Excess Collagen – Symptoms, Causes, and Effects
Collagen is one of the most common structural proteins found in the human body. It's present in bones, muscles, tendons, skin, and blood vessels. Unfortunately, after the age of 25, the level of collagen in the body decreases, and fibroblasts begin to produce less of it. As a result, many people choose to take dietary supplements containing collagen derived from animal tissues.
Although this protein is essential for healthy skin, bones, and joints, its excess can be associated with serious health problems. Is it possible to overdose on collagen? What are the most common symptoms of excess collagen in the body? Learn what consequences may arise from too much of this component in the diet.
Table of contents
What is excess collagen?
Collagen is the main protein of connective tissue, and its primary function is to connect cells. Therefore, it's an important building block of many internal organs, including the skin, cartilage, bones, teeth, blood vessels, and the cornea of the eye. Collagen facilitates better nutrient absorption, increases bone density, and also supports tissue regeneration processes.
In addition, the function of collagen is to maintain proper skin hydration, which translates into better skin elasticity and reduced visibility of wrinkles. For this reason, this protein is a common ingredient in collagen preparations used in cosmetology and aesthetic medicine.
As time passes, the ability of fibroblasts to produce collagen gradually diminishes. From the age of 25, the level of this protein in the body decreases, and after the age of 50, its production slows down dramatically. Insufficient collagen in the body can result in:
- mobility problems
- joint and spine pain
- excessive bone brittleness
- increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis
- poor skin condition
- premature appearance of wrinkles
- hair loss
Additionally, increased destruction of collagen fibers and disorders in their synthesis can be caused by increased physical activity and certain external factors such as intense sun radiation, extreme temperatures, smoking, chronic stress, and vitamin deficiencies. This leads many people to decide to supplement collagen by adding preparations containing hydrolyzed collagen peptides in the form of tablets, capsules, or powder to their diet.
Insufficient collagen in the body can lead to serious consequences for its functioning. However, as it turns out, excess collagen in the body can also cause various health problems and ailments. A condition in which the synthesis of this compound is disturbed due to an accumulation of too much of it in the tissues can result in, among other things, muscle weakness, joint pain, and a feeling of chronic fatigue.
Best marine collagen powder
Can you overdose on collagen?
Natural sources of collagen are animal products such as offals, meat jelly, dishes based on gelatin, as well as bone broths made by long cooking of bones and cartilage. Fish, especially their skin and scales, also provide significant amounts of this protein. Fish collagen is valued for its high bioavailability and good absorption, making it very popular among those who care about joint and skin health.
Unfortunately, the daily diet does not provide an adequate amount of collagen, making it difficult to counteract the effects of its deficiency by changing nutrition alone. Faster and better results in replenishing collagen levels can be achieved by using collagen supplements. The peptides contained in them are easily absorbed and assimilated by the body.
When deciding to supplement collagen, it's important to remember that only regular intake of preparations with this protein can contribute to strengthening joints, delaying aging processes, and improving skin appearance. It's also necessary to be aware that it's possible to overdose on collagen.
Too much collagen in the body can be associated with various disturbing symptoms from the digestive, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems. Therefore, it's crucial to use collagen supplements wisely, not exceed the recommended daily intake, and not take larger portions than those recommended by the manufacturer. It's best to supplement this protein after consulting a doctor or dietitian.
Causes of excess collagen
Although collagen overdose is quite rare, prolonged intake of this compound in excessive amounts can lead to various health problems. Undesirable side effects most often appear in people who take more than 4–5 g of collagen per day. Inadequate supplementation and neglecting the manufacturer's recommendations can lead to an excessive accumulation of structural protein in the tissues.
Sometimes, excess collagen in the body is caused by external factors. These include:
- Autoimmune diseases – Some autoimmune diseases are associated with excessive collagen synthesis in the body; one such disease is systemic sclerosis, a condition characterized by chronic fibrosis of the skin and internal organs (collagen fibers begin to occupy larger parts of organs).
- Genetic mutations – Increased collagen production can also be caused by genetic factors, which may lead to collagen deficiency or disorders in the structure of collagen protein.
- Metabolic disorders – Another cause of excessive collagen production is disorders related to metabolism. This occurs when the body is unable to properly break down and utilize the collagen protein provided to it.
- Tissue damage – If tissue damage occurs, too much collagen may accumulate in them. In this case, the symptom of excess collagen is often skin keratinization.
- Hormonal disorders – Another cause of excess collagen is hormonal imbalances. For example, long-term elevated cortisol levels (the stress hormone) may stimulate fibroblasts to produce more collagen.
Excess collagen - symptoms
In the human body, the symptoms of excess collagen may manifest in various ways. Above all, one consequence of collagen overdose may be a decrease in skin elasticity, increased hair loss, and greater nail brittleness.
These are not the only symptoms that may occur in connection with excess collagen in the body. The accumulation of collagen can also lead to joint pain, digestive disturbances, impaired blood flow, and breathing problems. Here are the most common symptoms that may result from collagen overdose:
Muscle and joint pain
A lack of collagen leads to a decrease in the production of synovial fluid, the development of inflammation in the cartilage, and worsening mobility issues. For this reason, many people decide to supplement collagen in the form of tablets, capsules, or liquids. However, excessive collagen consumption can have the opposite effect.
A side effect of too much of this ingredient in the diet can be the disruption of the natural functioning of the joints, manifested by stiffness and limited movement. When there is too much collagen in the body, the joints become more susceptible to swelling, inflammation, and injuries, which is particularly troublesome for athletes and physically active individuals.
Digestive system issues
Another consequence of collagen overdose in the body may be a disturbance in the functioning of the digestive system. Symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation may appear. In the case of excess collagen, there may also be irregularities in bowel movements. Additionally, individuals consuming too much collagen protein are more prone to gastroesophageal reflux.
Impaired blood flow
Another symptom of excess collagen in the body involves issues with the cardiovascular system. Excessive collagen in the body may lead to excessive tension in the walls of blood vessels, which promotes the development of high blood pressure. Furthermore, excessive collagen production may reduce the elasticity of venous vessels, making proper blood flow difficult and increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. These symptoms are particularly dangerous for patients with existing cardiovascular diseases.
Breathing problems
When considering whether excess collagen harms health, it's also worth noting complications related to improper functioning of the respiratory system. Accumulation of too much protein in the body’s cells can contribute to decreased lung capacity and diaphragm dysfunction. Therefore, people who consume too much beef or fish collagen may experience shortness of breath, especially during physical exertion.
Excess calcium
A less common symptom of excess collagen in the body is hypercalcemia. This is a condition where the level of calcium in the blood exceeds 11 mg/dl. Significant hypercalcemia can lead to many troublesome ailments such as decreased muscle strength, excessive drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, rapid heart rate, and arrhythmias.
Consequences of excess collagen in the body
The symptoms of excess collagen in the body are often non-specific. Ailments such as joint pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or general weakness can be mistaken for various diseases, including respiratory infections. However, if troubling symptoms persist for an extended period, it's crucial to see a doctor and stop consuming collagen or taking it in any other form.
Prolonged high levels of collagen in the body can be dangerous for health and cause:
- issues with proper wound healing
- formation of collagen scars on organs
- impaired functioning of vital organs (liver, kidneys, lungs)
- formation of calcifications in blood vessels
- hardening and stiffening of cartilage
Therefore, when deciding to supplement collagen, it's important to do so wisely and not exceed the recommended daily intake provided by the manufacturer. While excess collagen is not a frequent occurrence, it's essential to be aware that too much of this protein in the body can negatively impact health.
Excess collagen in the body - what to do?
Dietary supplements containing hydrolyzed marine or bovine collagen are considered completely safe products. However, manufacturers caution against self-increasing their doses. A small percentage of individuals may experience side effects such as gastrointestinal dysfunction, a sour taste in the mouth, or allergic reactions.
To avoid the consequences of excess collagen in the body, it's essential to remember that the recommended amount of this compound is from 2 to 12 g per day. To support the metabolism of collagen protein, one can also use multi-ingredient preparations containing collagen, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. These substances regulate the synthesis of structural protein, which means that without their proper amount in the body, collagen cannot be correctly produced.
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