Collagen is essential for the body’s connective tissues because it keeps them strong and supple. One easy way to accomplish this is to take an oral collagen supplement, which has numerous important health and beauty benefits, particularly for women. But many individuals continue to worry over whether or not there are collagen side effects on kidneys.
As with any product, you have to ask: Is there a side effects to collagen supplements? Despite all the hype, the jury is still out on whether or not they can really protect joints or plump skin. If you have a family history of kidney stones, a digestive disease like Crohn’s, or a metabolic disorder like diabetes or hypertension, then yes, you are more likely to develop kidney stones. Collagen supplements are generally healthy, people with kidney conditions should not take them. Avoid taking collagen supplements if you have a history of kidney stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones.
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08. Conclusion
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the body that keeps your connective tissues (including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage) strong and resilient. The human body’s collagen production naturally declines with age, despite the fact that collagen is the most abundant protein: According to research, collagen production begins to decline in your twenties and keeps going down by 1% annually after that. In addition, a number of additional lifestyle variables, such as excessive alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, inactivity, and ultraviolet radiation exposure, can impede production.
Collagen not only helps strengthen connective tissues, but it also supports skin elasticity, bone health, joint mobility, and wound healing, among other important structural and aesthetic functions in the body. Your skin’s appearance changes and the health of your tissues declines as collagen production slows. Supplementing with collagen is useful in this regard.
Collagen supplements are formulated to assist individuals in replenishing the collagen that their bodies naturally produce. These supplements are derived from animal bones, cartilage, and skin and can be consumed in various forms such as pills, powders, gummies, and tablets.
Oral collagen supplementation accelerates wound healing, diminishes the signs of ageing, increases skin elasticity, and improves skin hydration, according to research published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. Dr. Isreb states that there is no conclusive evidence that taking oral collagen protein supplements is beneficial or even more beneficial than taking other protein powders, but there have been few studies on the topic.
COLLAGEN SIDE EFFECTS ON KIDNEYS
As with any health supplement, there can be downsides – and collagen isn’t exempt from this rule. This post aims to share insights on the potential side effects of collagen on kidneys.
Potential for Kidney Stones
One of the primary concerns related to collagen intake and kidneys is the potential for kidney stones. Certain types of collagen, particularly those derived from meats, are high in hydroxyproline, a substance that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. If you have a history of kidney stones, it’s important to exercise caution with your collagen consumption.
Digestive Problems
Digestive problems are not directly linked to kidney damage, but any potential digestive upsets can complicate pre-existing kidney issues. When consumed in large amounts, collagen supplements might lead to feelings of fullness, heartburn, and a lingering bad taste in your mouth.
Allergic Reactions
Someone with an allergy to the source from which collagen is derived (like bovine or marine) may face serious allergic reactions. Again, while not directly affecting the kidneys, these reactions could potentially exacerbate any kidney issues experienced by the individual.
Drug Interactions
Collagen may interact with certain medicines, affecting their efficacy or inciting adverse reactions. This could negatively impact those taking medication for kidney-related ailments.
While these are potential concerns, it’s crucial to understand that collagen generally is well-tolerated by most people. However, if you have existing kidney disease, it’s always wise to consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, including collagen.
How Is Hydrolyzed Collagen Made?
Hydrolyzed collagen goes by several names, including collagen peptide, hydrolyzed gelatine, gelatine hydrolysate, and collagen hydrolysate.
Rather than being a homogeneous material, this study characterises collagen as a protein family, according to the Journal of Applied Sciences. These proteins are present in many animal tissues, but primarily in mammalian flesh and connective tissues.
Hydrolyzed collagen is the end product of further hydrolysis of gelatine, which is used in food and nutritional supplements. With molecular weights ranging from about 500 to 25000 Da, hydrolyzed collagen is a polypeptide composite formed by further hydrolysis of denatured collagen or gelatine.
By hydrolyzing a portion of the peptide bonds in the gelatine molecules, the molecular mass and size of the molecules in hydrolysate have been purposefully reduced. Despite losing its gelling ability, the hydrolyzed collagen will retain its surface active characteristics and dissolve in cold water. Demineralization, collagen extraction to gelatin, enzymatic hydrolysis to hydrolyze collagen, ion exchange, filtration, evaporation, sterilization, and drying are the steps involved in processing hydrolyzed collagen.
What Is The Function of Our Kidneys?
The kidneys’ primary function is to excrete waste products, surplus nutrients, and excess fluids from the blood in the form of urine. The kidneys receive around 20% of the blood that the heart pumps throughout the body. Daily blood filtration by the kidneys in adults may reach 180 liters.
One way to gauge the kidneys’ function is by looking at their Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). Actually, it’s a way to see how healthy the kidneys are. It is able to provide an approximation of the minute blood flow through the glomeruli. The tiny kidney filters called glomeruli are responsible for removing waste products from the blood.
Acutely, the kidneys can raise the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The absence of this compensation in certain types of kidney damage is one reason why protein intake is controlled for in kidney disease management. This is because they do it in response to dietary protein intake.
There are others who believe that the kidneys are already under a lot of stress from having to filter out protein metabolites. The core argument is based on the idea that long-term overconsumption of protein in the diet causes hyperfiltration and elevated glomerular pressure, two symptoms of chronic renal disease.
I felt compelled to dig further into this and discover the source of this theory because hydrolyzed collagen can contain as much as 97% protein.
Using Collagen For People Without Kidney Disease
Research on the relationship between protein consumption and kidney function has shown no negative effects on healthy individuals following Western high-protein diets for many years, according to a 2005 article in the London Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. There is insufficient evidence of adverse effects in healthy subjects, despite the fact that a high-protein diet changes glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and related endocrinology, which may be harmful to patients with kidney disease. The following important points are included in the recent series of preliminary studies that have shown no effect when very high protein intakes (3.4 – 4.4 g/kg/day) are prescribed:
In adults who do not have renal disease, consuming a high-protein diet may raise serum urea and urinary calcium excretion rates as well as glomerular filtration rate (GFR). But it won’t make you urinate albumin, the most telling sign of kidney disease. These alterations could be a natural physiological response to consuming more protein.
So is taking hydrolyzed collagen safe for the kidneys?
The protein content of hydrolyzed collagen typically ranges from 90 to 97%. Hence, in healthy individuals, it is highly improbable that a high-protein diet (>1.2 g/kg/day) or even extremely high dosages of hydrolyzed collagen would cause kidney damage.
Collagen for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
An increase in glomerular pressure and glomerular filtration rate can occur in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who consume a high-protein diet or who take protein supplements. This can aggravate preexisting chronic kidney disease (CKD) or cause new damage to the glomerular structure. Consequently, in order to manage chronic kidney disease (CKD), it is typically recommended to follow a low protein diet (LPD) of 0.6-0.8 g/kg/day.
In conclusion, those who suffer from chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury must exercise caution when consuming protein-rich foods or taking protein supplements.
Should You Avoid Collagen?
If you have a high risk of kidney stones, you should probably avoid taking collagen supplements. Contrarily, most people probably won’t develop kidney stones from eating moderate amounts of collagen as part of a healthy diet.
Actually, cutting back on oxalates isn’t necessarily the best way to avoid kidney stones, according to research. The majority of studies point to increasing calcium consumption as a potential better strategy to lower oxalate absorption and prevent kidney stone formation.
One way to reduce the likelihood of developing kidney stones is to drink enough of fluids daily.
On the other hand, those who have a history of kidney stones or a condition like primary hyperoxaluria should probably limit their collagen intake.
Consult your doctor before beginning a collagen supplement or making any changes to your diet to ensure you are not putting your health at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an excess intake of collagen supplements affect my kidney health?
As with any supplement, excessive intake can lead to potential side effects. While research doesn’t directly link collagen to kidney issues, overconsumption of any supplement can potentially strain the kidneys. Always consider moderation and consult with a healthcare provider.
I have a pre-existing kidney condition. Should I avoid collagen?
While collagen isn’t directly harmful to the kidneys, those with kidney disorders or disease should consult a health professional before starting any new supplement regimen, including collagen.
Does taking collagen supplements mean I can neglect other aspects of a balanced diet?
No, collagen supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet. They’re a supplement to your diet, not a replacement. Maintaining a varied and balanced diet is crucial for everyone, especially individuals with chronic health conditions.
Are there any natural sources of collagen that are healthy for the kidneys?
Yes, collagen can be naturally obtained from a variety of foods such as bone broth, chicken skin, fish skin, and certain cuts of meat. These foods, as part of a balanced diet, can provide the benefits of collagen without the need for supplementation.
How much collagen should I consume daily to avoid any potential harm to my kidneys?
Recommendations for collagen intake can vary widely depending on factors like age, health status, and lifestyle. It’s best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice, but a common guideline is around 10-15 grams of collagen per day for healthy adults.
Conclusion
Collagen, a crucial protein in our bodies, plays an indispensable role in maintaining our skin, muscles, bones, and ligaments in optimal health. However, as we’ve explored in this blog, its potential impact on our kidney health raises a few questions.
From the research and findings discussed, it’s apparent that collagen has no direct harmful effects on kidneys in a healthy person. Yet, like any health supplement, moderation is key. Overconsumption may lead to potential issues not necessarily related to collagen’s nature, but rather to the body’s response to excessive amounts of any supplement.
It’s also crucial to understand that while collagen supplements can enhance your health, they aren’t substitutes for a balanced diet and good lifestyle habits. Natural sources of collagen, similarly, should form a part of a broader, varied diet.
However, science is always evolving and new research could provide more insights into this subject. As such, before incorporating collagen supplements or significantly increasing your intake, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare practitioner—especially if you have pre-existing kidney conditions.
In conclusion, collagen is neither a miracle cure nor a danger to our kidneys. Like any dietary supplement, it has its place in a balanced, health-conscious lifestyle, and should be used responsibly, under guidance from a healthcare provider. It serves as a reminder that maintaining our health is a complex interplay of diverse factors, from our diet and exercise routines to our genetic makeup, and it’s important to consider all these elements when making choices about our health.