Collagen Helps Your Body
How extra collagen helps your body (Part II)
In a recent article, we discussed the extra cellular matrix
of the connective tissue of the human body. We learned that
a family of cells, known as fibroblasts, secrete a matrix
of macromolecules, i.e. polysaccharide chains of glycoaminoglycans
(GAGs) and proteoglycans. The GAGs and proteoglycan molecules
form a gel-like substance, which helps the body resist compressive
forces and allows rapid diffusion of nutrients, hormones
and metabolites between blood and tissue. In addition, the
extra-cellular matrix can expand and contract, which can
inhibit and prevent admission of toxins, poisons, and some
viruses and bacteria.
In a recent article in the Journal of Applied Nutrition,
Mathias Rath, M.D., discussed the extra-cellular matrix
of the vascular wall. The article promotes the hypothesis
that atherosclerosis is a cellular micronutrient deficiency.
(Atherosclerosis is a common form of arteriosclerosis
in which fatty substances form a deposit of plaque on
the inner lining of arterial walls.)
In the Journal of Applied Nutrition, Mathias Rath, M.D.
explains that mechanically stressed organs such as the
heart, skin, and vascular walls activate a compensating
mechanism that provides lipoproteins which "patch"
the defect in an attempt to enhance and support structural
stability, thus beginning the formation of atherosclerotic
plague. Dr. Rath's research supports strongly, the hypothesis
that atherosclerosis is a cellular micronutrient deficiency
disorder.
The natural healing process of the blood vessels, heart
and skin is collagen synthesis and remodeling of the extra-cellular
matrix. The significant contribution of Dr. Rath's research
is that an abundance of the amino acid proline and lysine,
from collagen, act as a Teflon-like layer around the lipoprotein
plaque particles and detach them from their anchor sites
in the vascular wall and initiate the reversal of plaque
deposits. Further, collagen supplementation, when coupled
with Vitamin C, stimulates the natural repair process
to rebuild and reinforce the vascular wall.
In Spain, Portugal, and Italy, glucosamine sulfate has been the treatment of choice since the early 1980s. Glucosamine is required for the synthesis of GAGs. The synthesis of glucosamine, coming from glucose and glutamine in the body, tends to be slowed and diminished in later life. Long-chain GAGs, such as chondroitan sulfate, have inhibitory actions and processes against enzymes which cause degenerative joint diseases. Repair of the extra-cellular matrix, which is destroyed in arthritis, needs collagen supplementation coupled with glucosamine sulfate for reversal. In a study by R. Luke, Ph.D., it was found that 95 per cent of all patients treated with bovine collagen and glucosamine sulfate had reversal of arthritis compared to 72 per cent in patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting
more than 40 million Americans. It is characterized by
joint degeneration, loss of cartilage, alterations of
subchondrial bone and damage to the extra-cellular matrix.
There is a 35 per cent incidence of weakness in the knees
as early as age 30. Its incidence increases dramatically
with age, affecting 80 per cent of all persons over the
age of 50.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the common
medical treatment but these medications have adverse side-affects
in the gastrointestinal tract and actually accelerate
cartilage destruction and aggravate osteoarthritic conditions.
Elimination of genus Solanaceae (the nightshade family,
which includes tomato, potato, eggplant, pepper, and tobacco)
is suggested, as the alkaloids present in these foods
inhibit normal collagen repair.
Oral and injectable forms of proteoglycans, GAGs, and
bovine collagen have proven a significant improvement
over non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Vitamin C, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitan sulfate, and
collagen are naturally occurring substances found in joint
structures and have been proven, in numerous studies,
to stimulate cartilage regeneration.
A very large study found low Vitamin C intake results
in statistically higher risk of heart disease mortality
and total mortality in a 10-year period due to lack of
stimulation of collagen protection and maintenance of
the extra-cellular matrix.
The extra-cellular matrix of tissues and organs is composed
of collagen, elastin and ground substances composed of
GAGs and non-collagen proteins such as fibropectin and
lamin. Defects in synthesis of these compounds can result
in macular corneal dystrophy. Proteoglycans are macromolecules,
comprised of chains of GAGs covalently bonded to proteins,
and are major components of the basement membrane of the
intestinal foundation. This basement membrane plays a
significant role in intestinal permeability and immunological
function.
Intestinal GAGs are severally modified in chronic and
inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's Disease, colitis,
diverticulitis, and leaky gut syndrome. The gut, more
than any other organ, is constantly challenged by bacteria,
viruses, and dietary antigens. The structure, function,
and integrity of the gut wall and its preservation are
directly proportional to the integrity and maintenance
of the extra-cellular matrix, collagen synthesis, and
GAG production.
Even in autoimmune disease, numerous recent articles
report that mucopolysaccharides and amino acid supplementation
from bovine collagen, which contains GAGs, including glucosamine
and chondroitan sulfates, have been found to enhance T-Cell
antibody response in vivo and in vitro.
As more recent and advanced research moves forward, one
can only assume that bovine collagen supplementation of
3 to 12 grams per day is an advisable and warranted regime
to resist auto-immune system breakdown, degeneration and
aging.
By Rena Davis, MSc
Clinical Nutritionist
Biochemist
Rena Davis, MSc is a Clinical Nutritionist and Biochemist
and one of EYI’s most popular product consultants
and trainers. She operates her own wellness clinic in
St. Helens, Oregon, where she has recommended the full
range of powerful EYI products to her patients for years.
Total Healing is an alternative health care center where
Rena, owner/practitioner for over 20 years, provides individualized
health care for her clients. Rena is a firm believer in
holistic health care and is an ardent student and teacher
of the principles of wellness. Rena’s articles are
available bi-weekly in EYI’s Essential Express Products
Edition e-mail newsletter.
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