You may have heard about collagen supplements, right? Or, you may not yet.

Maybe you have even used them. But have you ever considered understanding if there are any side effects of using them?

Mykare is here to help you understand everything you need to know about collagen supplements & its side effects. Let’s get started on learning about it.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is a type of protein, which is most abundant in the human body. It constitutes the major part of the connective tissues. Because of this, collagen is usually referred to as ‘glue’ which holds the body together.

Furthermore, this protein provides strength, structural support and elasticity to tissues of bones, skin, tendons, ligaments and muscles.

The key components of this necessary protein are amino acids, especially arginine, proline, hydroxyproline, and glycine. All these amino acids are vital for maintaining the form and functionality of various body tissues.

What is collagen essential for?

Skin Health : It keeps the skin hydrated, tight, and elastic, which helps the skin look younger.

Joint and Bone Health : Collagen helps to maintain and strengthen tendons, ligaments, and joints. This promotes flexibility and lessens stiffness of these parts. Moreover, the strength and bone density are also supported by it.

Organ support, provided by collagen, is a structural component that helps keep major organs like the liver, heart, and kidneys stable and functional.

Why Do You Need Collagen Supplements?

Natural collagen production decreases with age. It results as the usual signs of ageing and leads to weakening of connective tissues, wrinkles and stiff joints.

In addition, lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol use, lack of sleep and UV exposure can also affect collagen production.

Because of this, a lot of people use collagen supplements in an attempt to boost their overall health and restore these decreasing levels.

Side Effects Of Collagen Supplements

But have you ever wondered if collagen supplements come with any side effects or not?

While for some, supplementing with collagen can boost their overall health and well-being, it may also be harmful to others.

You need to know how the body processes collagen in order to understand the connection between kidney problems and collagen supplementation.

The amino acid hydroxyproline, which is present in collagen protein supplements, is processed by the body into oxalate. That’s how a nephrologist describes the way of your body processing collagen. Oxalate is a basic compound which can’t be further broken down by the human body.

Now, let’s get into the side effects the collagen supplements bring.

1. Risk Of Kidney Stone Formation: When the foods having oxalate are digested along with fruits, vegetables and grains, oxalate binds to calcium in order to be extracted. Usually, these oxalate-calcium compounds move through the digestive system smoothly. Then it gets excreted from the body through stool.

If there is not enough fluid in the urine to dilute concentration of calcium-oxide compounds, these compounds stick together to form crystals. In collagen supplementation, overloading the system with oxalate can change the balance of the oxalate-calcium versus fluids. This increases the speed of crystal formation. These crystals are known as kidney stones.

The stones that form as a result may be larger than your ureter (the tube that carries urine from your kidneys to your bladder).

The method of treatment for kidney stones depends on how big the stone is. The UK National Health Service states that most stones are tiny enough to pass naturally. It is usually with the help of increased water intake.

However, if the stones are too large to pass, surgical removal is required.

2. Impact On Kidney Function: Overconsumption of collagen supplements, especially those sourced from animals, can raise the body's levels of some amino acids. This, in turn, increases the production of oxalate. Kidney health can be impacted by increased urine oxalate levels, which increase the chance of kidney stones forming.

For people with pre-existing kidney problems, the added strain caused by high protein (oxalate) intake can lead to kidney stress. Protecting the kidneys requires monitoring of intake, drinking enough water, and consulting healthcare providers before taking collagen supplements.

3. Dehydration & Electrolyte Imbalance: Collagen supplements can contain diuretic substances that cause an increase in urine production. Dehydration may result from this diuretic effect if it isn't balanced with enough fluid intake. Dehydration can affect the overall kidney health by putting strain on them and upsetting the body's electrolyte balance.

The management of electrolytes such as calcium, potassium, and sodium is essential for proper kidney functioning. Dehydration can cause an imbalance in these minerals. Collagen supplement users must make sure they are properly hydrated to prevent any possible diuretic effects.

To preserve healthy kidney and electrolyte balance, it is best to speak with a healthcare provider about how to stay hydrated when taking supplements. You must consult him especially if you are prone to electrolyte imbalances or dehydration.

4. Interactions With Medications: Although being widely accepted as safe, collagen supplements may interact with several drugs, either decreasing their effectiveness or having adverse effects.

If you are on medication for kidney health issues or other diseases, you should be cautious in using these supplements. Collagen supplements containing additional components can interact with medicines that affect blood clotting and raise the risk of bleeding.

Furthermore, the high protein content of collagen may affect the effectiveness or absorption of some drugs, especially when used simultaneously. If you are taking any medications, it is essential to speak with a healthcare provider before beginning collagen supplementation. This will help to ensure that there are no potential interactions that may harm your overall health or the effectiveness of your medicines.

The popularity of collagen supplements for joint support and rejuvenation of the skin is increasing in the search for wellness.

But among the promises for health, the effect on kidney health becomes an important factor to consider. Collagen supplements have a chance to be beneficial, but there are also risk factors involved in it.

It is particularly with regard to kidney function. The need for cautious consumption is essential to prevent side effects such as the increased risk of kidney stones due to increasing urinary oxalate levels, strain on kidney function from excess protein intake, dehydration, and potential interactions with medicines.

A balanced method is needed to protect kidney health and benefit from collagen supplements.

Seeking advice from medical experts, following dose recommendations, drinking enough water, and doing routine health checks become essential for guaranteeing the body's overall wellbeing.

Mykare Health is here with you to help you meet the best doctor in the best hospital at affordable rates.