Mayo Clinic Q & A: Collagen and biotin supplements - Jefferson City News Tribune

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I've read that collagen and biotin are good for the body. What are these supplements, and are they beneficial?

ANSWER: Collagen and biotin supplements appear to be getting attention in the media for promoting healthy aging, along with joint and bone health. However, it is important to understand what collagen and biotin are and what research is available to support these claims.

Collagen is concentrated in bones, ligaments, tendons, skin, blood vessels and internal organs. It helps provide elasticity and strength. As you age, you begin to lose the collagen within your body, and it becomes harder for you to make more.

At least 30 percent of your body's protein content is made from collagen. Collagen is made from four amino acids, which are the building blocks for protein: proline, glycline, lysine and hydroxyproline. These amino acids are grouped together in a form known as a triple helix, and that is what makes up collagen. For this triple helix to be formed, you need to have enough vitamin C, zinc, copper and manganese in your diet.

Within the human body, 29 types of collagen have been identified, with three types making up the vast majority.

These are the types you'll usually find in a collagen supplement:

Type 1

This type is found in bones, ligaments, tendons and skin for elasticity and strength. The supplement source comes from bovine and fish.

Type 2

This type is cartilage. The supplement source comes from chicken cartilage and joint.

Type 3

This...

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