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Written by Tod Cooperman, M.D.
Answer:
Collagen supplements containing collagen hydrolysate, collagen peptides and similar ingredients appear to be generally safe and well-tolerated. However, some people may experience mild side effects, ranging from gastrointestinal symptoms to skin rashes. Rarely, liver abnormalities have been reported, and people who are allergic to certain sources of collagen, such as fish, or who are allergic to sulfites, should not take collagen products containing these ingredients. Despite some concerns, there is no evidence that taking collagen supplements increases the risk of breast cancer or breast cancer recurrence. For more information, see the Concerns and Cautions section of the Collagen Supplements Review, which also includes our tests and Top Picks among products.
People with kidney disease or who are on dialysis should consult with their physician before consuming bone broth as a source of collagen, as some bone broths contain high amounts of sodium and potassium.
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FAQs
Collagen is considered to be well tolerated with no major side-effects. Minor side-effects include: a feeling of heaviness in your stomach. mild diarrhoea.
What do doctors say about taking collagen supplements? ›
Thus far, no human studies have clearly proven that collagen you take orally will end up in your skin, hair, or nails. If your goal is to improve skin texture and elasticity and minimize wrinkles, you're better off focusing on sun protection and using topical retinoids.
What happens if you take collagen supplements everyday? ›
Some research has found that taking daily collagen powder could help make your bones denser, slowing the aging process that makes them brittle and helping your body produce new bone. Skin elasticity and hydration. Collagen supplements have been shown to improve skin hydration and elasticity in older people.
Is collagen safe for the liver and kidneys? ›
Further collagen intake may worsen your liver's condition as unmanaged liver fibrosis gradually leads to liver cancer. Collagen can lead to the development of kidney stones. Hydroxyproline is a major collagen amino acid that is normally disposed of through the kidneys as oxalate: a kidney stone trigger.
Does collagen interact with blood pressure medication? ›
It depends on the medication. One example is blood pressure meds , as it can decrease the effectiveness of the drug. Another is blood thinners such as Warfarin. Again , it can decrease the effectiveness of the drug.
What is the best form of collagen to take? ›
Collagen peptides are usually considered the best form of collagen for ingestion. Hydrolyzed collagen should be taken if a person wants to take a collagen supplement. Hydrolyzed collagen means the collagen has been broken down into small peptides, which are easy for the body to digest.
What I noticed after taking collagen? ›
Your skin, as well as your nails and hair, can all improve within just 3-6 months of regular collagen use. These are considered the most notable signs that the collagen supplement is working although you might feel different internally before or during this period.
When should I take collagen, morning or night? ›
Timing for collagen supplements depends on the reason you are taking them. If you have experienced gases or gut issues with these supplements, it is best to have them in the morning blended in with your smoothies or in a cup of coffee. If you want a good night sleep, you can take it at night with a glass of milk.
Is it safe to take collagen forever? ›
Experts recommend using collagen according to a very effective course. A course of about 2-3 months and about 3-4 courses per year, between courses should have a break of 1-2 months. This is to help the body promote the effectiveness of collagen to each organ in the body.
When to stop taking collagen? ›
Collagen peptides have been safely used in doses up to 10 grams daily for up to 6 months.
Collagen supplements are generally made from connective tissue, bones and other parts of cows, pigs, chicken and fish. They can contain toxins and heavy metals that could be harmful. As with all supplements, collagen is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
What are the symptoms of too much collagen? ›
When you have too much collagen, your skin can stretch, thicken, and harden. It also can cause damage to internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
What age is too late to take collagen? ›
It's never too late to start taking collagen
The benefits it offers are timeless and can positively impact people of all ages. Whether you're in your 20s, 40s, 60s, or beyond, there's no better moment than now to unlock the limitless potential of collagen.
Is it worth taking collagen? ›
Collagen makes up the majority of our bones, but as we age, we naturally begin to lose this bone density and can see an increased risk of conditions such as osteopenia and osteoporosis. Some studies have shown that taking collagen supplements may conserve bone mass and offer osteoprotective properties.
Does collagen cause bloating and weight gain? ›
The simple answer is no. Collagen does not cause weight gain. It is a type of protein, and proteins are not stored in the body as fat.
Can collagen cause kidney stones? ›
Collagen, found in certain meats, can act as an oxalate precursor, contributing to hyperoxaluria and stone formation, necessitating a balanced diet approach for individuals at risk.
