Cofactors for optimal synthesis of the protein you take
Taking quality collagen is essential for how well the body absorbs it, but are there other factors that affect how well the collagen we take on a daily basis gets absorbed? The answer is "Yes," and in this article we'll look at some of the substances that, when taken alongside collagen, can enhance its effect so that we can enjoy the benefits for our body for as long as possible.
Why take additional substances to help absorb collagen?
Let's start by answering this question – why should we take additional substances to support collagen in the first place, isn't it a sufficient protein source on its own? Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and taking extra collagen will raise its levels in our organs and systems, but since it's an external supplement, how well the body absorbs it matters a great deal.
Several factors are important for the collagen supplement to be synthesized correctly and in the greatest possible amount:
1. Collagen hydrolysis
For the collagen molecule to be incorporated more easily after intake, it needs to be small enough to be synthesized. This happens during hydrolysis, a process in which the protein's amino acid chains are shortened so they can be absorbed into the bloodstream as easily as possible.
2. The quality of the raw material
As with every substance we give our body, the quality of the raw material used for collagen must be uncompromising – a clear origin, a natural composition free of synthetic additives, and a guarantee of its safety and efficacy.
3. Its cofactors
These are the substances that interact directly with collagen so it can be synthesized as effectively as possible. They support its action, and it's good to obtain them from the food we eat every day as part of a balanced diet, or with extra help (by taking them as supplements).
What role do collagen's cofactors play?
The key nutrients that play a supporting role in collagen synthesis in the body are valuable and have an irreplaceable function in tissue formation. This study reveals that even when the valuable amino acids (those from collagen) are present, if the body has low levels of certain cofactors, protein and lipid synthesis would be insufficiently effective, and the enzymes that help form protein in the body may not function properly.
Vitamin C
Carrying core importance for collagen synthesis, vitamin C is directly linked to the process of stabilizing collagen fibers (hydroxylation). Collagen fibers make up connective tissue and form the basis of skin, hair, nails, the gut, tendons, and muscles.
Vitamin C is an element widely found in nature, obtained mainly from fruits and vegetables – acerola, rosehip, citrus fruits, and many more. However, to get optimal amounts of it every day, we need a nourishing, well-rounded diet – meaning taking in all the nutrients valuable to good health, without major restrictions or cutting out a specific type of food. That can sometimes be hard to achieve given how hectic our daily lives are. In that case, the cofactor needs to come from elsewhere – through a food supplement.
Hyaluronic acid
A buzzword in recent years, found in countless creams, serums, and other beauty products and treatments, hyaluronic acid has one core, powerful property through which it directly interacts with collagen and its amino acids for a firm, smooth-looking complexion (and more) – the retention of moisture in cells.
The acid is a hydrophilic macromolecule that works to reduce signs of aging and increase hydration deep within the skin. This clinical study looks at how, on contact with water, the molecule expands even further and moves into the empty spaces between skin cells, making the skin firmer while fine lines are visibly reduced.
Zinc
Another cofactor we can get through food – zinc plays a key role in collagen synthesis, although it's better known as a mineral that supports strong immunity. In optimal amounts, it's responsible for more than 100 enzymes, including collagenase – a complex of enzymes found in collagen that break down peptide bonds for faster, more efficient synthesis. Zinc also helps wounds heal, since collagenase stimulates and strengthens injured tissue while building new tissue. It's found mainly in foods like meat, eggs, nuts, and seafood, as well as in a more concentrated form as a food supplement.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is often found as an ingredient in cosmetics for treating skin issues like acne, since it has anti-inflammatory properties, with numerous inflammatory processes having been studied where it shows a positive effect. When taken alongside collagen, the vitamin protects collagen from breaking down too quickly and supports the natural production of new proteins. From another angle, it also plays a role in strengthening blood vessels and forming new ones, allowing nutrients to be delivered to tissues faster and more efficiently.
Copper
Working together with the enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX), copper binds to collagen fibrils, stabilizing them, as well as to elastin – a protein responsible for the elasticity of connective tissue and, in turn, its strength and resistance to stress. It's found most often in nuts and seafood such as oysters, squid, and crab. Besides supporting collagen synthesis, copper also supports the health of red blood cells and helps maintain optimal iron levels in the blood.
Collagen's cofactors play a vital role in its synthesis – without them, it's quite likely that protein intake won't deliver the desired effect in the long run. Our body is a complete, well-organized mechanism, and when we give it what it needs, the results of good care won't be long in coming.
