By supporting the microbiome, nourishing the gut lining, and even increasing butyrate production in the gut, collagen may help improve bowel movements and other gut symptoms like gas and bloating.
“Collagen supplements may cause digestive discomforts, such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea,“ explained Kathryn Piper, RDN, LD, NBC-HWC. Taking too much collagen may cause bloating as well.
Additionally, poop came into play: 94% (15 out of 16 women) increased their bowel movement frequency. More specifically, 19% (3 out of 16 women) increased from historically going No. 2 only once per week or less to once per day since starting the collagen supplement.
Furthermore, as gut inflammation is linked to inflammation elsewhere in the body, it's undoubtedly beneficial to include an abundance of amino acid-rich foods—such as collagen—in our diet on a regular basis to help reduce gut inflammation and keep conditions such as leaky gut at bay.
Collagen supplements are not safe for everyone because there are dangerous side effects and serious quality issues. You can keep taking it, but just know this. It has downsides and serious side effects including diarrhea, bloating, allergic reactions, cramps and other digestive issues.
Collagen is considered to be well tolerated with no major side-effects. Minor side-effects include: a feeling of heaviness in your stomach. mild diarrhoea.
Research shows that taking 2.5 to 15 grams daily of hydrolyzed collagen is safe. A smaller dose benefits your joints and skin, while a larger amount may help with body composition and muscle mass.
Some adverse reactions to collagen supplements include headaches, digestive issues, fatigue, and skin rashes. If you experience any of these side effects after taking collagen, stop taking it and speak to your doctor.
It may help relieve constipation
“Collagen may help for constipation because it is a hydrophilic molecule, which can help to attract water and acidic molecules,” says Dr. Avena. “This may help food move through the GI tract more smoothly.”
As you can see, the health benefits of collagen are huge when it comes to IBS. If you want to take a supplement that will aid digestion and promote good gut health, collagen certainly provides.
Collagen supplements may not be safe for: People with fish, shellfish, or egg allergies (collagen supplements may contain these allergens as ingredients)16.
What happens if I stop taking Collagen? If you stop taking collagen for a couple of days there will not be any significant effects. However, research shows that if you stop taking the supplement completely the benefits will slowly disappear and your skin will return to its original state.
Collagen's role in the body
Collagen is a protein that serves as one of the main building blocks for your bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. "Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look," says dermatologist Dr. Ohara Aivaz.
In order the get visible effects of collagen on your joints, you need to take regular supplements for at least 12 weeks to 24 weeks. Studies show that bothersome symptoms of joint pain or joint aches may be improved by collagen around 3 months to 6 months.
Reduces joint pain and degeneration
That's because when we lose collagen, our tendons and ligaments start moving with less ease, leading to stiffness, swollen joints and more. With its smooth, gel-like structure that covers and holds our bones together, collagen allows us to glide and move without pain.
One of the top products for helping to heal a leaky gut is collagen, a key benefit in bone broth and also available in a powder for blending into drinks. (3) It helps to replenish the integrity of your intestines and contains proline and glycine, two amino acids that are exceptionally beneficial in healing a leaky gut.
Collagen peptides have been safely used in doses up to 10 grams daily for up to 5 months. Side effects are rare.
The reality: There's no study to back this up
This is just a theory at this point. "There are no controlled studies that address this issue," Galligan says. "However, the popular literature is in agreement that collagen supplements seem to work equally well when taken at bedtime or in the morning."
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.
The evidence from the reviewed studies suggested that both collagen supplements improve skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration when orally administered. Additionally, collagen reduces the wrinkling and roughness of the skin, and existing studies have not found any side effects of its oral supplements.
Too much collagen can lead to digestive issues such as gas, bloating and diarrhea. If you experience these side effects, reduce your dosage or take the supplement with food to help minimize them.
While it was highest one hour after taking the supplement, the effects were measured and showed to remain in the blood for twenty-four hours. After which levels went back down to normal. The findings? Daily ingestion of collagen for an extended period does make it into our system to be used by the body.