Key Points at a Glance
- Like many other substances produced naturally by the body, our body is able to produce collagen on its own.
- However, as we get older, this production declines. This is, however, a normal process.
- The situation becomes even more serious when an unhealthy lifestyle and unfavorable genes are added to the mix.
- In that case, your body sends warning signals that you must not ignore.
Collagen performs many functions in the human body. It keeps the skin firm and elastic while also providing stability to bones, joints, tendons, muscles, and tissues. Teeth and nails also benefit from collagen proteins. It is a normal process for the body’s own production of collagen to decline. It is, however, more serious when collagen production decreases at a younger age due to external factors.
Collagen deficiency is not an age-related phenomenon
To recognize when there is a collagen deficiency, it is important to understand that the age-related decline in collagen production should not be considered a true collagen deficiency. In fact, the body’s own production begins to decline as early as age 25; by age 80, the skin contains only a quarter of the collagen found in younger skin.
Conversely, this means that if you have a collagen deficiency at a young age, it poses a serious threat, as it can lead to physical consequences. And there are several symptoms that may indicate you’re not producing enough collagen.
Symptoms of Collagen Deficiency
Since collagen, the “glue” that holds cells together, accounts for about 25 to 30 percent of the proteins in the human body, it is found almost everywhere: in bones and teeth, muscles and tendons, tissues and joints. The dermis—the second-deepest layer of our skin—is actually made up of 80 percent collagen. So it stands to reason that a collagen deficiency there becomes noticeable relatively quickly.
This is because the skin loses its elasticity, becomes saggy, and develops wrinkles. If this occurs over a period of just a few weeks, the collagen deficiency—which is caused by advanced age—can likely be ruled out as the triggering factor.
In most cases, it's not just the skin that's affected
The causes of this deficiency can be complex. Everyday stress is often the trigger: In this case, the body releases cortisol, which, however, also plays a key role in breaking down the body’s own collagen. However, increased sugar consumption is also harmful (for other reasons as well, of course), since it binds to the structural protein collagen in connective tissue and causes it to harden irreversibly. As a result, it also loses its supportive function.
In addition to poor nutrition and stress, however, genes, too much sun, or too much nicotine can also inhibit collagen production. Although the symptoms often first appear on the skin, a lack of collagen is also immediately noticeable in the hair and nails: they become brittle. However, other signs can also indicate low collagen levels in the body.
For example, if you experience severe joint pain unusually often for no apparent reason, this could indicate a collagen deficiency. Ligaments and tendons that are prone to injury can also be warning signs, as can difficulty concentrating and persistent fatigue.
