Health Guide

Elastin

Elastin is a structural protein often compared to a rubber band; it is responsible for the elasticity of your skin, blood vessels, and organs. While you cannot eat elastin directly from the grocery store to replenish your skin's levels (it is not a dietary nutrient like Vitamin C), it is the 'target' of our diet. To maintain elastin, we must consume specific amino acids and co-factors that fuel the body's production of this vital protein. It is the scaffolding that keeps your skin springy and your arteries flexible.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Protein Absorption Efficiency

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Utilization Rate

Source Type →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Skin Elasticity: Keeps skin firm and able to snap back after movement, reducing the appearance of sagging.
Arterial Flexibility: Allows blood vessels to expand and contract with blood flow, supporting healthy blood pressure.
Wound Healing: Helps tissues recoil and repair after injury.

How to Support It

Since the body stops producing high levels of elastin after puberty, the goal is to protect existing elastin and stimulate new synthesis. You do this by eating specific building blocks (amino acids like proline and glycine) and antioxidants that prevent the breakdown of elastin fibers by free radicals.

Natural Food Sources

You cannot eat 'elastin' off a cow's tendon and expect it to rebuild your face. Instead, eat foods rich in the precursors (building blocks) and antioxidants that protect these fibers.

Food	Amount	% DV
Bone Broth	1 cup	High (Proline/Glycine)
Wild Berries	1/2 cup	High (Antioxidants)
Eggs	2 large	High (Proline)
Citrus Fruits	1 medium	High (Vitamin C)
Chicken Skin	3 oz	Medium (Collagen/Elastin matrix)

Supplementation

Most supplements labeled 'Elastin' are actually Marine Collagen Peptides. While collagen supports the structure, elastin is the stretch. Look for supplements containing:

Lysyl Oxidase (LOX) support: This is the enzyme that cross-links elastin.
Vitamin C: Essential for the synthesis of both collagen and elastin.

Top Food Sources

Bone Broth

Rich in glycine/proline

Egg Whites

Rich in proline

Citrus Fruits

Essential for synthesis

Avocado

Vitamin E protects elastin

Pork Skin

Direct connective tissue source

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can eat animal connective tissues, but it is very tough (like gristle) and difficult to digest. It is better to consume collagen and amino acids that your body can convert.

No. Collagen provides structure and strength (like a brick wall). Elastin provides stretch and recoil (like a rubber band).

High heat denatures proteins, but slow-cooking bones and connective tissue breaks them down into gelatin and amino acids, making them easier to absorb.

UV radiation (sun exposure), smoking, and high sugar intake (glycation) are the main enemies of elastin.

Safety & Side Effects

Because elastin is a protein, consuming it orally is generally safe, though it is often derived from marine sources (fish).

Caution:

Allergies: If you have a shellfish or fish allergy, avoid marine-based elastin/collagen supplements.
Digestion: Large amounts of protein isolates may cause bloating in sensitive individuals.
Effectiveness: The body breaks down oral elastin into amino acids like any other protein; it does not travel directly to your skin. It provides the raw materials, not the finished product.

Scientific References

[1]Rittié, L., & Fisher, G. J. (2015). 'Elastic fiber alterations in human skin: The decline of elastin.' *Journal of Investigative Dermatology*
[2]Ushiki, T. (2002). 'Elastic fibers in the extracellular matrix.' *Archives of Histology and Cytology*
[3]Varani, J., et al. (2004). 'Vitamin A antagonizes decreased cell growth and elevated collagen-degrading matrix metalloproteinases.' *Journal of Investigative Dermatology*