proto-col collagen in depth - a new idea for an age old problem, by Professor Greg Whyte, PhD FACSM
About the author ….
Professor Greg Whyte PhD
FACSM - Professor of Applied Sport and Exercise Science, Research Institute for
Sport and Exercise, Liverpool John Moore’s University.
A former international modern pentathlete, Greg competed in two Olympic Games and won European bronze and World Championship silver medals. He studied for his BSc (Hons) at Brunel University and completed his MSc in Human Performance in the USA. He completed his PhD at St. George’s Hospital Medical School and the University of Wolverhampton, where he was Research Co-ordinator. He is widely published in a number of areas of Sports Science and Medicine including performance, attitude, immune function, exercise-induced asthma and ergogenic aids in sport. He has recently been on television as Greg trained a host of celebrities who climbed Kilimanjaro for Comic relief in 2009, James Cracknell for his amazing cross continent challenge for Sport Relief 2008 and David Walliams for his amazing swim across the English Channel in 2006. Greg is also working on the 2010 Sports Relief challenge with more celebreties including Davina McCall.
Collagen
Collagen is the most common protein found in the body. Each
collagen molecule resembles a microscopic rope which is extremely strong and
flexible. Collagen forms a key part of the extra-cellular matrix of connective
tissue and is found in a huge array of tissues including hair, nails, bones,
cartilage, tendons and ligaments. The extra-cellular matrix gives connective
tissue types most of their functional characteristics, i.e. the ability of
bones and cartilage to bear weight. Thus, when collagen is lost the functional
characteristics of the tissue are lost, i.e. skin loses elasticity leading to
wrinkles.
Our ageing skin, hair and nails
Collagen forms a key component of the skin, hair and nails.
Collagen makes up for 90% of skin proteins - the largest organ in the body
which is significantly affected by the ageing process and menopause. It appears
that women lose collagen at a faster rate than men during ageing, a process
which is accelerated following menopause. A variety of symptoms are increased
in post-menopausal women associated with a reduction in oestrogen including
epidermal thinning, declining dermal collagen content, dryness, decreased
laxity, bruising and impaired hearing. A recent study reported a reduction in
patchy discolorations, fine lines and wrinkles around the eye following
collagen supplementation.
Whilst there are only a limited number of scientific studies examining the role of collagen supplementation on the skin, these recent findings offer some exciting possibilities in slowing the ageing process and maintaining skin health. The role of collagen in maintaining healthy nails and hair has long been known, with a vast array of topical (creams, gels etc.) products available on the high street. Anecdotal evidence supports the use of collagen in topical products and there is a growing recognition for the role of collagen supplementation in promoting hair and nail health.
Our ageing bones and joints:
Osteoarthritis
We are all susceptible to the effects of joint ‘wear and
tear’ which leads to the loss of mobility, painful joints and osteoarthritis. Ageing alone causes a number of changes in the
articular cartilage that may result in the development of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the commonest disorder of the joints in middle-age and older
people, affecting nearly 9 million people in the UK. In osteoarthritis, the
cartilage that protects the ends of the bones breaks down and causes pain and
swelling.
The major symptom of osteoarthritis is joint pain, a problem which ranges in severity from mild to debilitating. The standard treatment for osteoarthritis and general joint pain are the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s).Unfortunately, routine, long term use of NSAID’s has a number of disadvantages. There is concern that NSAID’s may be toxic to articular cartilage and that they may accelerate the course of osteoarthritis. Because of this a number of non-drug alternatives have been suggested in the treatment of osteoarthritis including collagen, glucosamine sulphate/hydrochloride, chrondroitin, hyaluronic acid, bromelain, n-3 polysaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA), and vitamin/mineral supplements.
The rationale for the use of these supplements is based upon a local deficiency in some key natural substances. Thus, it is assumed that they act as natural ‘building blocks’ or assist in promoting regeneration of the cartilage matrix. A number of studies have reported a beneficial effect of collagen supplementation in reducing joint pain and inflammation, with some studies showing evidence of slowing and possibly reversing the disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, different to
osteoarthritis despite the fact that they result in similar symptoms including
joint pain, inflammation and joint destruction. A small number of studies have
reported a positive effect of collagen supplementation for juvenile rheumatoid
arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoporosis
Bone turnover, the process of bone destruction and bone
formation continues throughout life.
Peak bone mass occurs between the age of 20-30 years following which
bone loss begins at a rate of about 1% to 2% per year. This rate of bone loss accelerates during the menopause and can result in
a disorder termed ‘osteoporosis’. Whilst bone loss is accelerated following
menopause, osteoporosis is a disorder that affects both men and women and is a
major cause of disability and excess mortality in older men and women.
Osteoporosis is a disorder of the bone that leads to a reduction in bone
mineral density resulting in weaker bones which are susceptible to fractures
and breaks. The treatment for osteoporosis includes weight bearing exercise, Vitamin D and
calcium supplementation, hormone replacement therapy (in females), selective
oestrogen receptor agonists, bi-phosphonates and calcitonin.
Bone collagen breakdown products are often used to identify osteoporosis and as such demonstrate an increased collagen breakdown associated with osteoporosis. As a consequence, a small number of studies have examined the role of collagen supplementation in osteoporosis. The results of these studies are promising, demonstrating that collagen supplementation improves and prolongs the effects of calcitonin.
Take home message
A small number of scientific studies have reported
beneficial effects from collagen supplementation for a variety of problems
including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and skin, hair and
nail quality. Whilst further scientific studies are required to confirm the
role of collagen supplementation in these and other age related issues, early
findings are promising. The side effects of collagen supplementation are very
few supporting its use as a worthy addition to daily dietary intake.
The Structure of Collagen
Description
A collagenous fiber is a bundle of many macrofibrils. Each
macrofibrilis in turn a bundle of numerous microfibrils. The microfibril is
composed of many tropocollagen helices. Each of these assembled from three
polypeptide chains twisted together.
