Activating Collagen
Like other nutrients in the body, collagen does not act alone. Crucial for maintaining the structure of our skin, bones, tendons, and other connective tissues, it relies on a variety of biomolecules to support its production and function in the body.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in a complex network called the Extracellular Matrix (ECM). Providing structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells, the ECM plays an active role in tissue homeostasis and repair. Collagen’s role, within the ECM, is fundamental to the structure and function of living tissues.
Inside the matrix, collagen acts with other critical biomolecules, like sulfated polysaccharides or glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Examples of GAGs include heparin, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid. Collagen provides the scaffolding and GAGs drive cellular signaling and ECM dynamics. Their interplay influences everything from the integrity of our connective tissues and organs to cellular behavior.
Whole food sources of collagen include meat, fish, and eggs. Animal based foods are also the primary source of GAGs with certain marine species (i.e. sea cucumber, starfish, sea urchin) possessing structurally diverse and uniquely supportive properties.
Other cofactors essential to activating collagen formation and maintenance include:
• Vitamin C
• Zinc
• Copper
• Amino acids (especially glycine and proline)
• Omega 3 fatty acids
Nutrient dense whole food sources of these nutrients include fruits (i.e. citrus, berries), seafood, bone broth, and animal products including organ meats.
The importance of collagen cofactors from whole foods cannot be overstated. From optimizing collagen production to getting the most from collagen based supplements, whole food cofactors enhance bioactivity and bioavailability for healthier skin, joints, bones, cartilage, tendons, and blood vessels.
Consuming a balanced, nutrient-rich diet ensures that your body has the necessary support for optimal collagen production and maintenance.
Cellemental Complete—a nutrient dense, whole food based nutraceutical—delivers fulll matrix support, in the convenience of a capsule, with wild sea cucumber, organic sea buckthorn berry, grassfed beef heart and liver, organic blackcurrant and lingonberry.
Shop
