-
Protein makes up around 20% of the body's mass, and collagen makes up around 30% of the protein in the human body.
-
There are at least 16 types of collagen, but 80-90% of the collagen in the body consists of types I, II, and III.
-
Type I collagen fibrils are stronger than steel (gram for gram).
-
Collagen is most commonly found within the body in the skin, bones and connective tissues.
-
The word "collagen" is derived from the Greek "kolla," meaning glue.
-
Collagen gives the skin its strength and structure, and also plays a role in the replacement of dead skin cells.
-
Collagen production declines with age (as part of intrinsic aging), and is reduced by exposure to ultraviolet light and other environmental factors (extrinsic aging).
-
Collagen in medical products can be derived from human, bovine, porcine and ovine sources.
-
Collagen dressings attract new skin cells to wound sites.
-
Controllable factors that damage the production of collagen include sunlight, smoking and high sugar consumption