The Importance of Collagen

cartilage-and-collagenIn the body, you have different types of cartilage. The type of cartilage found in the joints is hyaline cartilage. Unlike most other tissue structures in the body, cartilage does not have blood vessels or nerves.

The articular cartilage of the joints is made from a matrix of fibers. The principle composition of this matrix is made up of water, collagen and proteoglycans. In the rebuilding of cartilage at the joints, it is important for the body to be able to produce enough collagen.

Collagen is one of the most common proteins in the body. It is made up of amino acids like glycine and proline. For the body to produce the collagen needed to repair joints, the individual will have to consume the nutrients that are needed for the production of these amino acids.

While supplements can help to provide some of the nutrients that you will need, getting them through your regular diet can be beneficial. Nutrients that can help the body to rebuild cartilage include vitamin C, Vitamin B3, Copper, Iron and vitamin A.

The following information will cover each of these nutrients in-depth.