• Fruits high in vitamin C, like oranges, promote collagen production in the body.Fruit image by Sergey Yakovenko from Fotolia.com
  
  Collagen is a major structural protein, forming molecular cables that strengthen the tendons and vast, resilient sheets that support the skin and internal organs, according to the RCSB Protein Data Bank. Our teeth and bones are made of collagen, as is our skin. Collagen keeps the skin supple and elastic and helps retain moisture, according to the Dry Skin Care Guide . Some fruits and other foods provide the nutrients needed for collagen production.
  
  

Vitamin C

• Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production. It is not stored in your body, so you must replenish vitamin C daily. Eat oranges and grapefruits to garner the benefits of this vitamin. You can also enjoy lemons and strawberries to get your daily dose of vitamin C. Kiwi, mangoes and cantaloupe also provide an excellent source of vitamin c.
  
  

Anthocyanidins

• Anthocyanidins are required for the maintenance of collagen. Blueberries, blackberries, and cherries are all good sources of anthocyanidins. Cranberries and other red or blue colored berries are good sources as well.
  
  

Other Foods to Consider

• Another major building block in the production of collagen is lysine, which is not found in fruits. In combination with vitamin c, lysine becomes hydroxylysine, a major component of collagen, according to The World's Healthiest Foods. Lysine is most often found in meat, fish and dairy foods, as well as beans and legumes.
  
  Proline is another essential nutrient in the production of collagen, and reacts with vitamin c to create hydroxyproline. Proline can be found in wheat germ and egg whites, according to the website for The World's Healthiest Foods.