Collagen is a fibrous protein that makes up a full third of all protein in humans. It is a very important protein that provides firmness, elasticity and structure to body tissues such as skin, cartilage, tendons, connective tissue, muscles, bones and organs. Collagen has a special structure called a triple helix and can be compared to a braid or rope. This structure makes the protein extremely strong and tough, which is important considering the functions it has in the body. When you add collagen from the outside, absorption is facilitated if you first break down (hydrolyze) the collagen into smaller pieces that can be easily absorbed in the intestine. When you talk about collagen, you often talk about it being important for two areas in particular - skin and joints. So we want to describe these two areas in a little more detail.
Collagen and skin
The skin is the body's largest organ and consists largely of collagen. At the age of 25, the levels are at their highest in the skin and are then a whopping 70% collagen. Unfortunately, collagen production subsequently decreases with increasing age and that is when you begin to notice that the skin loses elasticity, wrinkles appear, the skin becomes thinner and even pigment changes can begin to be seen. It is for this reason that collagen in the form of food supplements has become so popular, you want to support the body from the inside out. Collagen is also abundant in hair and nails, so these are also positively affected by an extra supply of collagen.
Collagen and joints
Collagen is very important for joint function and builds up what we call cartilage. Cartilage is found around the ends of the bones that meet, such as in a knee joint where the femur and shin meet. In order for these bones to meet without ending up bone to bone, there is cartilage in between as a protective capsule. Cartilage is a durable material that allows the joint to move smoothly and flexibly. As collagen production decreases over time, the function of the cartilage can be negatively affected, which often leads to pain and discomfort in the joints. Even the tendons and ligaments found in joints contain collagen, so collagen is important from several aspects for the function of the joints.
Different types of collagen
The body's tissues contain at least 16 different types of collagen, but a few predominate. About 90% of the collagen is of type I, followed by types II and III, and it is therefore these types that have the greatest impact on functions in, for example, joints, skin, hair and nails.
Elixir Collagen tablets - hydrolyzed collagen type I, II and III
Our collagen tablets contain hydrolyzed collagen of type I, II and III taken from three different sources – fish, beef (bovine) and chicken. The collagen is combined with vitamin C, which is needed to support the body's own collagen production, as well as vitamin B3 and biotin, which contribute to normal skin and hair.
Recommended intake: 4 tablets daily with a meal.
Elixir Collagen powder 100% Peptan®
A hydrolyzed collagen in powder form from beef (bovine origin) with collagen type I from Peptan® which ensures the highest possible quality. This powder can be easily mixed into any drink, cold or hot, and has a neutral taste.
Recommended intake: 1–2 scoops (5-10g) daily in any drink.
Elixir Collagen powder 100% marine
A type I hydrolyzed collagen from wild-caught cod in the North Atlantic. The collagen has a neutral taste and can be used in any drink, hot or cold.
Recommended intake: 2 scoops (5 g) daily in any drink.
