19/10/2026
🩷 Collagen is the most abundant protein in humans, accounting for 25% to 35% of the body’s total protein content. It acts as the primary structural “glue” that provides strength, elasticity, and support to our skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Structurally, it is unique for its triple-helix configuration, which is formed by tightly wound chains of amino acids.
While scientists have identified at least 28 distinct types of collagen, three main types make up the vast majority of what functions inside the human body.
• Type I: Accounts for roughly 90% of the body’s collagen. It is densely packed and used to provide structure to skin, bones, tendons, and structural ligaments.
• Type II: Found predominantly in elastic cartilage. It acts as a shock absorber for joints.
• Type III: Supports the structure of muscles, arteries, and internal organs, working alongside Type I to maintain tissue elasticity.
Our body naturally creates its own collagen by breaking down dietary protein into amino acids. However, this natural production peaks before age 20 and declines by roughly 1% every year after. This depletion accelerates significantly for women after menopause.
