Can You Take Too Much Collagen? How Much To Take Per Day 2023?

Collagen is among your body’s keystone and most essential proteins. Collagen is a plentiful protein, with 28 different kinds known to date. The most prevalent kinds in the body are types I, II, III, IV, and V. Each with its designated functions.

Collagen makes up 30% of the dry mass of the body and is made of amino acid chains that play a vital part in the anatomical components and connective tissues of the systems named below.

• Skin
• Tendons
• Muscles
• Ligaments
• Blood vessels
• The digestive system
• Parts of your eyes and teeth

That isn’t all, though. Collagen also aids in the formation of blood clots. This helps a wound heal faster while also protecting the neurological system.

This amino acid chain^[1] is obtained from animals’ abundant protein foods such as beef, eggs, dairy, fish, poultry, and bone broth, to name a few. These foods either include collagen that the body absorbs or aid in natural collagen production.

As a result, taking collagen supplements isn’t always necessary because the body can generate them independently. However, this is only achievable if you follow a nutritious diet and live a healthy lifestyle.

Nevertheless, some people still take a collagen supplement which happens to be a non-toxic daily supplement. Which brings us to our question: can you take too much collagen?

Let’s uncover that together, shall we!

What Happens When You Take Too Much Collagen Per Day?

The effects of taking an excess of collagen have both short-term and long-term repercussions.

Immediately you exceed the recommended dose; you may start experiencing digestive issues like bloating, heartburn, and stomach upset.

One long-term repercussion is external as it will show on your skin. Your skin can stretch, thicken, and stiffen if you have too much collagen in your system. These are similar effects to an autoimmune disease called scleroderma^[3] that triggers the body to produce excess collagen.

Internally, vital organs such as the lungs, heart, and kidneys can potentially be harmed due to this excess. This may be due to oxidative stress.

What Should You Do If You Take Too Much Collagen?

It would be best if you stopped taking them immediately.

And suppose you are having an allergic reaction or adverse side effect, contact a medical practitioner immediately. If they are mild, refrain from using the collagen supplement and contact a healthcare provider. The healthcare provider will figure out why the reaction was terrible and help you regain your health.

To avoid all of this, simply stick to the recommended doses. Even if you do not see the results as fast, taking too much won’t speed it up, making you feel worse. So please take what you have been advised.

Types of Collagen and the Recommended Dosages

These types are the typical kinds used in most collagen supplements:

Hydrolyzed Collagen

Marine Collagen from seafood, pigs, cattle (bovine), chicken is the primary source of hydrolyzed collagen^[4] peptides. Because the body quickly assimilates it, this is usually the predominant type of collagen used in many supplements.

Hydrolyzed collagen or collagen hydrolysate is supplied in pill or as collagen powder.

Here are some of the scientific evidence of the dosage of hydrolyzed collagen and what each achieves:

• A 2019^[5] study found that consuming approximately 2.5-15 grams of collagen per day for bone, skin, and hair health may be beneficial.
• A 2.5-gram collagen daily dose could help with joint discomfort^[6] and skin hydration^[7].
• Increasing this daily dose of collagen to five grams can be an extra boost to bone mass^[8] composition and avoid bone loss^[9].
• These hydrolyzed collagen peptides have generally been employed in larger daily doses of 15 grams to enhance body composition^[10] and muscle mass.

Undenatured Collagen

This is obtained from poultry cartilage. According to research, ingesting 10-40 mg of undenatured type II collagen per day can enhance joint health^[11] dramatically.

Gelatin

Gelatin is a collagen type generated from animal foods and is mostly utilized to prepare gelatinous sweets. As a result, gelatin isn’t widely available as a supplement component.

It may be used to raise collagen protein levels in soups, sauces, smoothies, and other dishes.

The right amount of gelatin to take varies on several factors, including the user’s age, health, and other circumstances. However, there is a scarcity of data to back up a particular recommended amount of gelatin to take.

As a result, check the portion size mentioned on the container before using it as a supplement. Before using, be sure to check the package insert and check with your healthcare expert.

The General Recommended Dose of Collagen Supplements

There is an advised daily amount on the box of most collagen supplements. Consuming 1–2 scoops or tablespoons of the powdered collagen supplement daily is common. Although taking one or two pills or gummies is also common.

Depending on the product, these servings might vary significantly in collagen content, so verify the nutritional info labeling for exact dosage information.

You also have to note the kind of collagen included in that product so that you can keep the collagen intake within the recommended doses.

Health Benefits of Collagen

If you start taking collagen-rich foods and supplements in the recommended dosages, expect the following collagen benefits:

• Better skin elasticity.
• Enhances hair and nail health.
• Bone loss recovery and prevention.
• Better and faster wound healing.
• Bone cartilage recovery helps with joint aches.
• Better protection of your cardiovascular system.
• Better muscle mass health.
• Anti-aging of the skin and bones.
• Enhanced bone density in postmenopausal women^[12].

With these so many benefits, it is no surprise that people would opt to add collagen levels to the body. Indeed some health conditions like menopause in women and perhaps Sacorpenia in older adults may warrant its supplementation.

Sarcopenia is a symptom of collagen loss in the body, manifesting as muscle and bone density loss. Taking collagen supplements after turning 30 and beyond can help slow down the reduction in collagen degradation, yield, and distribution in your body.

The issue of how much collagen to take for these conditions is dependent on; the stage of a disease, the person’s collagen needs, etc. All things that a physician will offer you insight.

Ways to Add Collagen To Your Diet

The first and best way to add collagen levels to your body is by adding collagen-rich foods to your diet. Admittedly, these foods are not entirely collagen; they also contain other minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients that will benefit the body.

Eventually leading to an overall improvement of other body systems like cardiovascular, reproductive, neurological, and gut health.

Suppose you decide to use collagen supplements; you will find them in various forms. You may use them as pills, gummies, liquid, powder, or a capsule. The pills, capsules, and gummies are swallowed as they are, with or without water. The liquid or collagen powder is diluted or mixed with foods or hot or cold liquids of your choice like coffee, tea, or a smoothie.

Collagen products may also be baked in desserts if you so wish. The taste of collagen supplements varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some might use flavors, while others might leave it with its natural taste. All in all, be keen to observe the dosages regardless of taste.

Potential Side Effects

Collagen peptides, when administered orally, are generally safe; however, here are some of the side effects that they could cause to your body:

• An unpleasant flavor
• A feeling of feeling excessively stuffed.
• Other stomach problems.
• Allergic reactions.
• Heartburn.
• Oxidative stress^[13]—due to the overstimulation of collagen production in the body. This type of stress may damage tissues since the free radicles produced might overwhelm the body’s natural defenses.

Another concern you need to note is that some brands have been issued recalls by the FDA^[14] for making false claims. These are mostly collagen supplements that promise cosmetic benefits without enough evidence. 

So it would be best if you were careful with the brands you get. Always ensure that they have certifications.

Final Thought

Our bodies require nourishment, which we may quickly obtain from a well-balanced diet. The body develops defensive compounds due to healthy food plans, ensuring that everything runs properly. Some nutrients supply quality fats to the body, while others provide vitamins, minerals, and proteins that aid in creating blood cells, immune cells, and so on.

Collagen formation is one of the mechanisms that support the health of various body systems, including the skin, hair, cardiovascular system, and neurological system, to mention a few.

However, certain circumstances may necessitate supplementation, such as sickness or advanced age. Collagen supplements are therefore widely available for these reasons. However, you shouldn’t buy the first collagen product you see; you’ll need a thorough evaluation from a professional healthcare provider.

They can help you figure out how much collagen to take each day and how and when to utilize it. Even if you’re using it for dermatological reasons, read the package labels to ensure you’re getting the proper dosage. Even so, make sure that habits like wearing sunscreen to protect your skin from sun exposure damage are part of your routine.

It is undeniably true that prevention is preferable to treatment!

Finally, there is a risk of taking too much collagen, which can cause intestinal issues. There is also the potential to trigger oxidative stress, which is harmful. To be on the safe side and gain health benefits, please visit your doctor and utilize the appropriate dose of collagen daily.

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