The body is made up of proteins, which form every structure within the body. Collagen is a major protein that creates connective tissues, bones and cartilage. Collagen helps to heal wounds by creating connective tissue. As you age, you naturally lose collagen, resulting in wrinkled skin. Overexposure to the sun can also cause collagen loss.
Lysine
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, lysine helps the body absorb calcium and also helps to form collagen. Foods rich in protein contain the most lysine. Examples of animal and plant proteins that contain lysine are sardines, red meat, nuts, eggs, soybeans and fenugreek seeds.
Vitamin C and Collagen
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, bolsters the immune system, and it also supports blood vessel walls and creates neurotransmitters and collagen. The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin C is 90 mg of vitamin C per day for men and 75 mg for women. If you are a smoker, Harvard Health Publications states that you should increase your vitamin C consumption by 35 mg.
Vitamin C Food Sources
Foods that contain vitamin C and help to create collagen are fruits and fruit juices, potatoes, bell peppers, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. If you do not consume enough fruits and vegetables, you may need to take a vitamin C supplement. Some vitamin C supplements contain more than the recommended daily allowance, but they will not contain more than 2,000 mg of vitamin C, which is the tolerable upper limit. Exceeding the tolerable upper limit may result in vitamin toxicity.
Considerations
No conclusive evidence shows that consuming collagen-rich foods such as shark fin will help increase collagen production in the body. Instead, increase the amount of antioxidants you eat as well as lysine and vitamin C food sources to ensure good skin health and collagen production.
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