3113: Is 80% of Your Collagen Really Gone by 60?

August 14, 2024

3113: Is 80% of Your Collagen Really Gone by 60?

August 14, 2024

WW: Is 80% of Your Collagen Really Gone by 60?

Our natural collagen production declines each year after the age of 20…

I recently came across a shocking statistic claiming that we lose the majority of our collagen by the time we’re 60, and I wanted to find out if that was true.

So today, I want to share the research I’ve uncovered about collagen decline, explain why it happens, and discuss what you can do about it.

Join me on today’s Cabral Concept 3113, to discover if we really lose 80% of our collagen by age 60 and what steps we can take to slow the process. Enjoy the show, and let me know what you think.

Show Highlights & Big Takeaways

1. Why is Collagen Important

Collagen is essential for maintaining the strength and elasticity of skin, hair, nails, and connective tissues. It also plays a crucial role in supporting joint health, bone strength, and overall tissue repair in the body.

2. How Much Does Collagen Decline Each Year

Collagen production naturally declines by about 1-2% each year after the age of 20. This gradual decrease contributes to visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, joint stiffness, and reduced skin elasticity.

3. What Can You Do

Collagen declines naturally every year, especially if you're not taking steps to counteract it. Factors that can accelerate this process include smoking, excessive sun exposure, a diet high in free radicals, environmental pollution and toxins, chronic stress over time, and poor sleep. Adding a collagen supplement and additional nutritional cofactors can help support and stimulate your body's natural collagen production.

Links From This Episode

Study by G. Varani et al. (2006): This study, published in the “Journal of Investigative Dermatology,” found that collagen production in aged human skin fibroblasts is significantly reduced. It was observed that aged skin produces less collagen compared to younger skin.

Research on Skin Biopsies: Studies involving skin biopsies from different age groups have shown a decline in collagen content and density. For example, research published in “Dermato-Endocrinology” (2012) by K. Rittié found that collagen levels in the dermis decrease with age, contributing to the signs of skin aging.

Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs): Accumulation of AGEs in the skin can lead to collagen cross-linking, making it less elastic and more prone to breakage. This process also contributes to the visible signs of aging.

Bone Health and Collagen: Collagen is a major component of bone tissue. Studies on bone health have shown that collagen content decreases with age, affecting bone density and strength. Research published in “Osteoporosis International” (2009) by N. Boskey and R. Coleman highlights the role of collagen in maintaining bone integrity and how its decline can contribute to osteoporosis.

Supplementation and Collagen Production: Several studies have investigated the effects of collagen supplements on skin health. A systematic review published in the “Journal of Drugs in Dermatology” (2019) found that oral collagen supplementation can improve skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density in older adults.

Podcast on The Benefits of Collagen

Podcast on Foods to Increase Collagen

Podcast on The Different Types of Collagen