Collagen Health Dictionary

Collagen is the essential component of fibrous tissue. A protein in the form of fine fibrils bound together by molecular crosslinks, it is the substance that holds body tissues together, present in quantity in the skin and subcutaneous tissue, in interstitial tissue generally and in bone. It is formed by fibroblasts and is laid down by them in the process of wound repair after injury forming a scar. When weak or inadequate it stretches and tissues sag. In bone repair, with the aid of Vitamin C, collagen forms a callus in which new bone develops. In parts where circulation is poor or areas subjected to repeated trauma excess collagen may accumulate as a corn or callosity. (John Cosh MD., FRCP)

For deficiency states, including the “old before your time” look, and to promote repair of wounds: Bamboo gum, Carragheen Moss, Comfrey, Fenugreek, Horsetail, Marshmallow, Quince seeds, Slippery Elm, Wild Yam.

Diet. See: GENERAL DIET. Oily fish: see entry.

Supplementation. Vitamin C (1 gram thrice daily). Calcium, Zinc. 

A tough, fibrous protein.

Collagen is the body’s major structural protein, forming an important part of tendons, bones, and connective tissue.

The most abundant protein in the body. It is the major structural component of many parts of the body and occurs in many di?erent forms. Thus it exists as thick ?bres in skin and tendons. It is also an important constituent of the heart and blood vessels. With calcium salts it provides the rigid structure of bone. It also occurs as a delicate structure in the cornea of the eye, and in what is known as the basement membrane of many tissues including the glomeruli of the kidneys and the capsule of the lens of the eye. It plays a part in many diseases, hereditary and otherwise. Among the inherited abnormalities of collagen are those responsible for aneurysms of the CIRCLE OF WILLIS and for OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA. On boiling it is converted into gelatin.

The fibrous insoluble structural protein that forms almost a third of our total body protein and holds everything together. Too much collagen is what makes a steak tough.

n. a protein that is the principal constituent of white fibrous connective tissue (as occurs in tendons). Collagen is also found in skin, bone, cartilage, and ligaments. It is relatively inelastic but has a high tensile strength.