Dietician
Karolina Dobrowolska-Zrałka
Collagen is one of the most important proteins in the body that provides skin firmness, elasticity, and connective tissues the right structure. That is why I am not surprised that his supplementation has become so popular. But can collagen be overdosed and can its excess harm?
What are the causes of excess collagen in the body?
Most often it happens that in our body this collagen is not enough, but it cannot be ruled out that with intensive supplementation or nutrition with a lot of this component, its level in the body will be very high.Excessive collagen supplementation
One of the most common causes of excess collagen is the wrong use of supplements - taking too high doses of collagen, poor quality products or combining several products with collagen in supplementation. A common mistake is to take larger amounts of collagen, counting on faster results. It is always worth sticking to the values that are determined on the packaging.Autoimmune diseases
Some autoimmune diseases can lead to overproduction of collagen, and the most popular disease that causes excessive collagen compressor in the body, causing sclerosis and loss of skin and tissue elasticity is Systemic sclerosis.Collagen metabolism disorders
Collagen metabolism disorders can lead to a situation in which the body is not able to properly spread and use this protein. As a result, its excess begins to accumulate in tissues, which can cause various health problems.- Disturbed balance of enzymes - Enzymes that are responsible for collagen breakdown may work too slowly or not to be effective, and then collagen is too slowly metabolized.
- Incorrect tissue regeneration - During repair processes, the body sometimes produces more collagen than necessary, which sometimes results in the formation of hypertrophic scars or keloids.
Diet rich in collagen without proper support
Eating large amounts of collagen from the diet without the right dose of vitamin C and other ingredients supporting its metabolism often causes collagen to accumulate in the tissues unevenly. Of course, it is worth consuming products rich in collagen and additionally supplement it, but - as with everything - it is not worth overdoing.How to control collagen levels?
- Follow supplementation recommendations - Always follow the doses that are specified in the way of use. The use of larger amounts will not make the effects better! :)
- Consult your doctor - Especially if you suffer from autoimmune diseases, where collagen can affect the course of the disease.
- Take care of a balanced diet - Turn on products rich in vitamin C and other ingredients supporting collagen metabolism so that the body can use it properly.
Can collagen be overdosed?
In theory, the body consumes most of the collagen supplied to the amino acids, which are then used in various regenerative processes. However, if you exaggerate with supplementation or suffer from some autoimmune diseases associated with collagen overproduction, this can happen. Collagen then accumulates in the body, sometimes causing unpleasant symptoms.Symptoms of excess collagen in the body - what should worry us?
- Skin changes - The skin can become more hard, less elastic, and in some cases, during regeneration processes, e.g. when wound healing - hypertrophic scars are formed.
- Ponds problems - Excess collagen in the joints causes stiffness, limited mobility and pain.
- Digestive disorders - Taking large doses of collagen often causes flatulence, a feeling of heaviness or stomach problems.
The effects of excess collagen in the body - what can happen?
- Tissue scarring - Excess collagen during wound healing may cause the formation of keloids and hypertrophic scars.
- Hardness of cartilage - Excessive production of type II collagen in cartilage causes hardening and stiffness.
- Cumulation in organs - In extreme cases, e.g. with autoimmune diseases, collagen accumulates in organs, which disturbs their functioning.
What are the contraindications to the use of collagen?
Give up the use of collagen if you suffer from:- Autoimmune diseases, which cause collagen overproduction.
- Allergy to collagen proteins, Especially fish or beef.
- Gastrointestinal hypersensitivity, Because high doses of collagen can cause discomfort.
How to safely supplement collagen?
To avoid excess collagen in the body:- Choose supplements with a proven composition, such as hydrolyzed fish collagen.
- Follow the dosage recommendations given on the packaging by the manufacturer.
- Remember about vitamin C - it is necessary for its synthesis. Or just choose a product that contains it in the composition.
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