Collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals, including humans, which serves as the major building block and the main component of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, bones and skins. As such, it is responsible for many of the body's functions such as the maintenance of skin elasticity and strength, the promotion of normal joint function as well as faster muscle repair and proper eye nutrition.

Uses of Collagen

As we age, the levels of collagen drop in our bodies. Thus, you will experience the signs of physical ageing like fine lines and wrinkles, rheumatoid arthritis, poor vision, and abnormalities of the immune system. In more ways than one, collagen is both the material and the glue that holds our youth together!

Because of the importance of collagen in our bodies, many collagen-based products are offered to serve many purposes, which include but are not limited to the following:

• Complementary medicine to enhance joint mobility in rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis and tendonitis
• Cosmetic procedures to smoothen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as to bring back moisture to the skin. This includes collagen skin care products and collagen lips procedures.
  
• Weight loss due to its ability to lessen hunger pangs/promote faster feelings of food satisfaction
• Burn treatments as well as skin healing in wounds
• Muscle repair for bodybuilders and athletes

These uses have made collagen supplements very popular amongst all age groups. After all, sufficient amounts of collagen are necessary for normal body functioning and there seems to be no harm to taking collagen in the form of creams and supplements.

Types of Collagen

Speaking of the above mentioned types of collagen, the variety available in both offline stores and online sites are a veritable find of the fountain of youth. Prices range from the cheaper alternatives at less than $50 to the more expensive at more than $100.

Also, take note that there are two categories of collagen according to source: land mammals and marine animals. On one hand, bovines, pigs and horses as well as humans themselves are the primary sources for natural collagen supplements and cosmetics. On the other hand, fishes particularly tuna are the main sources for the so-called marine collagen. You might ask about the difference between mammal collagen and marine collagen. Well, the main difference lies in the source itself. Beyond that, the beneficial effects are similar although the marine collagen caters more to the kosher and vegetarian market.

As to the forms with which collagen is available for consumers, these include collagen creams, supplements and capsules. First, collagen creams come in cosmetic boxes that stimulate the production of the body's own supply of the protein. This is because collagen in its natural form cannot be absorbed by your skin so collagen creams are actually emollients that promote natural collagen production.

Second, collagen supplements usually come in the form of tablets and powder. Both are of course taken orally in divided doses per day. And third, collagen capsules are normally more concentrated than their supplement counterpart although the desired effects are similar.

When choosing collagen creams, supplements and capsules, always go for the genuine article. Not only will you be saving on precious money but you will also be protecting your health against the adverse side effects of fake collagen supplements.