Therefore, collagen products in powder form, oral tablets or drinking water are increasingly popular, especially in middle-aged women.
However, experts warn that collagen is not suitable for everyone, and there are at least two groups of subjects who should be cautious when supplementing regularly.
People with kidney disease or at risk of kidney failure
Collagen is actually a form of protein. When entering the body, collagen is dissolved into amino acids and metabolized through the liver and kidneys. For people with reduced kidney function, prolonged protein intake can increase the burden of filtration.
Dr. Delia Robert, a clinical nutritionist in the UK, said: "Protein supplementation, including collagen, needs to be strictly controlled in chronic kidney patients, as it can accelerate kidney failure if used in the wrong dose.
Clinical reality records many cases of increased kidney enzymes after a long period of using high doses of collagen without medical prescription.
People with a history of calcium metabolism disorders or kidney stones
Some types of collagen, especially collagen from bones or seafood, can increase the absorption of calcium and oxalate. For people who have had kidney stones or mineral metabolism disorders, regular collagen supplementation can increase the risk of recurrence of stones.
Dr. Andrew Weil, an integrated medicine expert in the US, once advised: "Collagen should not be considered harmless supplements. For people with a body that is prone to kidney stones, prolonged use needs medical monitoring.
Experts emphasize that collagen only truly benefits when supplemented for the right subject, in the right dose and in the right time. For healthy people, instead of completely relying on functional foods, maintaining a diet rich in quality protein, vitamin C and a healthy lifestyle is still the most sustainable way to support the body to self-synthesize collagen.
