What Is Collagen: What is collagen? Why is it important for skin, bones, joints? Know its benefits and ways to overcome its deficiency..
- byShikha Srivastava
- 27 Mar, 2025

Why Collagen Important For Body: Are wrinkles increasing in your skin or are you feeling pain in the joints? The reason for this may be a lack of collagen. Collagen is an essential protein of our body, which gives strength and flexibility to the skin, bones and joints. With increasing age, its quantity starts decreasing, due to which the skin becomes loose and the joints start getting weak. But no need to worry! With the right diet and some important measures, you can overcome the deficiency of collagen. Know the ways to increase collagen, benefits, and important tips, that will keep you young and fit for a long time.
What is collagen?
Collagen is made up of amino acids, which mainly contain proline, glycine and hydroxyproline. The body also needs vitamin C, zinc, copper and manganese to make it. If we talk about its work, it helps in creating new skin cells. It helps in removing dead skin cells, giving flexibility and strength to the skin, strengthening joints and bones, for blood clotting and protecting internal organs.
According to Clevelandclinic, 28 types of collagen have been identified so far, of which the main five types are as follows. The first type, which is 90% collagen in the body. It provides structure to the skin, bones, tendons and ligaments. The second type is found in elastic cartilage, which keeps the joints strong, the third type is found in muscles, arteries and organs, while the fourth type is present in the layers of the skin. The fifth type is found in the cornea of the eyes, hair, some layers of the skin and the tissues of the placenta.
Decline in collagen with age-
As age increases, collagen production in the body starts decreasing. Collagen production decreases rapidly after menopause in women. Its level decreases significantly after the age of 60.
Symptoms of collagen deficiency-
- Wrinkles, looseness and dryness in the skin.
- Hollowness around the eyes and face.
- Muscle weakness and pain.
– Joint pain and stiffness.
– Digestive system problems.
– Obstruction in blood flow.
Habits that damage collagen –
-Smoking reduces collagen production and the skin starts to look old quickly.
-Excessive sugar and processed carbs make collagen weak and brittle.
-Sun rays slow down collagen production, which increases wrinkles.
-Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, damage collagen.
How to overcome collagen deficiency?
Collagen director is not absorbed, but if the necessary nutrients that produce collagen are included in the diet, it can have an effect.
Vitamin C: Orange, strawberry, capsicum, broccoli etc.
Proline: Mushroom, cabbage, peanuts, egg white, meat etc.
Glycine: Red meat, chicken, turkey, peanuts, granola etc.
Copper: Oysters, walnuts, green leafy vegetables, dark chocolate, etc.
Zinc: Red meat, pulses, nuts, green vegetables, milk products, etc.

Are collagen supplements beneficial?
Some studies have found the possibility of collagen supplements improving skin moisture and elasticity, relieving joint pain. However, it cannot be controlled where the body will use it.
Other ways to increase collagen -
- Apply sunscreen every day.
- Avoid smoking and eating too much sweets.
- Take a balanced diet, which contains proteins, vitamins and minerals.
- Do yoga and exercise, which increases blood circulation.

In this way, it can be said that collagen is very important for healthy skin, bones and joints. To maintain it, proper diet, healthy lifestyle and measures to protect from sun rays should be adopted. Supplements can help to some extent, but a balanced diet is the best solution.
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