경희대학교 동서의학대학원 의 학 영 양 학 과 김 선 아

Ⅰ. Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein (by weight) in animals, accounting
for 30% of all proteins in mammals. Collagen assembles into different
supramolecular structures and has exceptional functional diversity. Collagen
is the major protein of connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and the
cornea, and it forms the matrix of bones and teeth.
Collagen is a protein with three polypeptide chains. Each chain has 1000
amino acids and contains at least one stretch of the repeating amino acid
sequence Gly-X-Y (where X and Y can be any amino acid but are usually
proline and hydroxyproline, respectively.(van der Rest M, Garrone R. 1991)
Ⅰ-1. Collagen and skin
The skin is the largest organ of the body. It is made up of three distinct
layers: the Epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue. Each has its
own unique function, yet are interrelated.
The epidermis, the outer layer, acts as a protective shield. It is comprised
of multiple cell strata that serve to regenerate the skin’s protective function.
The epidermis continuously sloughs keratinated cells of its outer layer, the
stratum corneum, every thirty days or so. This regeneration occurs naturally
through wear and tear such as bathing, friction from clothing and exposure
to the environment.
The middle layer is the dermis, through which blood vessels and nerve
receptors penetrate to the epidermis. In this layer, chemical and enzymatic
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