many hereditary diseases. The main manifestations of such diseases include:
- damage to the ligamentous apparatus;
- cartilage damage;
- presence of heart valve defects.
Diseases caused by defects in collagen biosynthesis occur due to many reasons. They may be due to mutations in genes or collagen modification errors. Another reason is the lack of enzymes. To combat such diseases, it is necessary to normalize their number.
Summing up
Almost everyone dreams of slowing down the aging process. However, not everyone knows what it is connected with and how to deal with it. Today there are a huge number of cosmetic products with collagen. When purchasing them, it is important to pay attention to the composition. Collagen fibers, which are included in a particular product, cannot always guarantee a 100% result. To restore collagen in the body, we recommend exercising regularly and eating only high-quality food. Thanks to this, collagen fibers will function with maximum benefit for the body, and your skin will remain elastic and attractive for as long as possible.
