important connective tissues, tendons are an essential part of the musculoskeletal system. Tendons can be thought of as the support cables of the body, as they anchor muscles to bone so that when muscle contraction occurs, the body moves accordingly.

Unlike muscles, tendons are not very elastic and do not offer much room to stretch. As a result, tendon injuries tend to be fairly common and may happen suddenly or as the result of gradual wear and tear over time. Common tendon injuries include:

• Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon

• Tendinosis: Small tears in the tissue in and around the tendon as a result of overuse

Nutrients for healthy tendons

Tendons are dense connective tissue consisting mainly of collagen and elastin. A diet rich in nutrients may aid in maintaining tendon elasticity and strength. The following nutrients may help support overall tendon health.

Collagen is the protein that makes tendons strong, while the protein elastin helps provide elasticity. As the body ages, collagen production decreases, leading to stiffer, less flexible tendons which may result in joint pain or osteoarthritis (OA). Dietary collagen peptides may provide the essential amino acid (EAA) building blocks to produce new collagen within the body, reduce activity-related joint pain, and strengthen tendons and ligaments.

Vitamin C plays a critical role in the production of collagen within the body, and deficiencies may weaken tendons by preventing proper collagen synthesis. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that cannot be stored by the body, making its regular consumption even more vital. Many foods contain adequate amounts of vitamin C such as citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries and broccoli.