Collagen Deficiency Symptoms: Types, Causes and Signs (2024)

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It makes up about 30% of your protein in the body. Deficiency of collagen is the leading cause of joint pain, skill dullness, wrinkles and loose muscles. Our body makes collagen by breaking down the protein we eat and converting it into amino acids. But as we grow older collagen production in our body starts to decline. Collagen production declines 1.5% each year after we enter our 20s (1).

There are certain signs and symptoms that you can identify that will indicate collagen deficiency in your body. In this blog, we will understand some of the important collagen deficiency symptoms and how we can improve the collagen level in the body.

What Causes Collagen Deficiency?

• Sedentary Lifestyle
• Stress
• Alcohol Consumption
• Smoking
• Excessive Exposure to the Sun

Signs and Symptoms of Collagen Deficiency:

Understanding the signs and symptoms of Collagen Deficiency:

1. Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Collagen is responsible for providing structure to the skin hence deficiency of collagen can lead to sagging skin and wrinkles. Collagen also helps to maintain firmness of the skin by strengthening the epidermis layer of the skin. Hence lack of collagen can also cause loss of skin elasticity.

Fine lines are also one of the prominent signs of collagen deficiency. Fine lines appear when collagen breakdown exceeds its production. Collagen supplements with hyaluronic acid play a vital role in providing stability, increasing moisture retention, and reducing fine lines.

2. Joint Pain

Joint pain is also an important sign of collagen deficiency. Collagen is the main component of joints, ligaments and tendons which help us move effortlessly. Hence, a decline in its levels can make mobility painful around hinges like the knees or the ball and socket joints between the hips and shoulders, leading to osteoarthritis.

3. Hair Fall and Brittle Nails

Hair loss and brittle nails are also low collagen symptoms. Keratin is the most important protein that is responsible for the structure of hair and nails. Keratin is made from proline and glycine, which are found in collagen. Low levels of collagen mean low levels of keratin, making nails brittle and contributing to the thinning of hair (2).

4. Sore Muscles

Collagen is a protein, and healing requires protein. Collagen can help in the recovery from any type of muscle injury. Collagen also plays a significant role in the joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. A lack of collagen protein weakens muscle fibers and slows down muscle regeneration, increasing your risk of injury, delaying recovery, and increasing the frequency of muscle pains.

5. Decreased Bone Density

Nearly 30% of bone tissue is made up of collagen. Low levels of collagen can lead to fragile bones, putting you at a higher risk for fractures.

6. Low Blood Pressure

Dizziness, headaches, and fatigue are the signs of low blood pressure. There is an extended network of blood vessels in the body that transport blood to different organs. Collagen is a key component of blood vessels. A deficiency of collagen can lead to a weak structure of blood pressure. This can result in abnormal blood pressure levels, most commonly hypotension (low blood pressure).

7. Leaky Gut

The majority of organ tissues, including the lining of your stomach, are made up of collagen. In general, this stomach lining has an effective barrier of protection that prevents germs and other outside objects from entering the gut while allowing only particular elements to do so. This gut lining deteriorates as collagen levels start to decline, resulting in a condition called leaky gut syndrome. This leads to a variety of symptoms, including bloating, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and more (3).

How to Improve Collagen Level?

The best way to improve collagen in the body is to take a collagen supplement. But it is important to know what to look for before buying a collagen supplement. Marine collagen is the best source of collagen which provides the best bioavailability. For the best absorption choose collagen supplement in powder form which can be dissolved in water before consumption.

Conclusion

Collagen has multiple benefits to the body. It helps to improve skin health, joint health, hair and nail health. Hence maintaining a healthy collagen level in the body is vital. But as we age collagen production in the body declines causing symptoms like fine lines, wrinkles, joint pain, hair fall, low bone density and low blood pressure. Taking a marine collagen supplement helps to improve the collagen levels in the body thus improving skin, hair and nail health. Take a collagen supplement regularly to prevent collagen deficiency.

FAQs

1. How do I know if I have a collagen deficiency?

Look for signs like fine lines, wrinkles, loose skin, hair fall and brittle nails to know if you have a collagen deficiency.

2. How do you treat a lack of collagen?

Take a marine collagen supplement to treat the lack of collagen.

3. What are the symptoms of collagen disease?

Osteoporosis is one of the symptoms of collagen diseases.

4. What food is high in collagen?

Chicken, fish, beans and garlic are foods high in collagen.