Kollagént

Kollagént is the Hungarian term for collagen, a group of structural proteins found throughout animals. Collagen is the main structural protein of the extracellular matrix and connective tissues, and it forms distinctive triple-helical molecules that assemble into fibrils and fibers. There are at least 28 distinct collagen types, with types I, II and III accounting for the majority of connective-tissue collagen. Type I is abundant in skin, bone and tendons; type II in cartilage; type III in skin, blood vessels and organs.

Biosynthesis begins in specialized cells such as fibroblasts. The collagen chain is synthesized as procollagen, then hydroxylated on specific proline and lysine residues in the endoplasmic reticulum in a vitamin C–dependent process. Propeptides are cleaved extracellularly, allowing the molecules to assemble into fibrils that cross-link to form structural fibers.

Functions include providing tensile strength and resisting stretch, supporting tissues from skin to bone, and helping organize the extracellular matrix. Collagen is widespread in connective tissues, dermis, bone matrix, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and cornea.

Dietary sources include animal-derived foods; collagen supplements often come as hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides, which are easier to digest. Evidence on health effects from oral collagen supplements is mixed: some studies report small improvements in skin elasticity or joint comfort after several months, while others find limited or no effects. Topical collagen in creams has limited ability to penetrate the skin.

Applications include medical biomaterials, wound dressings and sutures, and cosmetic uses such as dermal fillers. Safety considerations include potential allergies to animal-derived collagen, and quality-control and regulatory considerations vary by jurisdiction. Kollagént is a widely studied protein with diverse biological roles and commercial applications, but claims about its benefits should be evaluated critically.