Collagen is a term that is often associated with the skin. It’s the crucial protein that spreads throughout the tendons, bones, and muscles of the body. This further encompasses the organs, intestinal lining, and blood vessels. Moreover, collagen gives the skin its youthful bounce by replacing the dead skin cells with new ones. However, some factors can reduce collagen production leading to deficiency and disease. Keep reading to know more about this essential protein.

What are the signs of collagen deficiency?
Generally, collagen’s most known role in the body is keeping the skin healthy, but its functions do not end there. This protein plays an important role in supporting connective tissues and muscles. So, when the production of collagen is compromised and reduced in the body, one can experience subtle signs that indicate the issue. Some of these have been mentioned below:

• Pain in the joints
• Decreased skin elasticity and integrity
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Reduced mobility

What are the causes of collagen deficiency?
Typically, collagen makes up almost 30% of the body’s protein. But as it begins to decline, one can notice changes in the skin in the form of fine lines and other issues. Some of the factors that have been associated with the decrease in collagen are:

• UV exposure
  One of the most common causes of collagen deficiency is prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun. A study has concluded that the negative impact of UV rays on collagen can be observed through various changes in the body. This entails DNA that produces the collagen and an increase in free radicals that affect collagen production through oxidative stress.
• Excessive intake of inflammatory foods
  Inflammation in any part of the body can have a severe impact on the skin. This can be noticed in the form of redness, swelling, itchiness, heat, and pain in the affected area. In such cases, body tissue, especially the connective tissue supported by collagen, cannot be considered an exception.
  So, when one regularly eats inflammation-triggering foods such as chips, pastries, crackers, sweetened drinks, and sodas, it activates the immune system and promotes inflammation in the body. This leads to fragmentation and hardening of the collagen, paving the way for premature skin aging.
  Hence, healthcare professionals recommend including collagen-rich foods to counter the deficiency and boost its production. Some foods that can be added to one’s meal plan are chicken, egg whites, blackberries, blueberries, swiss chard, and beans.
• Stress
  Research by the National Library of Medicine has found that stress is a leading cause of the onset of various health issues. This also includes a reduction in the natural production of collagen, often triggered by an increase in other hormones associated with stress – adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine. This happens because, at times like these, the body is more focused on relieving stress-related inflammation than collagen production.

What are the available treatment alternatives for collagen deficiency?
While one can stimulate collagen production naturally by nourishing the skin and eating collagen-rich foods, patients can also opt for the treatment alternatives mentioned below.

• Red light therapy
• Ultherapy
• Microneedling
• Supplementation
• Intake of Ginseng

One must look for signs of collagen vascular disease, such as skin rash, joint pain, and muscle weakness. In case any of the above-mentioned symptoms are noticed, one must consult a healthcare professional at the earliest.