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Now the science...

What is COLLAGEN?

Uncover the properties and perks of collagen, an essential protein that offers various benefits including healthier skin, nails, and hair. Gain insights into how collagen can enhance your vitality.

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What Is Collagen? The Ultimate Guide to the Body’s Most Essential Protein

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up nearly 30% of our total protein content. It’s the structural backbone of our skin, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and even blood vessels. Often described as the “glue” that holds the body together, collagen plays a vital role in maintaining strength, elasticity, and regeneration throughout the body.

In this complete guide, we’ll break down:

  • What collagen is
  • The different types of collagen
  • How your body makes collagen
  • Why collagen levels decline with age
  • The benefits of collagen supplements
  • Scientific research supporting collagen use

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What Exactly Is Collagen?

Collagen is a fibrous, structural protein made of long chains of amino acids, primarily:

  • Glycine
  • Proline
  • Hydroxyproline
  • Arginine


These amino acids form triple helices that bundle into strong collagen fibrils—key components of connective tissue.

It’s found in:

  • SKIN: providing firmness and elasticity
  • BONES & JOINTS: giving structure and shock absorption
  • MUSCLES: supporting strength and recovery
  • HAIR & NAILS: aiding growth and resilience
  • GUMS & TEETH: maintaining oral health

In fact, this wonder protein makes up around 70% of the dry mass of our skin and forms the extracellular matrix (the mesh network that keeps our skin resilient and bouncy).

How Does the Body Produce Collagen?

Your body naturally produces collagen by combining amino acids from protein-rich foods with cofactors like Vitamin C, Zinc, and Copper. Collagen synthesis takes place in fibroblast cells, mostly found in the skin and connective tissue.

However, this process slows down with age—especially after the age of 25.

Other factors that reduce collagen production include:

  • Sun exposure
  • Smoking
  • Stress
  • Poor diet
  • Lack of sleep

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What Happens When Collagen Declines?

Collagen loss is a natural part of ageing. By the time you reach 40, you may lose up to 1% of collagen each year. This leads to:

  • Wrinkles and sagging skin
  • Joint discomfort
  • Loss of muscle mass
  • Thinner hair and brittle nails
  • Delayed wound healing

This is why many turn to collagen supplements to support natural levels.

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Types of Collagen

There are at least 28 types of collagen, but five are the most important:

Type I: Skin, bones, tendons - 90% of total collagen; provides structure

Type II: Cartilage - Supports joint health

Type III: Organs, blood vessels - Aids tissue elasticity and structure

Type IV: Skin layers - Helps with filtration in skin and organs

Type V: Cornea, placenta, hair - Involved in tissue development

Animal bones, skin, and connective tissue are common collagen sources, like those in cows and pigs (bovine and porcine).

However, our marine collagen is derived from fish scales, which have been scientifically validated as a premier collagen source.

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Science-Backed Benefits of Collagen Supplementation

Numerous clinical studies support the effectiveness of collagen:

Skin Health
A 2019 review in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that oral collagen peptides improve skin elasticity, hydration, and density in as little as 4–8 weeks.

Joint Pain Relief
Research in Current Medical Research and Opinion (2008) found that collagen Type II reduced joint discomfort and stiffness in athletes and older adults.

Muscle Mass
A study in British Journal of Nutrition (2015) showed that collagen peptides plus resistance training helped improve muscle mass in elderly men.

Hair & Nails
Participants in a 2017 study reported stronger nails and reduced breakage after daily collagen use for 24 weeks. Similar benefits are seen in hair growth and shine.

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Why Choose Marine Collagen?

Marine collagen, sourced from wild-caught fish skin and scales, is:

  • More bioavailable than bovine collagen (up to 1.5x better absorption)
  • Naturally rich in Type I collagen
  • Sustainable and eco-friendly
  • Suitable for pescatarians

Essentia Natura uses premium marine collagen peptides combined with Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Biotin, and Zinc for enhanced results.

Effectiveness of Essentia Natura's Peptan®F collagen peptides

A clinical study with 33 women aged 40-59 showed a 28% increase in skin hydration after ingesting collagen peptides. Peptan® Collagen peptides improved skin dryness for most participants.

Placebo
Peptan®

Peptan® collagen increases skin hydration but 28% after 8 weeks! Plus in those women the skin hydration level increased a phenomenal 91% after 8 weeks as well.

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When & How to Take Collagen

Best Time: Morning on an empty stomach or post-workout

Form: Liquid (like Essentia Natura), powder, or capsules

Dosage: 5–10g per day is typically effective

Support Nutrients: Take with Vitamin C to enhance absorption

Your top collagen questions answered...

Final Thoughts

Collagen is essential to your body’s strength, structure, and beauty. As natural levels decline with age, supplementing with high-quality collagen can help you maintain glowing skin, stronger joints, healthier hair, and overall vitality.

Essentia Natura’s marine collagen formula is clean, effective, and backed by science—so you can support your body from the inside out.

Explore Essentia Natura Collagen and start your wellness journey today.

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