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Excess collagen - symptoms that should worry you

 
We associate collagen very positively - with young skin, healthy joints and strong hair. However, excess collagen in the body can lead to undesirable symptoms. It's a rare situation, but one worth noting - especially in this era of supplementation popularity. If you're using collagen and you're noticing worrisome signs from your skin, digestive system or joints, it's worth looking into whether the amount you're taking is too high. What are the symptoms of excess collagen in the body? When should a red light go on for you?

Excess collagen - symptoms on the skin

The most obvious symptoms of excess collagen in the body are on the skin. When there is too much collagen, abnormal deposition of this protein in the tissues can occur. The skin then becomes hard, thickened and less elastic, which paradoxically makes it look older rather than younger. As a result, you may notice a reduction in facial expressions, a feeling of stiffness or skin tightness. You may think that the facial muscles are responsible for this, but no - it's the skin! In extreme cases, excess collagen leads to the formation of scarring (keloids), which are hypertrophied, hard scars that do not disappear on their own.

Symptoms of excess collagen in the body also include muscle and joint pain

If you've been taking fish collagen or bovine collagen, for example, for a long time, and you start to experience joint pain, a feeling of stiffness or tightness in your muscles, this could be a signal that your body can't cope with metabolizing excess protein. Although collagen supports joints, excess collagen can lead to overloaded connective tissues and, in rare cases, hardening.

Excess collagen - gastrointestinal symptoms

This may be one of the signals that will be the first to let you know that you are taking too many collagen supplements. Nausea, heartburn, a feeling of heaviness, bloating and constipation - digestive problems are also a symptom of excess collagen. Although hydrolyzed collagen is more easily absorbed, it all depends on the body. Who can be harmed by collagen? Supplements with this protein - if consumed in larger quantities - can be problematic especially for people with digestive diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, chronic constipation, gastroesophageal reflux or Crohn's disease. In these cases, increased protein in the diet - even in supplement form - can exacerbate symptoms or cause additional discomfort. These may therefore be contraindications to the use of collagen, although they do not have to be. What matters here is the opinion of a specialist. Remember that any supplementation should be consulted with your family doctor.

Excess collagen and tingling in the extremities

Although this is a rarer symptom, it can be worrisome. It involves tingling and numbness in the extremities - arms and legs - probably caused by tissue fibrosis. This process impedes the proper functioning of peripheral nerves, causing a feeling of numbness. This is one of the more non-obvious signals, but one that is worth linking to supplementation - especially when it occurs after increasing collagen intake. Marine collagen and bovine collagen, in particular, are rich in specific types of peptides that affect connective tissues.

Excess collagen in the body can affect internal organs

In extreme and very rare cases, excess collagen can lead to fibrosis of internal organs - for example, the liver or lungs. This can be caused by systemic scleroderma, in which there is an uncontrolled proliferation of collagen throughout the body. Importantly: this condition is not caused by supplementation! Systemic scleroderma is an autoimmune disease. Supplementation will therefore not be associated with such drastic effects.

Excess collagen - cardiovascular symptoms.

Although they are mentioned infrequently, excessive collagen can lead to a feeling of palpitations or changes in the heart's rhythm. This may be due to the fact that collagen affects not only the skin, but also the blood vessels. The increased amount of collagen accumulated in blood vessels can affect their elasticity. This potentially impedes blood flow and puts stress on the cardiovascular system. So if you notice such symptoms, it is essential to stop the supplement and consult a doctor.

Excess collagen - is it common?

No, it occurs very rarely. In most cases, the body effectively metabolizes the collagen supplied, and any symptoms are due to overloading the systems that are responsible for its absorption and utilization. Problems can arise if you take several different products at the same time - also due to excess vitamins or additives. However, you have to work hard to notice symptoms of overdose in yourself. In people with autoimmune conditions or liver disease, it is always necessary to consult a doctor before supplementing with collagen. How can you minimize the risk of side effects?
  • Start with small doses - 2.5-5 g of collagen per day.
  • Choose a proven product, without unnecessary additives and in hydrolyzed form.
  • Use collagen with a meal to make it easier to digest.
  • Do not combine several collagen supplements at once.
  • Watch your body carefully and react.
And if collagen is not for you after all, you can always choose vegan coll agen - a form of supplement that supports the synthesis of this protein.
Excess collagen is very rare, but it can happen. It's always worth sticking to the manufacturer's recommendations and watching your body during supplementation - especially at the beginning - to avoid unpleasantness.