Lack of collagen: symptoms and consequences

We are all looking to stay healthy and radiant, and collagen is an essential building block that can help us do just that. This protein is essential for skin, joints and overall health. However, when collagen levels decline, our bodies begin to send out warning signals.

In this article, we will explore the symptoms and consequences of collagen deficiency, helping you to recognise the signals your body may be sending.

Why is collagen so important?

Collagen provides firmness and elasticity to the skin and is crucial for keeping it smooth. Over time, natural collagen production decreases, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles, sagging and fine lines. It also strengthens bones and joints, giving them flexibility and resilience to prevent diseases such as osteoporosis and reduce inflammation and joint pain.

In terms of muscle health, collagen is essential, providing strength and allowing muscles to contract and relax properly. Deficiency can contribute to muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass. Finally, collagen supports healthy hair and nails, strengthening and preventing hair loss and breakage.

Some of the symptoms indicated by a lack of collagen are:

How do you know if you lack collagen?

To identify if you have a lack of collagen, we advise you to see a professional for a full medical assessment, below are some of the most common signs:

Some of the main signs are skin problems, pronounced wrinkles, sagging, extreme dryness and loss of elasticity are common signs of a lack of collagen, another very common sign is often joint pain and stiffness, if you experience persistent joint pain, stiffness when moving or swelling in specific areas, This could be an indicator of a decrease in joint collagen, age is an important factor, as time goes on, bone weakness and an increased risk of fractures may indicate a deficiency of collagen in the bones, other factors can be muscle weakening, hair and nail problems, digestive problems.

What causes a lack of collagen?

Collagen deficiency can be influenced by several factors, including age, where collagen production naturally decreases with ageing. From the age of 25, this production begins to decline at a rate of around 1% per year. Sun exposure also plays an important role, as UV rays damage collagen fibres, accelerating the skin’s ageing process.

A diet poor in nutrients essential for collagen production, such as vitamin C, zinc and copper, can contribute to deficiencies, and smoking damages collagen and reduces its production in the body. Chronic stress can increase the production of cortisol, a hormone that can damage collagen and affect its production.

Finally, some health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can interfere with proper collagen production in the body.

What if I have a lack of collagen?

A lack of collagen can have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing. This manifests itself in a number of ways: premature ageing, where skin becomes thinner, wrinkled and sagging; joint problems, with increased risk of joint pain, stiffness and inflammation; bone weakness, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures; muscle weakness, with decreased strength and muscle mass; and hair and nail problems, where hair becomes thinner and more brittle, and nails break more easily.

How to increase collagen levels?

To maintain healthy collagen levels, it is important to take care of both diet and other aspects of lifestyle. Eating collagen-rich foods, such as beef, chicken, fish, eggs, gelatin and bone broth, can provide the nutrients necessary for its production in the body. In addition, consider taking collagen supplements, which come in different types such as hydrolysed collagen, marine collagen and types I, II and III, depending on your specific needs.

To protect existing collagen in the skin, avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Smoking can also damage collagen and reduce its production, so quitting smoking is crucial to maintain healthy levels. In addition, managing stress is important, as cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress, can damage collagen in the body. Incorporating stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can help protect the health of your collagen and, consequently, the health of your skin, joints and bones.

Viteba is a brand committed to health and wellness, offering a range of high quality products designed to promote radiant skin, healthy joints and a body in its best shape. Its product line includes collagen supplements, formulated with carefully selected ingredients to support the body’s natural production of this essential protein.