Collagen Deficiency and Wrinkles
Collagen is the most plentiful protein in the human body, and the most common protein found in mammals. It is primarily composed of three amino acids: glycine, proline and lysine. There are over twenty different types of collagen found in the human body, but types 1, 2 and 3 comprise 80 to 90 percent of total collagen. Collagen is essential for the skin, ligaments, bone, blood vessels, eyes, heart (heart valves), organ encasements, gums, teeth, bladder, fascia, and tendons. Collagen is secreted by many types of cells including fibroblasts. Over 85 percent of the protein in the human body is collagen. The successful functioning of our bodies is dependent on adequate collagen synthesis. As we get older, collagen production declines. This shows up as wrinkles and changes in the structural integrity of the skin. Another area in the body that is indicative of decreased collagen production can be receding gums. In order to make collagen, the body requires an adequate amount of the f