Collagen is a crucial protein in the human body that is responsible for maintaining the skin’s elasticity, strength, and overall appearance. However, too much collagen in the body can lead to various symptoms and health issues. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of having an excess amount of collagen in the body and how it can negatively impact your health.

Symptoms

One of the most common symptoms of too much collagen in the body is joint pain and stiffness. Collagen is essential for maintaining the health of our joints, but an excess amount can lead to inflammation and stiffness, making it difficult to move and causing discomfort. This can significantly impact your quality of life and make everyday activities more challenging.

Another symptom of having too much collagen is skin problems. While collagen is responsible for maintaining the skin’s youthful appearance, too much of it can cause skin issues such as redness, itching, and irritation. Excess collagen can also lead to the formation of scars and keloids, which can be unsightly and difficult to treat.

In addition to joint pain and skin problems, having too much collagen in the body can also affect your digestive system. Excessive collagen can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. It can also interfere with the absorption of nutrients, leading to deficiencies and other health problems.

Furthermore, too much collagen can impact your cardiovascular health. Excessive collagen can cause the walls of your blood vessels to thicken, leading to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease. It can also restrict blood flow, causing circulation problems and potentially leading to serious health issues.

In some cases, having too much collagen in the body can also lead to autoimmune disorders. An excess amount of collagen can trigger the immune system to attack healthy tissues and organs, leading to conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma. These autoimmune disorders can be debilitating and require ongoing medical treatment.

Scleroderma

It is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, blood vessels, and internal organs, and is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors.

Scleroderma, on the other hand, is characterized by thickening and hardening of the skin and connective tissues, as well as damage to internal organs such as the lungs, heart, and kidneys.

The symptoms of scleroderma can vary depending on the type and severity of the disease, but common signs include skin tightening, joint pain and stiffness, difficulty swallowing and shortness of breath.

While there is no cure for scleroderma, treatments can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional if you experience any symptoms related to scleroderma or have concerns about excessive collagen consumption.

Collagen Side Effects on Kidneys

Excessive consumption of collagen supplements may potentially increase the risk of developing kidney stones, although this is a relatively rare occurrence.

Collagen is composed of amino acids, including hydroxyproline, which is metabolized into oxalate, a component of some kidney stones.

Therefore, consuming large amounts of collagen supplements may increase the amount of oxalate in the body, potentially leading to the formation of kidney stones.

Other factors that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones include dehydration, high intake of sodium or animal protein and certain medical conditions.

Symptoms of kidney stones can include the following:

• Severe pain in the back, side or lower abdomen
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Difficulty urinating

It is important to note that the risk of kidney stones from collagen supplements is relatively low, and most people who consume collagen supplements do not experience any adverse effects. 

However, it is always important to talk to a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have a history of kidney stones or any other medical conditions.

To minimize the risk of kidney stones, make sure that you stay well-hydrated, limit sodium and do all the basics you hear from everyone else: maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.

High Calcium Levels: Hypercalcemia

Excessive consumption of collagen supplements may potentially lead to high levels of calcium in the blood, a condition known as hypercalcemia.

Why is this the case?

Well we don’t know for certain, but we do know that collagen supplements can have high amounts of calcium especially compared to bone broth vitamin and mineral levels.

Taking excess amount of collagen supplements can lead to an overabundance of calcium in the bloodstream. 

Symptoms of hypercalcemia can include

1. fatigue
2. weakness
3. nausea
4. vomiting
5. constipation
6. confusion
7. increased thirst and urination (2).

Severe cases of hypercalcemia can also lead to kidney stones, bone pain, and other complications.

According to a data from a 2022 in The Journal of the American Medical Association, the risk of hypercalcemia from collagen supplements is relatively low. 95% of people who consume collagen supplements do not experience any adverse effects (2).

You can always talk to your doctor before taking it if you are not comfortable.

To minimize the risk of hypercalcemia, it is also important to stay within the recommended dosage of collagen supplements and to maintain a balanced and healthy diet.

If you are at risk then I would consider avoiding some calcium rich foods like dairy, leafy green vegetables and fortified foods.

Overall, having too much collagen in the body can have a negative impact on your health and well-being. It is essential to be aware of the symptoms of excess collagen and seek medical attention if you experience any of these issues.

Treatment

Treatment options may include medications, lifestyle changes, and dietary modifications to help reduce collagen levels and improve your overall health.

You can treat the symptoms of excess amount of collagen by doing the following:

1. Consult with a doctor: If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to having too much collagen, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional.
2. They can evaluate your condition, determine the underlying cause of your symptoms, and recommend appropriate treatment options.
3. Reduce intake of protein: If you suspect that you are taking too much and it may be causing your symptoms then try reducing your intake of protein, including collagen supplements
4. This can help to restore a balance of nutrients in your body and reduce any excess protein buildup.
5. Take vitamin C and E supplements: These vitamins are antioxidants that can help to reduce inflammation and promote healthy collagen production.
6. Taking supplements can help to support your body’s natural healing processes and reduce the symptoms caused by excessive collagen.

1. Use anti-inflammatory medications if needed: In some cases, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin may be recommended to reduce pain, inflammation, and other symptoms associated with excessive collagen.
2. Keep in mind I do not recommend these except in extreme cases. They can often do more harm than good if taken regularly over a long period of time. Consult your doctor.
3. Treat any associated conditions: If your excessive collagen is caused by an underlying medical condition such as scleroderma or lupus, treating the underlying condition may help to reduce your symptoms.
4. Get enough sleep: Adequate rest and sleep are essential for your body’s natural healing processes. Make sure to get enough rest and take steps to improve your sleep quality.
5. Avoid stress: Stress can contribute to inflammation and other symptoms associated with excessive collagen.
6. Taking steps to manage stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques or getting regular exercise, may help to reduce your symptoms.
7. Eat a balanced diet: Eating a balanced diet can help to support your body’s natural healing processes and reduce inflammation.
8. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and limit your intake of inflammatory processed foods and added sugars.

What is the recommended dosage of collagen supplements?

Most collagen supplements have a suggested daily dosage printed on the packaging, but you can also refer to the following:

• Powdered supplement packaging often suggests taking 1–2 scoops or 5-15 grams daily
• A pill or gummy supplement may recommend 1–2 pieces which is 5 grams or 50% of what you might get from a scoop of powder.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while collagen is essential for maintaining the health of our skin, joints, and tissues, having excess amount of collagen in the body can lead to various symptoms and health issues. It is crucial to be mindful of the signs of excess collagen and take steps to address them promptly. Maintaining a healthy balance of collagen in the body is key to ensuring optimal health and well-being.

Link: https://bluebirdprovisions.co/blogs/news/too-much-collagen-symptoms

Link:https://www.medicinenet.com/what_are_the_side_effects_of_taking_collagen/article.htm