Collagen supplements are utilized in the prevention and treatment of diseases related to joints, bones and skin. But what are their risks?
Collagen supplements help reverse the body’s natural loss of collagen over time. However, they have to first be prescribed by a specialist doctor.
Collagen is probably the most abundant protein produced by the human body. Collagen is structured as fibers to offer cohesion to the epidermis, hair, bones, tendons, cartilage and teeth. In addition, it’s also present in the tissue that surrounds and protects muscles and internal organs.
Supplements are mainly utilized in the prevention and treatment of diseases related to joints, bones and skin. However, they arrive with some risks… Want to know what they’re?
Types of collagen supplements
According to the outcomes research published by Journal of Drugs in Dermatologythe advantages of collagen supplements for wound healing and skin elasticity have gotten increasingly more convincing.
In this poem and with prior medical approval, they may be present in various presentations:
- Capsules, liquids or powders that may be taken orally.
- Protein bars and low creams enriched with collagen. Here are some of the most recent supplements.
- Collagen creams. They help prevent and smooth wrinkles.
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However, also they are available in injections.
- Collagen injections firm and improve the general appearance of the skin. In addition, they’ve been shown to last as long as 12 weeks.
The use of collagen supplements
The use of collagen supplements has turn into popular in recent times. Its advantages range from relieving joint pain to improving skin health. Similarly, some of the more well-known advantages include:
- It delays aging and prevents the formation of wrinkles.
- It improves the elasticity and turgor of the epidermis.
- Collagen strengthens hair and nails.
- Reduces stiffness and discomfort within the joints.
- Blocks bone breakdown and reduces the chance of osteoporosis.
- Collagen prevents the loss of muscle mass.
- Improves cardiovascular health.
Who shouldn’t take collagen supplements?
Generally, anyone can take this sort of complement on prescription and under gradual supervision.
However, you ought to be aware contraindications to collagen and that there’s some risk when you take greater than the really useful dose.
If you take supplements or medications that contain calcium
If you take calcium, attempt to avoid consuming marine collagen.
How study developed at Sonora University and published by Journal of Biological and Health Sciences explains that this protein is extracted from cartilage and bones, the so-called supplements already contain enough calcium. For this reason, when you mix it with supplements, chances are you’ll suffer from hypercalcemia with symptoms akin to:
- Bone ache
- Tiredness: This is because as calcium builds up within the blood, red blood cells take longer to move oxygen to different parts of the body
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Irregular pulse: The pulse changes because the center has to work harder to pump blood
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnant or lactating women they need to seek the advice of their doctor about whether it’s advisable for them to take supplements.
It can be really useful that the collagen (if really useful) is pure to avoid harmful substances. And moreover, that they belong to bovine sources, because fish and seafood have the next risk of allergies.
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Side effects of collagen supplements
While the topical application of collagen is comparatively secure, other presentations are may cause unwanted effects. However, these unwanted effects are rare and should not related to serious problems.
In fact, a study conducted on an oral collagen complement and published in Medicinal Food Journal showed that none of the themes experienced unwanted effects.
Gastrointestinal problems
According to the outcomes of A study conducted in 2016 by several researchers on the Center for Musculoskeletal Health (University of California), out of 191 volunteers, 14 developed gastrointestinal problems because of this of taking collagen supplements.
Although this side effect is rare, there’s a possibility that it might occur in some cases.
These symptoms include diarrhea or constipation, heartburn, and a sense of a full stomach.
An unpleasant taste within the mouth
Most collagen supplements are tasteless, but because some of them come from seafood, they have a tendency to have a powerful flavor and smell. This causes an unpleasant taste within the mouth after ingestion.
Skin diseases
Although this isn’t normally the case and there isn’t enough scientific evidence, it might be individuals who take collagen supplements have skin problems because of an allergic response not consulted with a physician beforehand.
Some people have reported severe episodes of pimples starting taking some collagen supplements. However, there isn’t a scientific evidence linking collagen alone to such episodes. This is because products normally contain other elements, akin to biotin, whey or hyaluronic acid, which could also be responsible.
Collagen supplementation can be related to the onset of scleroderma. It is a disease wherein the body overproduces collagen, causing many symptoms akin to joint stiffness and pain. However, there isn’t a scientific basis for this compound, since the body effectively regulates the surplus of this protein.
Allergic reactions
Depending on the source of extraction, there’s a greater risk of an allergic response.
as published article in the Nutrition and Health Magazine details, fish, seafood and eggs are the foods mostly used as extraction sources. In this case, allergies in themselves should not contraindications to the use of collagen; but from its origin.
Which collagen supplements to decide on
When taking collagen supplements, select hydrolyzed collagen. Hydrolyzed collagen is subjected to the treatment of breaking the protein into smaller particles, thus improving its absorption.
It is an appropriate complement for long-term use, indicated for the prevention and treatment of chronic degenerative diseases (osteoarthritis and osteoporosis), in addition to for the prevention and mitigation of skin aging.
In addition, at all times select pure versions, as some contain chemicals and other ingredients to enhance their consistency and facilitate absorption without resorting to the hydrolysis process. These added additional substances can have their very own contraindications.
The source of extraction must also be consideredespecially if you might have a food allergy or suspect you will have one.
In case of doubt whether to take collagen or not, it’s at all times best to seek the advice of a specialist
Over the years, the body loses its ability to provide collagen. So one reaches for supplements that decelerate skin aging and strengthen bones and joints.
However, as you might have seen in this text, there are cases where there are unwanted effects. This is why It’s at all times best to seek the advice of a specialist first. He or she’s going to perform the needed tests so which you can complete them safely.
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