Written by Dr Leunis van Rooyen. Translated from Afrikaans.
Collagen is a fundamentally important peptide-protein found throughout the body’s connective tissue. It plays a crucial role in maintaining structure, strength, resilience, and overall support for the body. Collagen forms a network of long, fibrous chains and primarily consists of amino acids such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. It is present in the skin, bones, cartilage, joints, ligaments, blood vessels, teeth, eyes, hair, nails, muscles, stomach, intestines, and even in the sub-cellular environment.
Collagen contributes to skin firmness, bone flexibility, and joint stability by regulating the fibres in connective tissue. Additionally, it supports the integrity of blood vessels, eye structure, and the intestinal lining. A deficiency in collagen can hinder the body’s tissue repair mechanisms, especially after an injury.
When the lining of a blood vessel (the endothelium) is severely damaged, the underlying collagen may become exposed. As a result, platelets (blood cells that assist in clotting) rapidly adhere to the surface. Over time, this process can lead to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue scarring.
To counteract these risks, scientific research is exploring ways to support and protect the exposed collagen (which acts as a scaffold in the endothelium). This, in turn, can help mitigate the harmful accumulation of platelets and immune cells. A lack of collagen may weaken blood vessel walls, increasing the risk of plaque instability, degradation of the glycocalyx, and arterial fractures. These issues can contribute to cardiovascular and neurovascular diseases, including Alzheimer’s, haemorrhagic strokes, neurological damage, and many other conditions.
Some holistic practitioners have developed specific treatment protocols targeting the exposed collagen factor to prevent excessive platelet and immune cell accumulation. A potential solution involves treatments aimed at protecting specialised molecular structures that bind to collagen while preserving the healthy walls of blood vessels. Such an approach may reduce vascular spasms and the adhesion of harmful platelets to blood vessel walls while promoting tissue protection.
To maintain cardiovascular and neurovascular health, it is essential to sustain adequate collagen levels through diet, supplementation, and appropriate lifestyle choices.
Learn more about our Collagen.
