Collagen, a fibrous protein, is crucial for skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments, providing structure and elasticity, making up to 80% of skin proteins. At Iswari, we've replaced animal collagen with Vollagen®. Discover the reasons behind our choice.
Is a diverse family of proteins that play a wide range of cellular and extracellular roles, assisting in cell signaling, proliferation, differentiation, and the structural integrity of connective tissues. In other words, collagen provides strength and support to various tissues including the heart, lungs, muscles, joints, blood cells, arteries, and more. Collagen fibers form extensive, robust networks that give the dermis its strength, firmness, and elasticity. Supple skin, bone density, healthy joints, hair, and overall vitality can all be impacted by a lack of collagen in the body. Moreover, collagen helps maintain the digestive system's functionality by aiding the regeneration of the intestinal wall and supports the cardiovascular system by enhancing the elasticity of the arteries.
It's believed that the body loses about 1% of its collagen each year after turning 25, and after 50, the production is thought to hover at around 35% to 40%. A reduction in the production of sex hormones (such as estrogen) is one cause, as it decreases the production of cells that synthesize collagen, but there are others. Smoking, excessive sun exposure, higher levels of alcohol consumption, lack of sleep and exercise, or stress can also be responsible. Additionally, it's not just the amount of collagen that the body loses. Even the quality is compromised. For instance, the ratio of collagen types in the skin changes with age; young skin is made up of 80% type I collagen and about 15% type III collagen. However, collagen fibers accumulate damage over time, and this reduces their ability to function correctly. Intrinsically aged skin is generally characterized by dermal atrophy with reduced density of collagen fibers, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Beyond reduced density, the collagen and elastin fibers can be seen as disorganized and abnormal in aged skin compared to young, healthy skin.
This is particularly bad news for women, considering that upon entering menopause this reduction in collagen production is even more pronounced. The skin becomes thinner, and with the degeneration of elastic fibers and collagen, comes the decrease in skin elasticity and the formation of wrinkles. Furthermore, one of the roles of collagen is to provide firmness to tissues, and this includes bones, helping to keep them strong and healthy. Therefore, with reduced collagen comes the weakening and aging of the skeletal system and joints, which can lead to conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
Collagen is naturally found, especially in meat, which poses a problem for those following a plant-based diet. Since there is no natural source of vegan collagen, at Iswari, we've chosen to introduce Vollagen®, a complex of amino acids, created in the lab with plant-based ingredients that help to stimulate the body's production of collagen, in our Smoothie Booster Vegan Collagen. What are the major advantages compared to animal-derived collagen? Well, for starters, Vollagen® is free of heavy metal contamination or other toxic materials that can occur in animal-based collagen. Additionally, the amino acids are already isolated, so they’re more easily absorbed by the body. And, as Vollagen® is produced using a patented process of fermentation and multi-stage microencapsulation, it results in a mixture of amino acids rather than a simple combination of individual amino acids. If you want to learn more, simply go here.
Though various types of collagen have been identified, 80% to 90% of the collagen in our body falls into three main categories:
Type I — The most abundant, found in the skin, tendons, organs, and bones of all vertebrates. It's the primary component of the organic part of the bone, a structure that is later mineralized to produce a framework stronger than steel but light enough to enhance mobility and speed.
Type II — A primary component of cartilage, a substance often smoother than glass, with a very low friction coefficient, yet does not break or crack under pressure.
Type III — Type III collagen is commonly found alongside type I and generally constitutes about 15% of the skin's collagen.
Maintaining a good level of collagen in the body helps to promote strengthening and increase the elasticity and hydration of the skin, preserve bone density, improve calcium absorption, and also contributes to the maintenance of the skeletal structure, reducing the risk of fractures. Moreover, it protects the joints and cartilaginous tissues, preventing discomfort and stiffness. Therefore, including collagen in your diet through supplements can be an effective strategy. But remember: don't complicate things. Create a routine that's easy to maintain because consistency is key. That's precisely why in the Iswari Smoothie Booster Vegan Collagen, we've combined Vollagen®, which enhances collagen production, with antioxidants, such as Vitamin C. You just need to add a serving to a smoothie, water, yogurt, or porridge, and you're set!
