What are Collagen Supplements?
Collagen is a protein. It is a very abundant protein in the human body. Collagen is one of the primary building blocks of your skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. This protein is also present in your organs, blood vessels and intestinal lining.
Certain foods are rich in collagen such as animal skin and ligaments. It can also be taken as a supplement. Collagen supplements often contain collagen from many different sources, such as fish, cattle, or poultry. Typically, these supplements contain peptides, short chains of amino acids that make up essential proteins in the body.
Side Effects of Collagen Supplements on Kidneys:
Collagen supplements generally have few reported side effects. Consuming collagen in moderation is unlikely to cause kidney stones for most individuals.
It contains hydroxyproline, an amino acid that converts into oxalate in your body. Oxalate binds to the calcium present in your intestines and is expelled through your stool or urine. When large amounts of oxalate pass through to your kidneys it can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
This is why collagen supplements sometimes cause kidney stones. People who already have kidney-related issues, may want to consider eating less protein, including collagen. Those who do not have any such issues related to their kidneys need not hesitate before taking collagen.
In general, collagen supplements are not recommended for those people who have a high risk of developing kidney stones. However, consuming collagen in moderation as a part of a healthy diet will not cause kidney stones for most people.
Benefits of Collagen Supplements:
Research has shown many benefits that taking collagen supplements may offer people:
Skin benefits:
Collagen supplements are popularly used to support skin health. Collagen supplements have been shown to improve certain aspects of skin health in some cases.
Benefits for bone health:
Post menopausal women who take collagen supplements long-term may develop an increase in bone mineral density.
These are some of the many benefits of collagen supplements. While collagen supplements in excessive amounts can cause kidney problems (in those who are already susceptible to such issues), as long as you take them in the recommended amounts according to your doctor, you have no reason to fear.
If you want to take collagen supplements that will not cause any side effects for your kidney health, come to the Kidney Stone Clinic. It is the best kidney stone clinic in Chennai.