The largest organ of the human body is the skin. Collagen is the most important protein in the skin. It’s also the primary protein of connective tissue, including, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Collagen is literally the stuff that holds us together. Collagen itself is comprised of several amino acids, including alanine, proline, glycine and hydroxyproline, that align with each other in very specific ways to create a web of protein that is the structure of these tissues. In collaboration with elastin, keratin and other nutrients, collagen helps give skin its suppleness, bones their strength, and tendons and ligament their firmness and elasticity. This helps support healthy joints, which in turn supports mobility, agility and the range of motion. As we age, our ability to create adequate amounts of collagen decreases. This is why we begin to develop wrinkles, weakened joints, more fragile bones, and thinner skin. However, supplemental collagen may help us replenish normal levels of collagen and help support the health of the skin, cartilage, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Vitamin C can also help by encouraging the body to create normal, healthy levels of collagen.