Is It Safe To Take Collagen Everyday?

Collagen is generally considered to be a safe and nontoxic daily supplement for healthy individuals, and most people won’t experience adverse side effects. Still, some have reported symptoms, such as an unpleasant taste, feeling overly full, or other stomach complaints (27).

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) classifies ingestible collagen as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). As long as you are purchasing your collagen supplement from a reputable brand, drinking liquid collagen daily should be very safe and beneficial.

For the most part, collagen supplements are considered safe to consume without any serious side effects, says Dr. Stacy Chimento, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology. For some people, however, it can cause some discomfort, as you’ll see below.

Collagen is a substance that the body predominantly and naturally uses for most of its systems. So much so it is generally safe and non-toxic even in collagen supplements. That said, if you are in top shape, you might not have any side effects using collagen supplements appropriately.

The most common types of collagen supplements include:

• Hydrolyzed collagen: Derived from bovine (cattle), seafood, poultry, pigs and other sources. This is the most common form of collagen supplement because it can be rapidly absorbed by the body.
• Undenatured collagen: Derived from chicken cartilage.
• Gelatin: Derived from animal sources and mostly used for cooking as an ingredient in gelatinous desserts.

To produce collagen, your body needs:

• Proline: found in egg whites, dairy, cabbage, mushrooms, and asparagus
• Glycine: found in pork skin, chicken skin, and gelatin, and a variety of other protein-rich foods
• Vitamin C: found in citrus fruits and bell peppers
• Zinc: found in beef, lamb, pork, shellfish, chickpeas, lentils, beans, milk, cheese, and various nuts and seeds

You should wait at least an hour after exercise before cold exposure. Cold therapy also increases the production of collagen (needed for healthy skin A study found that taking daily cold showers increased the numbers of disease-fighting white blood

Collagen is generally considered to be a safe and nontoxic supplement and there aren’t any adverse side effects. However, look out for these signs; unpleasant taste in the mouth, feeling of fullness, stomach troubles as they indicate you are ingesting too much collagen.

Why does collagen help with joints?

As people age, the pops and cracks become more frequent and joints can begin to ache. Since collagen helps maintain the health of your cartilage between your joints, having an adequate amount in your body can act as a bone “buffer.”

According to one study, daily intake of collagen after 90 days resulted in increased hair growth in women with temporary hair thinning. (Related: 30 Best & Worst Foods for Your Hair .) 7.

Collagen is made up of certain amino acids, one being glycine. Since glycine is linked to improved sleep quality, taking in glycine-rich collagen may help you catch some restful zzz’s.

Bone loss becomes a concern as we age, and losing too much bone mass increases the risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis. Since collagen supplements have a potentially positive effect on increasing bone mineral density, taking in this protein can help keep your bones healthy.

“Because of this, eating collagen doesn’t directly increase collagen levels inside the body.

That said, the collagen in supplements has already been broken down, or hydrolyzed, which is why it’s thought to be absorbed more efficiently than the collagen in foods. So, what can you expect to see when you take collagen supplements or powders on a consistent, daily basis? Here are 8 things that you may experience.

When was collagen last reviewed?

As with any supplement, it’s best to talk with your healthcare provider before adding collagen to your diet. Last medically reviewed on September 18, 2020.

Rather, this type of cooked collagen is typically used as an ingredient in gelatinous desserts. It can also be added to sauces, soups, smoothies, and other foods for an extra boost of collagen proteins, although limited research is available to support specific dosage recommendations for this use.

Undenatured collagen. This is raw collagen derived from chicken cartilage. Gelatin: This is cooked collagen, usually derived from animal sources. The type used in your supplement of choice could influence the supplement form and its dosage instructions.

Other factors like diet, regularly smoking, consuming alcohol, and sun exposure also affect collagen loss ( 3. Trusted Source. , 4. Trusted Source. ). Loss of this protein is one reason why your skin loses structure and begins to wrinkle as you age. It may also affect the strength of your bones, joints, and more.

Hydrolyzed collagen. Hydrolyzed collagen is one of the most common forms used in supplements, as it’s absorbed more readily than other types. It’s often sold in capsule or powder form, the latter of which you can add to hot and cold beverages, soups, and even baked goods or other foods ( 3. Trusted Source. ).

Types of collagen. Collagen is an abundant protein, with 28 types having been identified to date. Types I, II, III, IV, and V are the most common in the human body ( 3. Trusted Source.

Certain foods, including bone broth, beef, fish, chicken, dairy, and eggs, either contain collagen or help your body produce it on its own by providing essential amino acids and other nutrients needed to do so.

What happens to collagen as you age?

As you age, your existing collagen breaks down, and it gets harder for your body to produce more. As a result, many people turn to collagen supplements. These supplements are usually powders, though there are also capsules and liquid supplements available.

In this Article. Collagen is a protein responsible for healthy joints and skin elasticity, or stretchiness. It’s in your bones, muscles, and blood, comprising three quarters of your skin and a third of the protein in your body. As you age, your existing collagen breaks down, and it gets harder for your body to produce more.

For people with knee osteoarthritis, oral collagen supplements might act as a mild pain reliever and improve joint function. It may take about three to five months of daily treatment before you see these improvements. Increased Muscle Mass.

You can help your body produce more collagen by eating lots of glycine- and proline-rich foods like chicken, beef, fish, dairy, eggs, and beans.

Collagen is also produced naturally in the body by combining amino acids, the building blocks of proteins found in food. To produce collagen, your body needs: Glycine: found in pork skin, chicken skin, and gelatin, and a variety of other protein-rich foods.

A combination of collagen peptide supplements and strength training could potentially help increase muscle mass and strength. Potential Risks of Collagen Supplements. Side effects of collagen supplements are rare.

Instead of buying these supplements, you can always help your body make more collagen naturally by ensuring your diet is packed with healthy foods.

Why is collagen important for skin?

Collagen helps our skin remain firm and elastic. Collagen helps the skin retain structural integrity. Remember that collagen is a protein, a protein that helps form the connective tissue of the skin. If it’s lacking or damaged, this will result in cellulite and/or stretch marks.

Collagen is rich in the amino acid glycine, which has been shown to reduce inflammation ( source ). Glycine doesn’t just reduce inflammation in a small way, it has been referred to as “ a promising treatment strategy for inflammatory diseases. “