When your body starts to lose collagen, it signals it quite clearly. If you listen carefully to yourself, it's impossible not to notice them.
Protein deficiency is most often diagnosed through examination and history taking. Usually, the slowdown in collagen synthesis is associated with aging. However, sometimes this process can begin earlier and occur faster than physiological norms suggest. Here are signs that directly indicate a lack of collagen.
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16 signs of aging
Lack of collagen in the skin leads to wrinkles and dryness. It is the synthesis of collagen that determines the elasticity and firmness of the skin, as well as a clear oval and fresh complexion. Collagen, like a real building material, rebuilds and connects skin cells brick by brick, strengthening its framework. If it is deficient, the skin begins to lose elasticity and sag. This is especially noticeable in the area around the eyes. Fine wrinkles and dryness are the first things you need to pay attention to.
However, this is quite general information. Today, science knows not one, but 16 types of collagen fibers in the skin, each of which solves a very specific problem: overcomes wrinkles, dehydration lines, puffiness, sagging, decreased elasticity, smoothness; improves texture, tone, density, strength, radiance, softness, elasticity, hydration, uniformity; finally, it helps recovery. All fibers connect with each other and form an elastic framework. Accordingly, the lack of collagen is reflected in 16 directions at once. This does not happen in one day; however, it is worth looking at your photos from 10 years ago, – it catches your eye.
The line of the dermatological brand Vichy Liftactiv Collagen Specialist has been expanded with a serum for correcting 16 signs of skin aging, Co-bonding Serum Liftactiv Collagen Specialist 16, which acts on 16 signs of skin aging at once.
Brittle nails
Nails are much the same story as skin. In the event of a lack of collagen, nails lose their main source of nutrition. Collagen provides additional support for the nail structure, which helps reduce their delamination, brittleness and brittleness, accelerate growth, improve appearance and smoothness. Without it, it is difficult to keep nails healthy.
Hair breakage
Collagen is important for the entire body, but hair can be the most obvious marker that a deficiency has begun. Having enough collagen is important for healthy, strong, and shiny hair. Collagen is responsible for its elasticity and moisture, and also reduces breakage and loss. And all because hair consists mainly of proteins, in particular collagen. That is, if your hair has become dull and brittle, this may indicate a lack of collagen in the body.
Loss of joint mobility
With the loss of collagen, problems such as decreased flexibility of tendons and ligaments and loss of joint mobility also come. Thanks to the action of collagen, cartilage remains elastic and able to withstand significant loads. When this important protein is reduced, cartilage begins to break down, which can lead to pain, inflammation and loss of mobility. If there is enough collagen in the body, it easily provides cushioning and reduces friction between bones in the joints, ensuring their health.
Gastrointestinal problems
A decrease in collagen levels often leads to a decrease in the tone of the abdominal wall, which often leads to an increase in the volume of the waist and abdomen, flatulence, as well as impaired detoxification function of the liver. In addition, there is a risk of gallstones, diabetes, the possibility of weakening of the hematopoietic function, the development of pernicious anemia and a decline in physical activity.
Dry eyes
A lack of collagen is also indicated by a symptom such as dry eyes. Fatigue, spontaneous tears, deterioration of corneal transparency, and clouding of the lens may indicate a deficiency, which can later lead to cataracts and other diseases.
Slow recovery
At 20 years old, the body recovers much faster after an illness than at 40. This directly depends on the level of collagen. After all, up to 25 years old, while a person is growing, the amount of collagen also increases. After 25, the natural loss of collagen begins. But if due to certain conditions (improper lifestyle and nutrition, improper self-care), the amount of collagen can begin to fall rapidly even at 40 years old – faster than nature intended. Then recovery from illnesses becomes more complicated and slower.
Diseases and autoimmune pathologies
The body may lack collagen due to autoimmune pathologies (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma) and genetic diseases (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome). With these problems, you should immediately consult a doctor and not self-medicate.
Menopause
When menopause begins, you need to pay special attention to the signals your body sends. A decrease in protein production in women after menopause is normal. Therefore, as the body ages, the strength of cartilage and ligaments decreases, bone fragility increases, and the face loses elasticity. It is worth reviewing your diet and lifestyle at this time.
Problems with memory and concentration
Collagen loss can lead to memory loss, slowed reactions, concentration problems, insomnia, anxiety, depression, poor nerve response, and pain. This is because collagen is found in the walls of blood vessels, keeping them elastic and strong. It promotes cardiovascular health, helping to prevent diseases related to blood circulation. Collagen also makes blood vessels more resistant to damage, which has a positive effect on the overall condition of the body.
Analyses
Collagen levels are difficult to determine directly through laboratory tests. Indirect methods are available: analysis of amino acids (proline, glycine and lysine, which are the main components of collagen) can provide information about the body's ability to synthesize this protein, and research on genes responsible for collagen synthesis, such as COL1A1, can help identify genetic mutations that affect the quality and quantity of collagen produced.