The rapid rise of COVID-19, a new coronavirus has left everyone dismayed. It has been suggested by WHO and other health authorities that taking precautions and having a strong immunity may help reduce the chances of catching this deadly virus.
The immune system is a host defence system that helps fight against infections and prevents the onset of diseases. Our immunity gets strongly influenced by the intake of nutrients and enhances the functioning of immunoglobulins responsible for providing immunity.
Collagen, the most abundant fibrous protein, is made up of 19 amino acids. It is the main protein of the connective tissue and the major component of the extracellular matrix that supports tissues and builds skin, bones, tendons, ligaments and joints.
Since collagen is made up of many essential amino acids, it plays a role in building structure and immunity. Marine-derived collagen type-1 is a major structural component of our skin, bones, tendons and other connective tissues. It has been observed in a study that T lymphocytes involved in providing immunity proliferate in response to type I collagen in patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) (Kenath eta l, 2006).
Therefore, supplementation of marine sourced collagen supplements may be beneficial in improving immunity and fighting onset symptoms of coronavirus. Collastead comes with vitamin C and rosehip extract which further works together to amplify the immune system.
Potent role of Vitamin C
This essential water-soluble nutrient is the most important physiological antioxidant that primarily exerts its effect in maintaining immune system homeostasis. Sufficient levels of vitamin C may contribute to the prevention of the common cold, which is also one of the acute symptoms of being affected by a coronavirus. Its deficiency results in reduced immunity and it enhances the activity of phagocytes and T-cells (Strohle, 2009). Studies suggest that its supplementation may have a potential role in preventing the onset of immunity compromised diseases.
Rosehip extract
Rosehip is a fruit extract, rich in polyphenols, vitamin A, C, E and some other nutrients. The anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-oxidative, gastro-protective and immunomodulatory properties were traditionally used as home remedies or dietary supplements for the treatment in various diseases. It offers a high amount of vitamin C and this along with other nutrients help strengthen and protect your immune system.
To sum up, it is a known fact that strong immunity plays a central role in offering protection against infections and collagen supplements like Collastead may contribute significantly in boosting our immune health as it has many potent antioxidant properties and amino acids which enhances the activity of our immune cells.
REFERENCES
- Cruzat, V., Macedo Rogero, M., Noel Keane, K., Curi, R., & Newsholme, P. (2018). Glutamine: Metabolism and Immune Function, Supplementation and Clinical Translation. Nutrients, 10(11), 1564. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10111564
- Ströhle, A., & Hahn, A. (2009). Vitamin C and Immune Function [Vitamin C and immune function]. Medizinische Monatsschrift für Pharmazeuten, 32(2), 49–56.
- Warrington, K.J., Nair, U., Carbone, L.D. et al. (2006).Characterisation of the immune response to type I collagen in scleroderma. Arthritis Res Ther 8, R136. https://doi.org/10.1186/ar2025
- Patel, Seema. (2012). Rose hips as complementary and alternative medicine: Overview of the present status and prospects. Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. 6. 10.1007/s12349-012-0118-7.