Table of contents:
- Should you take collagen supplements?
- Get to know the different types of collagen supplements
- Side effects of taking collagen supplements
- 1. High calcium level
- 2. Hypersensitivity reactions
- 3. Bad breath
Are you interested in taking collagen supplements? Collagen is a type of naturally occurring protein that is produced in your body. The parts of the body that store the most of this particular protein are the muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, tendons and the digestive system. The function of collagen for the body is to maintain skin elasticity and strength, replace dead skin cells, and prevent bone loss.
However, as you get older, the body's ability to produce collagen decreases. This is what makes the skin of the elderly (elderly) more wrinkled and dry. Then how do you increase collagen in the body? Is it okay to take collagen supplements?
Should you take collagen supplements?
Collagen is a protein source that is not easily found from food sources. You need to consume certain types of nutrients to trigger collagen production in the body. The nutrients needed to produce collagen in the body include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and protein. You can get various types of vitamins and protein from fresh foods such as vegetables, fruit, lean meats, and nuts.
If the natural collagen intake for your body is still lacking, you can meet it from collagen supplements. Currently, there are many collagen supplements circulating to help nourish your body.
Collagen supplements can and are good for consumption, provided that you must first consult with your doctor and nutritionist. This is to determine whether you really need additional collagen from supplements or not. When choosing a collagen supplement, the collagen content must be in accordance with the dosage your body needs.
Get to know the different types of collagen supplements
Various collagen supplements are available in the market in various preparations. Oral collagen supplements are available in general pill form to help relieve osteoarthritis symptoms.
Ointments or creams containing collagen are also available. Collagen injections are also an additional form of collagen supplements. In addition, collagen injections are generally used to help reduce wrinkles, but their use should not be arbitrary, it must be with a medical professional.
Side effects of taking collagen supplements
As with medicines, collagen supplements also have some side effects that you need to be aware of. This is what makes you need to consult with a doctor or nutritionist before you take collagen supplements. Here are some of the side effects of collagen supplements.
1. High calcium level
High calcium levels or hypercalcemia may occur due to side effects of collagen supplements. Collagen tablets that come from marine sources, such as shark cartilage, contain high amounts of calcium, which can significantly increase the calcium levels of people taking this supplement.
Normal calcium levels in the body range from 8.5 to 10.2 mg / dl, if higher than 10.2 mg / dl is considered hypercalcemia. Too much calcium in the body causes constipation, bone pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abnormal heart rhythms.
2. Hypersensitivity reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions can occur as a side effect of using collagen supplements. Reporting from National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Hypersensitivity reactions occur as an abnormal response of the immune system to allergens such as food, drugs, and supplements.
Collagen supplements derived from shellfish and other marine sources can cause allergic reactions. Other collagen supplements derived from eggs and their derivatives can also cause food sensitivity.
3. Bad breath
Collagen supplements made from marine sources usually leave a bad taste and smell in the mouths of people who consume them. Drinking fruit juices along with collagen supplements can reduce bad breath.
