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Collagen supplements or hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides are generally obtained from animal sources such as beef, pork, and fish skin or bones. There are a limited number of studies to provide concrete scientific evidence for the various health benefits claimed regarding these supplements. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve or evaluate any of these supplements for their efficacy. Although collagen can be obtained from dietary sources such as bone broth and chicken, some experts claim that the hydrolyzed form of collagen in the supplements is better absorbed than the collagen present in the diet. The supplements come in various forms such as powders, capsules, and tablets. They contain various amino acids that are building blocks for healthy skin, hair, joints, and bones. The benefit provided may vary depending on the types of collagen present in the supplements. The general health benefits of collagen supplements include:
- Healthy skin
- Healthy hair and nails
- Improved muscle mass
- Better bone health and reduced bone loss
- Healthy joints
- Improved heart health
- Weight management
- Improved gut health
What is collagen?
Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins found in humans and animals. It includes various structural proteins found in the skin, muscles, and bones. Collagen is essential for maintaining the health of skin, muscles, joints, and tendons. The body loses collagen as we age, resulting in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hair fall, damaged bones, and joints and a decline in the health of various organs including the heart. Studies have suggested that women may lose up to one-third of their body collagen by the time they reach menopause. People may take several collagen supplements to compensate for the loss of this structural protein with age. Collagen supplements are available in various forms including powders, capsules, and tablets. These supplements contain collagen in an easily absorbed form called hydrolyzed collagen. Hydrolyzation means the collagen is already broken into smaller protein segments or peptides for easier absorption. Collagen may also be obtained from various dietary sources such as bone broth, fish, chicken, and eggs.
Are collagen supplements safe?
There are a limited number of studies conducted to support the safety and efficacy of collagen supplements. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also does not approve or evaluate any of these supplements for their efficacy. Experts suggest that these supplements may be contaminated with heavy metals such as mercury and titanium.
Most people do not report any side effects because of collagen supplements. Some may experience minor side effects such as:
Are there any vegetarian or vegan sources of collagen?
Plants contain several nutrients called phytonutrients that can help your body make collagen. Studies have reported that collagen supplements are not essential for overall health and vegetarians and vegans can avoid them. Scientists have developed vegan collagen from genetically modified bacteria and yeast. If vegan collagen is not available, one may turn to these food sources:
SLIDESHOW
The 14 Most Common Causes of Fatigue See Slideshowhttps://www.allinahealth.org/healthysetgo/thrive/should-you-take-collagen-supplements
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alfalfa
Alfalfa herbal supplements are taken for several conditions including diabetes, high cholesterol, indigestion, and asthma, but there is little scientific evidence to support these uses. Common side effects of alfalfa include increased volume and frequency of bowel movements, loose stools and diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, intestinal gas, light sensitivity, and pancytopenia (a blood disorder). Do not use alfalfa supplements if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Collagen and Injectable Fillers
Collagen injections and other injectable fillers give your skin a plumper, smoother appearance. Both are administered under local anesthesia. Bruising, puffiness, redness, and tenderness are common side effects.
Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinal)
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale, Blowball, Lion's Teeth) is used as an herbal supplement used for many conditions, including pain management, reducing swelling, and increasing urine production. Side effects of Taraxacum officinale include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, heartburn, increased heart rate, bruising and bleeding, excessive urination, and increased potassium levels (hyperkalemia). Do not administer Taraxacum officinal to children. Avoid use if breastfeeding. Consult your doctor if pregnant or taking any other drugs or supplements.germanium
Germanium is a natural element present in micro-trace quantities in plants, animals, water, soil and the environment. Germanium supplements and germanium-rich water are used as medicinal supplements in the treatment of a number of conditions such as cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases and others, but there are no scientific studies supporting its health benefits. Common side effects of germanium include anemia, loss of appetite (anorexia), weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, headaches, kidney damage, kidney failure, nerve damage, muscle weakness, lung toxicity, and death.Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a leaf extract used as a dietary supplement with recommended uses such as altitude sickness prevention, reduction of cardiovascular disease risk, cerebral vascular insufficiency, cognitive disorders, dementia, dizziness and vertigo, intermittent claudication, macular degeneration, glaucoma, memory loss, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), sexual dysfunction, and vasodilation. Common side effects of Ginkgo biloba include gastrointestinal upset, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, headache, weakness, dizziness, vertigo (rare), restlessness, seizures, palpitations, and others.lysine
Lysine is an essential amino acid used to treat cold sores (herpes simplex labialis), increase alkalinity in the body (metabolic alkalosis), improve bone density, and boost athletic performance. Lysine increases calcium absorption. Excessive doses may cause gallstones and kidney disorders. Common side effects of lysine include abdominal pain, diarrhea, kidney inflammation (interstitial nephritis), and chronic kidney (renal) failure. It is safer to get adequate lysine through dietary intake and avoid lysine supplementation during pregnancy and when breastfeeding.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
What does research say are the best omega 3 supplements? What are the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids? Learn how Omega 3 rich foods like fish oil, salmon, walnuts, & more can boost brain power, save you from joint pain, ease depression and create a healthier you.panax ginseng
Panax ginseng is an herbal adaptogen, a substance that is believed to help people adapt to and manage stress, anxiety, and fatigue, and is believed to enhance overall health, stamina and cognitive function. Common side effects of panax ginseng include headache, fever (pyrexia), high or low blood pressure (hypertension/hypotension), palpitations, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), breast pain (mastalgia), vaginal bleeding, absence of menstruation (amenorrhea), vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, nervousness, insomnia, mania, euphoria, and swelling (edema). Do not take panax ginseng if you are pregnant.pantothenic acid
Pantothenic acid is vitamin B5, an essential nutrient, which is taken as a supplement to compensate for deficiency. Common side effects of pantothenic acid include headache, weakness/lack of energy (asthenia), muscle pain (myalgia), joint pain (arthralgia), dizziness, flulike illness, sore throat, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), onset of diabetes mellitus, and others. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.resveratrol
Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol compound found in many plants and fruits, and most abundant in skins and seeds of red grapes, grape juice and red wine. People take resveratrol as a dietary supplement to reduce blood cholesterol, protect against heart disease and cancer, to treat hay fever and many other conditions. Common side effects of resveratrol (high doses) include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas (flatulence), and abdominal cramping.selenium
Selenium is an essential trace element that is required in minute quantities to maintain good health. Selenium is taken as a supplement by people with selenium deficiency. Selenium is available over the counter (OTC) as tablets and capsules and is also administered as an intravenous (IV) injection for patients who cannot take it orally. Selenium taken in recommended doses does not have any known side effects. Prolonged use with high doses can cause side effects including hair loss (alopecia), brittle nails, skin rash, garlic breath odor, gastrointestinal disturbances, fatigue, irritability, tingling and numbness (paresthesia); and impairment of speech, balance and coordination (ataxia).
Vitamin D Quiz
What happens to the body when there is a vitamin D deficiency? Take the Vitamin D Quiz to find out what you may be missing.
Vitamins and Calcium Supplements
Vitamins are organic substances that are essential for the proper growth and functioning of the body. Calcium is a mineral essential for healthy bones and is also important for muscle contraction, heart action, and normal blood clotting. Check out the center below for more medical references on vitamins and calcium supplements, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.
Vitamins Quiz
Take the Vitamins & Supplements Quiz to learn just how many essential vitamins your body needs to function!
Signs You’re Low on Vitamin B12
Your body needs vitamin B12 to keep blood cells healthy and to make your nerves work right. But what happens when you run low?
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.
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. Better ask your nutritionist what will suit you.
Which Collagen Is Best for the Skin?
Collagen makes up a whopping 80 percent of our skin and works with another protein called elastin that keeps our skin elastic. Type I collagen is usually considered best for the skin. It is the most abundant type of collagen in the body. It maintains healthy bones, skin, hair and nails.