Kollageenien

Kollageenien are fibrous proteins that are a major component of the extracellular matrix in various connective tissues of animals. They are the most abundant proteins in mammals, making up 25% to 35% of the whole-body protein content. Kollageenien provide structural support and strength to tissues such as skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.

There are many different types of kollageenien, with at least 28 identified types, each with specific structures and functions. Type I kollageeni is the most common, found in skin, bone, and tendons. Type II kollageeni is predominantly found in cartilage, while Type III is found in skin and blood vessels. These proteins are synthesized by specialized cells like fibroblasts and osteoblasts.

The structure of kollageenien is characterized by a triple helix formation, where three polypeptide chains, called alpha chains, are wound around each other. Each alpha chain consists of repeating amino acid sequences, typically Glycine-Proline-X, where X can be any amino acid. This specific arrangement is crucial for the stability and tensile strength of the kollageeni molecule.

As organisms age, the production of kollageenien can decrease, and existing kollageenien can become damaged. This contributes to common signs of aging, such as wrinkles in the skin, reduced joint flexibility, and decreased bone density. Dietary supplements containing hydrolyzed kollageenien are often marketed to support skin health, joint function, and hair and nail strength, although scientific evidence for their efficacy in all these areas is still developing.