In this Q&A and accompanying show notes, we explore how collagen differs from other dietary proteins, the potential effects of collagen on skin photoaging, the influence of lifestyle factors on dementia risk in Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) gene variant carriers, and more...

We also discuss:

• 00:03:04
  Are there areas where Rhonda's views have changed?
• 00:27:18
  What lifestyle factors impact APOE4 gene variant carriers?
• 01:13:01
  Air pollution
• 01:18:19
  Should people on statins take CoQ10/Ubiquinol?
• 01:30:17
  Does Rhonda have any kefir brand recommendations
• 01:33:36
  When should you start giving fish oil to children?
• 01:35:31
  Do you sweat as much in a hot tub as in a sauna?

How does collagen differ from other dietary proteins?

The human body needs 20 amino acids to build proteins, of which nine are classified as essential because they cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet. These include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

In contrast to dietary proteins commonly considered high-quality, which often contain up to 50% essential amino acids, collagens are low in essential amino acids, comprising only 15–20%. Additionally, collagen is considered an incomplete protein because it lacks tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids.

Instead, collagens are distinctively rich in the conditionally essential amino acids glycine and proline, as well as hydroxyproline, a derivative of proline that is rare in other dietary proteins. Conditionally essential amino acids are amino acids that are normally synthesized in sufficient quantities by the body. However, under conditions such as illness, stress, rapid growth, or injury, the body's need may surpass its ability to produce them, making dietary intake necessary.

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Structure of a collagen protein and the most prominent amino acids found within the protein. doi: 10.20517/2347-9264.2020.153