What is collagen?
A structural protein
Le collagène est une protéine dites « structurelle » car il assure l’intégrité du squelette. Ainsi, il participe au maintien et à la cohésion des tissus, au fonctionnement des articulations et à la régénération musculaire.
It also has beneficial effects on the skin, providing suppleness, firmness, and elasticity.
Present in abundance in the body, it is mainly found in the bones, cartilage, muscles, tendons and the dermis.
It is naturally synthesized by the body but its production decreases with age. Smoking, alcohol, pollution… can also impact collagen synthesis.
A dietary supplement
A supplementation is therefore useful to offset this loss and replenish collagen reserves.
Dietary supplements are available in capsules, tablets, powder, or liquid form. Marine and bovine collagen are available on the market.
Read also | How to choose the best collagen?
However, collagen does have some contraindications. Therefore, its consumption is not recommended for certain people. It can also cause side effects.
In which cases is it contraindicated?
In case of allergy
Depending on its source, collagen can cause an allergic reaction. This manifests as itching, difficulty breathing, and/or vomiting.
For example, bovine collagen can trigger a reaction in people who are allergic to animal proteins.
In general, its consumption is not recommended for people with a food allergy, particularly to fish, shellfish, or eggs.
In case of hypercalcemia
This condition is characterized by an excess of calcium in the blood. However, taking collagen increases calcium levels and helps it deposit in the bones.
It is therefore not recommended for people suffering from hypercalcemia. If you have other calcium metabolism disorders (hypocalcemia), seek advice from a doctor.
In case of kidney failure
This disease is characterized by kidney dysfunction. The kidneys can no longer filter the blood and properly remove toxins from the body.
However, in the case of kidney failure, it is recommended to limit intake of proteins. When converted into urea, they put a lot of strain on the kidneys and wear them out.
What are its adverse effects?
Main side effects
Because it is already present in the body, collagen is generally well tolerated. Nevertheless, it is possible to experience side effects such as:
- troubles digestifs
- diarrhée
- constipation
- ballonnements
- acidité gastrique
In most cases, these symptoms are mild and disappear quickly. If not, reduce the doses and/or the frequency of intake.
Stop taking it and consult a doctor if the side effects do not subside.
Precautions for use
To avoid potential side effects, always follow the dosage recommended by the manufacturer. You can also start with small doses before gradually increasing based on how you feel.
Collagen supplementation should be taken for a maximum of 3 to 6 months.
