As we age, it’s critical to ensure we have enough of this key protein
Collagen—along with hyaluronic acid—forms the “intracellular cement” that literally holds us together. There are several different types of collagen, but type II is by far the most abundant in our bodies, representing 30 percent of total body protein and up to 70 percent of the proteins in our connective tissues.
Aging and Skin Health
As we age, a lot happens in the collagen-rich support structure of the skin (the dermis). First and foremost, the activity of the fibroblasts—the cells responsible for making collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid—slows down. All of these factors ultimately lead to a thinner dermis and structural changes that lead to skin looking old and weathered.
Joint and Bone Health
As we grow older, natural collagen production also slows in our joints and may lead to osteoarthritis. The ligaments and tendons may also weaken. Bone is also rich in collagen. In fact, about 30–40 percent of bone is composed of collagen. If the collagen content is low, the bone becomes more brittle and fracture risk increases dramatically.
Increasing Collagen Content
Collagen supplements can provide the building blocks of collagen manufacture, but the key to increasing collagen levels is to increase the activity of collagen-producing cells. Collagen supplements have shown mixed results in promoting joint health.
One of the most interesting and well-documented approaches to increasing the manufacture of collagen is the use of a highly bioavailable form of silica—choline stabilized orthosilicic acid or ch-OSA (sold as Biosil). Initially, research focused on the ability of ch-OSA to increase the levels of hydroxyproline, the key amino acid required for the production of collagen and elastin. Clinical studies with ch-OSA showed impressive results in women age 40–65 with signs of sun damage and premature aging of the skin. Those receiving 10 mg of ch-OSA daily experienced 30 percent improvements in shallow, fine lines and 55 percent increased skin elasticity.
Source: https://doctormurray.com/the-collagen-connection-3/