Collagen peptides supplements are generally considered to be well tolerated with a good safety profile. Most people do not experience significant side effects when using only collagen peptides. However, some minor side effects have been reported, including:
- Digestive issues such as a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, mild diarrhea, bloating, constipation, heartburn, or reduced appetite[3][5].
- Skin reactions including rashes, acne breakouts, or general skin inflammation, possibly due to sensitivity to collagen or additives found in some supplements[1][5].
- Kidney issues such as the development of kidney stones. Hydroxyproline, a collagen amino acid, may be disposed of by the kidneys as oxalate, which can trigger kidney stones in susceptible individuals[1].
- Liver concerns in rare cases, especially with excessive intake or underlying liver disease, increased collagen buildup could aggravate liver problems[1].
- Heart issues such as hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) if supplements contain excessive calcium, potentially leading to abnormal heart rhythms[1].
Most documented side effects are mild, and serious adverse events are rare. However, excessive intake or sensitivity can increase risk[1]. It is important to note that many collagen supplements are blends containing additional vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts. These added ingredients, rather than collagen itself, may sometimes be responsible for reported side effects or interactions with medications[3][4].
There are currently no well-known drug interactions tied to pure collagen peptides. However, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid collagen supplements due to insufficient safety data and should consult with a healthcare professional before use[7].
Large, long-term studies are still needed to fully confirm the safety of collagen peptide supplementation over time[2][4]. If you experience persistent or severe symptoms while using collagen supplements, consult your doctor.
References
- [1] What Are the Side Effects of Taking Collagen? – MedicineNet
- [3] Collagen: Benefits, Side Effects, and More – Healthline
- [4] Considering collagen drinks and supplements? – Harvard Health Blog
- [5] Collagen | Uses, side-effects – Versus Arthritis
- [7] Collagen Peptides – Uses, Side Effects, And More – WebMD
- [2] Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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