Collagen: contraindications and side effects
I. What is collagen? Types, functions and sources
Collagen is the most common protein in the human body, which is about 30% of its total protein mass. It is the main structural component of connective tissue, ensuring the strength, elasticity and regeneration of various organs and systems. Collagen plays a key role in maintaining the health of the skin, hair, nails, bones, joints, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and even the intestinal mucosa.
A. Types of collagen:
To date, more than 28 different types of collagen have been identified, each of which has a unique structure and performs specific functions. However, the most common and significant for human health are the following types:
- Type and: The most common type, which is about 90% of the total collagen in the body. It is present in the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, teeth and connective tissue. Type I provides the strength and elasticity of these structures.
- Type II: The main component of the cartilage that covers the surface of the joints and provides their smooth sliding. Type II collagen helps maintain joint health, reduces friction and prevents their wear.
- Type III: Contained in the skin, muscles and blood vessels. It provides the elasticity and elasticity of these tissues. Type III is often found with type I collagen.
- Type IV: The main component of basal membranes that support cells and tissues. He plays an important role in filtering and maintaining the structure of organs.
- Type V: Present in the skin, hair and placenta. It participates in the formation of collagen fibers and supports the structure of tissues.
B. Collagen functions:
Collagen functions are diverse and important for maintaining the health and functioning of the body:
- Support for the structure of the skin: Collagen provides elasticity, elasticity and moisturizing the skin, reducing wrinkles and preventing sagging.
- Strengthening bones: Collagen is a significant part of the bone tissue, providing its strength and flexibility. It helps prevent osteoporosis and fractures.
- Maintaining joint health: Type II collagen is the main component of cartilage, which provides smooth sliding of the joints and prevents their wear.
- Strengthening hair and nails: Collagen contributes to the growth and strengthening of hair and nails, making them more healthy and shiny.
- Maintaining intestinal health: Collagen helps to restore and strengthen the intestinal mucosa, improving digestion and preventing high intestinal permeability syndrome (leaky intestines).
- Support for the cardiovascular system: Collagen provides the strength and elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, improving blood circulation and preventing the development of cardiovascular diseases.
- Acceleration of wound healing: Collagen plays an important role in the healing process of wounds, stimulating the formation of new tissue and closing the wound.
- Muscle support: Collagen contributes to the growth and restoration of muscle tissue, improving sports results and preventing the loss of muscle mass with age.
C. Sources of collagen:
The human body is able to independently synthesize collagen, but with age this process slows down. Therefore, it is important to receive collagen from external sources, such as:
- Food:
- Bone broth: A rich source of collagen, which can be made from animal bones (beef, chicken, fish).
- Meat: Especially the skin and connective tissue.
- Fish: Especially leather and bones.
- Chicken: Especially the skin and cartilage.
- Eggs: Contain praise and glycine, amino acids necessary for the synthesis of collagen.
- Citrus fruit: Rich in vitamin C, which is necessary for the synthesis of collagen.
- Berries: Contain antioxidants that protect collagen from destruction.
- Garlic: Contains sulfur, which is necessary for the synthesis of collagen.
- Green vegetables: Contain vitamins and minerals necessary for the synthesis of collagen.
- Collagen additives:
- Hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides): The most common form of collagen additives, which is easily absorbed by the body.
- Teenatted collagen type II: Used to maintain joint health.
- Gelatin: The processed form of collagen, which is used in the food industry.
II. Indications for the use of collagen
The use of collagen can be useful in various situations associated with age -related changes, diseases or injuries. The main indications for the use of collagen include:
- Age -related skin changes: With age, the synthesis of collagen in the skin decreases, which leads to wrinkles, loss of elasticity and dryness. Reception of collagen can help improve the condition of the skin, reduce wrinkles and increase its moisture.
- Joint diseases: Type II collagen is the main component of cartilage, so its intake can be useful in osteoarthritis, arthritis and other joint diseases. Collagen can help reduce pain, inflammation and improve joint mobility.
- Osteoporosis: Collagen is a significant part of the bone tissue, so its intake can help strengthen the bones and prevent osteoporosis.
- Injuries: Collagen plays an important role in the healing process of wounds, so its reception can help accelerate the healing of fractures, sprains and other injuries.
- Hair loss and fragility of nails: Collagen contributes to the growth and strengthening of hair and nails, so its intake can be useful when hair loss and fragility of nails.
- Digestive problems: Collagen helps to restore and strengthen the intestinal mucosa, so its intake can be useful for syndrome of increased intestinal permeability (leaky intestines) and other digestive problems.
- Sports loads: Collagen contributes to the growth and restoration of muscle tissue, so its intake can be useful for athletes who want to improve their results and recover faster after training.
- Style prevention: Collagen helps to maintain the health and functioning of various organs and systems, so its use can be useful for the prevention of aging and improve the general state of health.
III. Contraindications to the use of collagen
Despite the numerous beneficial properties, the use of collagen has certain contraindications that must be taken into account before the reception:
A. Allergic reactions:
- Allergy to collagen sources: Collagen additives are often produced from animal sources, such as beef, chicken, fish and mollusks. People with allergies for these products should avoid taking collagen additives obtained from these sources. It is necessary to carefully study the composition of the additives and choose products that do not contain potential allergens.
- Allergies to auxiliary substances: Collagen additives can contain excipients, such as dyes, flavors, preservatives and other additives. Some people may have an allergic reaction to these substances. If signs of allergies appear (skin rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing) should immediately stop the additive and consult a doctor.
B. kidney diseases:
- Chronic renal failure: Collagen is a protein, and excess protein consumption can create an additional load on the kidneys. In people with chronic renal failure, the kidneys cannot effectively remove protein decay products, which can lead to a deterioration in the condition. Reception of collagen in kidney diseases is possible only after consulting a doctor and under his control.
- Other kidney diseases: In other diseases of the kidneys, such as glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis and nephrotic syndrome, care must also be taken when taking collagen. The doctor must assess the condition of the kidneys and determine the permissible dose of collagen.
C. liver diseases:
- Severe liver diseases: The liver plays an important role in protein metabolism. In severe liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis and liver failure, protein metabolism can be impaired. Reception of collagen in such cases can create an additional load on the liver and worsen its function. Reception of collagen for liver diseases is possible only after consulting a doctor and under his control.
- Other liver diseases: In other diseases of the liver, such as fatty hepatosis and cholecystitis, caution must also be observed when taking collagen. The doctor must assess the condition of the liver and determine the permissible dose of collagen.
D. Autoimmune diseases:
- Theoretical risk of exacerbation: There is a theoretical risk that the intake of collagen can stimulate the immune system and lead to an exacerbation of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic red lupus and scleroderma. However, scientific data on this issue are contradictory, and in some cases, collagen can even have a positive effect on autoimmune diseases. Before taking collagen with autoimmune diseases, it is necessary to consult with a heraldologist.
E. Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
- Research failure: Currently, there are not enough studies confirming the safety of collagen during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid taking collagen during these periods or consult a doctor before taking the appointment.
F. Children’s age:
- Research failure: Currently, there are not enough studies confirming the safety and effectiveness of collagen by children. Therefore, it is not recommended to give collagen to children without consulting a pediatrician.
G. Individual intolerance:
- Rare cases: In rare cases, people may observe individual intolerance to collagen, which manifests itself in the form of dyspeptic disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), headache, dizziness and other symptoms. If these symptoms appear, you should stop taking collagen and consult a doctor.
H. Blood coagulation disorders:
- Theoretical risk: Collagen can affect blood coagulation, so people with blood coagulation, such as thrombocytopenia and hemophilia, should be careful when taking collagen. It is necessary to consult a hematologist before the start of the appointment.
IV. Possible side effects of collagen
In most cases, the intake of collagen is well tolerated, but some people may have side effects. It is important to note that side effects are usually easy and transient.
A. From the side of the gastrointestinal tract:
- Dyspepsia: The most common side effects of collagen are associated with the gastrointestinal tract and include dyspepsia (digestive disorder), manifested in the form of bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. These symptoms usually pass on their own and do not require special treatment. To reduce discomfort, it is recommended to take collagen during food and start with small doses, gradually increasing them.
- Heartburn: In some people, the intake of collagen can cause heartburn. This is due to the fact that collagen can stimulate the production of gastric juice. To reduce heartburn, it is recommended to take collagen during food and avoid taking collagen before bedtime.
B. Allergic reactions:
- Skin rash, itching, swelling: As mentioned earlier, collagen additives can cause allergic reactions in people with allergies to collagen sources (beef, chicken, fish, mollusk) or auxiliary substances. Allergic reactions can appear in the form of a skin rash, itching, edema (especially the face, lips, tongue, throat) and difficulty breathing. If these symptoms appear, immediately stop taking the additive and consult a doctor.
C. Change in taste:
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth: In some people, the intake of collagen can cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth, especially after taking collagen in powder form. To avoid this, you can drink collagen with a lot of water or add it to drinks with a strong taste, such as fruit juices or smoothies.
D. Headache and dizziness:
- Rare cases: In rare cases, the intake of collagen can cause headache and dizziness. These symptoms are usually easy and transient and pass on their own.
E. Hypercalcemia:
- With excess consumption: Some collagen additives may contain calcium. With excessive calcium consumption, hypercalcemia (an increased level of calcium in the blood) can develop, which can manifest itself in the form of nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness and fatigue. People with kidney diseases or other risk factors for the development of hypercalcemia should be careful when taking collagen additives containing calcium.
F. Interaction with drugs:
- It is necessary to take into account: Collagen can interact with some drugs such as anticoagulants (drugs that thinning blood) and non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). People taking these drugs should consult a doctor before taking collagen.
G. Other side effects:
- Rare cases: In rare cases, the intake of collagen can cause other side effects, such as weight gain, increased sweating and swelling.
V. Recommendations for the use of collagen and minimizing risks
In order to get the maximum benefit of taking collagen and minimize the risk of side effects, the following recommendations must be followed:
- Consultation with a doctor: Before taking collagen, you need to consult a doctor, especially if you have any chronic diseases or you take any drugs. The doctor will help to determine whether the reception of collagen is suitable for you, and choose the optimal dose and form of release.
- Selecting a quality additive: When choosing a collagen additive, attention should be paid to its quality and reputation as the manufacturer. Choose additives that have passed an independent laboratory test and do not contain harmful impurities.
- Dosage compliance: It is important to observe the recommended dosage of the collagen indicated on the packaging of the additives. Do not exceed the dosage to avoid the development of side effects.
- Start with small doses: Start taking collagen with small doses, gradually increasing them to the recommended. This will help evaluate the tolerance of the additive and avoid the development of side effects.
- Reception during eating: To reduce discomfort from the gastrointestinal tract, it is recommended to take collagen during meals.
- The use of enough water: During the intake of collagen, it is necessary to use a sufficient amount of water to ensure its proper assimilation and avoid constipation.
- Attention to the composition of the additive: Carefully study the composition of the collagen additive and make sure that it does not contain the ingredients that you have an allergy.
- Continuation of reception when side effects appear: When any side effects appear, you should immediately stop taking collagen and consult a doctor.
- Storage in accordance with the instructions: Keep collagen additives in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, in a cool and dry place protected from light and moisture.
- Combining with other useful substances: To enhance the effect of collagen, you can combine its technique with other beneficial substances, such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants.
- Do not replace good nutrition: Collagen additives should not replace full and balanced nutrition. It is important to use a sufficient amount of protein, vitamins and minerals from natural products.
VI. Collagen release forms and methods of application
Collagen is available in various forms of release, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages:
- Powder: The most common and economical form of collagen release. The powder can be added to drinks, smoothies, yogurts and other foods.
- Capsules: A convenient form of collagen release, which is easy to take on the road or at work. Capsules have no taste and smell.
- Tablets: Similar to capsules, but they can be larger and more difficult to swing.
- Liquid: Collagen in liquid form is easily absorbed by the body. The liquid can be taken in its pure form or added to drinks.
- Gelatin: The processed form of collagen, which is used in the food industry for the preparation of jelly, marmalade and other products.
- Collagen drinks: Ready -made drinks containing collagen and other beneficial substances.
The method of using collagen depends on the form of release and individual preferences. Typically, collagen is taken once a day, in the morning or evening, during meals. The dosage of collagen depends on the type of collagen, the purpose of administration and individual characteristics of the body. It is recommended to start with small doses, gradually increasing them to the recommended.
VII. Collagen: myths and reality
There are many myths and delusions around collagen. It is important to distinguish scientific facts from unreasonable statements:
- Myth: Collagen is not absorbed by the body.
- Reality: Hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides) is well absorbed by the body and split into amino acids, which are used to synthesize a new collagen.
- Myth: Collagen helps only for the skin.
- Reality: Collagen is useful not only for the skin, but also for bones, joints, hair, nails, intestines and cardiovascular system.
- Myth: All types of collagen are equally effective.
- Reality: Different types of collagen perform different functions in the body. Type I collagen is useful for the skin, bones and tendons, type II collagen — for joints, type III collagen for the skin and blood vessels.
- Myth: Collagen instantly eliminates wrinkles.
- Reality: Collagen can help reduce wrinkles, but the effect is not instantaneous and requires regular intake within a few months.
- Myth: Collagen can only be obtained from animal sources.
- Reality: Although most collagen additives are made of animal sources, there are vegetarian alternatives containing amino acids necessary for collagen synthesis.
VIII. Conclusion
Collagen is an important protein that plays a key role in maintaining the health and functioning of the body. Reception of collagen can be useful in various conditions associated with age -related changes, diseases or injuries. However, before taking collagen, it is necessary to take into account the contraindications and possible side effects, as well as consult a doctor. Compliance with recommendations for the use of collagen will help to get maximum benefit and minimize risks.