Biosynthesis of collagen is a very complex process consisting in both stages of albumen synthesis and unique processes that take place only during biosynthesis of collagen. This process takes place in fibroblasts and chondrocytes. In these cells many various connections and elements are biosynthetically “produced”; among others the components of extracellular matrix of dermis, that is enzymes, molecules (both signalling ones and others) and components of collagen fibres and elastine.
The process of biosynthesis begins with a production of ribonucleic acid (nuclear RNA) – procollagen RNA matrix. With the use of this matrix in the cytoplasm of fibroblasts’ or chondrocytes’ nuclei takes place a synthesis of polypeptides, that is alpha chains that usually consist of about 100-350 aminoacids. The whole process is dependent on the presence of specific enzymes as well as microelements such as iron, copper and vitamin C.
Vitamin C is famous for its beneficial influence on the body and supplementation of this vitamin is very popular. It is thought that the main advantage of vitamin C is its positive influence on immunity – although it does not prevent infections directly, significantly contributes to faster recovery.
The main role of vitamin C in the body, however, is supporting the synthesis of proteins, including collagen. As human’s body does not produce or store vitamin C but takes it from food, supplementation is really important, no matter if you use collagen Colvita or any other product.
The supplementation of this vitamin is essential and very beneficial to the body while its deficiency is hazardous because not only does it block the synthesis of collagen, but also results in numerous disorders. The severe deficiency of vitamin C, which is also known as scurvy, may be accompanied by such symptoms as substantial damage of skin, blood vessels, mucous membrane and gums as well as make our teeth fall out.
THE ROLE OF VITAMIN C
An adequate quantity of vitamin C is necessary for the process of collagen biosynthesis. Given that this condition has been fulfilled, collagen produces normal and suitably strong bonds which play an important part as far as the construction of triple helix is concerned.
Vitamin C has also an enormous impact on the final shape and a proper structure of all collagen fibres, while collagen is actually to be found in the whole body, namely in bones, teeth, fibres, sinews, joints, skin, eye cornea, muscles and blood vessels.
An adequate quantity of collagen, which indirectly means also the adequate quantity of vitamin C, provides a fast regeneration of damaged tissues. In other words, the process of healing wounds and fractures as well as absorbing bruises and haematomata is speeded up, whereas haemorrhages and bleeding are curbed.
An unquestionable advantage of vitamin C appears to be its impact on stimulating the immune system. Nothing like this particular substance so perfectly stimulates the growth and efficiency of immunological type T and B cells, and other white blood cells which are responsible for removing bacteria. An efficient operation of the vascular system, a heart in particular, depends on the adequate quantity and suitable quality of vitamin C provided to the organism. What is more, vitamin C has also a direct influence on regulating the production of cholesterol in a liver and converting this substance into bile acids which are excreted from the body.
