Summary:
Collagen is a protein found primarily in animals, which is made up of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, and contains specific amino acids. It makes up approximately 30% of the proteins in the body, and is found in bones, tendons, ligaments, skin, and other connective tissues. Its main purpose is to give strength and protection to these structures, and it is necessary for skin elasticity. With age, collagen production slows and structures weaken, leading to wrinkles, stiff joints, and other signs of aging. Collagen has a triple-helical structure, and is further packed into fibrillar collagen types with hexagional or quasi hexagonal shapes.