ORAL AND TOPICAL COLLAGEN FOR WOUNDS

Collagen is a tough, insoluble, fibrous protein molecule. It is an important component of the skin, tendons, blood vessels, cartilage, bone, and connective tissue. It is a key component of the extracellular matrix holding together body tissues.

Healthy collagen levels help with joint health, kidneys, and other organ protection, as well as a healthy cardiovascular system and skin elasticity.

Collagen is normally abundant in the human body as according to a 2010 study from NCBI, a third of the protein in the human body and three-quarters of the skin’s dry weight consist of collagen.

For the skin, collagen provides strength and elasticity but as we age, collagen levels fall and the collagen fibers become thin and weak contributing to skin aging. This is the reason why collagen is added to many skin care products.

There are existing types of collagen that can be “resorbable,” meaning they can be broken down, converted, and absorbed back into the body. They can also be formed into structures outside the body intended for several medical purposes.

Endogenous collagen is the natural collagen produced by our body while exogenous collagen is synthetic from an outside source such as dressings and supplements. There are products from humans and other species aimed to boost collagen levels in the body.

COMMON TYPES OF COLLAGEN PRODUCTS

• Skin fillers – collagen dermal fillers with hyaluronic acid increase skin elasticity by boosting collagen production that can help enlarge tissues, filling in gaps i.e. wrinkles in the skin. These are used for reducing wrinkles, improving skin contours, filling out skin depression, and improving scar appearance.
• Wound dressings – collagen helps with controlling bleeding, reducing inflammation, managing vessel health and function, boosting scar tissue strength, restoring skin elasticity, drawing in cells promoting wound healing, and providing a platform for new tissue growth.
• Guided tissue regeneration – collagen forms scaffolds to provide temporary support while the body produces new cells for bone regeneration, wound healing, managing dental extraction sockets, and promoting blood clotting.
• Osteoarthritis treatment – as collagen is essential for healthy bones and cartilage, taking collagen supplements can help with joint pain and improve joint mobility.
• Revitalizing skin – surgical treatments including filler injections, applying creams and other collagen products to the skin, oral supplements with hydrolyzed bioactive collagen peptides, vitamins, and antioxidants; and dietary choices providing nutrients and antioxidants can all boost collagen production or prevent its decline to keep skin strong, elastic and younger-looking.

COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS

Human bodies create collagen naturally, but with aging, the production of this protein slows down. That is why people started taking collagen oral supplements. Skin begins to lose its elasticity as collagen production slows down resulting in wrinkles. While some foods, i.e. bone broth contain collagen, supplements can also increase collagen levels for preventing wrinkles and other health benefits.

Most collagen supplements are already broken down into peptides making it easier for the body to absorb and utilize. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules, and powders readily available in the market and online.

Collagen supplements are relatively effective depending on what a person will use them for. There are several claimed potential health benefits from it however, there is no definitive or thorough study to verify all these claimed benefits. Furthermore, as with all supplements, there is no evaluation from the FDA for any manufacturer claims on how their collagen product works.

POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS

• Better skin health reduces the effects of aging by adding moisture to the skin, reducing wrinkles, and improving elasticity. There are many studies to back up these claims. Studies show that those who took collagen supplements vs the control group had significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity.
• Better joint health as collagen supplements helps with restoring the spongy cartilage in joints or preventing deterioration. A review has shown collagen supplements promote joint health, helping to potentially restore bone density in cases of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, and helping reduce joint pain.
• Increased muscle mass in people who take supplements while doing regular exercises. A small study showed an increase in strength and muscle mass that is significantly more than those who do not take collagen supplements.
• Preventing bone loss due to collagen being a significant component of bone structure while keeping the bones strong. Same with skin, bones can weaken with age as it decreases collagen production necessary for bone strength and support.
• Supports cardiovascular health by reducing artery stiffness and reducing bad cholesterol levels.

However, collagen supplements come in a variety of types supporting different goals. These are the most common types of collagen which may be useful information once you go shopping for collagen you need for your target health goals. Most supplements will contain these types and possibly other types of collagen.

Type 1 – the most abundant type in the human body helping with maintaining a healthy skin

Type 2 – primarily present in cartilages promoting joint health

Type 3 – also helps with skin health by improving elasticity

Type 5 – this type promotes the growth of the placenta in pregnant women

Type 10 – also found in cartilages promoting bone health and development

COLLAGEN WOUND DRESSINGS

Collagen for wound healing has become more common in the medical field due to its effects in treating different types of wounds. A fair amount of research and case studies support claims of its effect in wound healing wherein its use as a supplement and wound dressing are justified as medically necessary. Collagen dressings function in stopping bleeding, shortening inflammation, promoting angiogenesis, and stimulating tissue regeneration.

How does collagen help with wounds? A wound is damage to the tissues and when they are damaged, adding extra collagen and other proteins will play an important role in repairing and healing the affected area. Collagen attracts fibroblasts in wounds, which are the cells within the connective tissues producing collagen and other fibers.

There are many different formulations of collagen wound dressings’ scaffolding material including films, sponges, hydrogels, nanofibers, and powders. Choosing the appropriate type of collagen dressing will be essential to healing based on the wound type, condition, and healing stage that is best assessed by a wound care provider.

Wounds will need additional collagen in the wound care regimen, especially with advancing age as it will take longer to heal with the declined natural collagen production. A lack of collagen in wound healing will delay the reconstruction of the wounded area.

If you have or know someone with chronic wounds and want to speed up healing, talk to a wound care specialist about using oral collagen supplements and topical collagen dressings for wound healing.

Author

Jenna Wishnew Dr Wishnew is a Board Certified General Surgeon practicing in the North Texas area She specializes in general surgery, gastroparesis, wound care, vein concerns and robotic surgery.