Can Collagen Supplements Lower Blood Pressure? Know Benefits, Risks, And Side Effects

Know whether collagen supplements can lower blood pressure. Learn the potential benefits, risks, and side effects for heart and overall health.

People often take collagen supplements to promote healthy skin, healthy hair and healthy joints. These supplements have become very popular among people. People take them regularly in the form of capsules, powders or drinks. But apart from its cosmetic and musculoskeletal benefits, it can also be beneficial for the heart. But does it affect the blood pressure level? In such a situation, let us know can collagen supplements affect blood pressure? Read below to know more.

How Might Collagen Affect Blood Pressure?

Collagen peptides can relax blood vessels and make them more flexible. This may help boost the production of substances such as nitric oxide or inhibit contraction-promoting enzymes (such as ACE inhibitors). Some evidence suggests that collagen supplements are "bad" LDL cholesterol. You can also improve your cholesterol profile by slightly lowering it, which may help improve vascular health and improve its function.

Who Can Benefit Most From Collagen Supplements?

Not everyone will benefit from taking collagen supplements. But some trials have shown the most benefit in individuals with mild hypertension or marginal hypertension who were given collagen peptides at doses of 2.9 grams to 15 grams per day for 6-12 weeks. People with normal blood pressure had a weaker response or none at all.

Keep in mind, take collagen supplements only on the advice of a doctor or in consultation with a doctor. Especially if you have blood pressure or kidney problems.

Side Effects of Collagen Supplements

Digestive Discomfort

Digestive upset is one of the most usual adverse impacts of the collagen supplements. Collagen can cause some individuals to bloat, suffer heartburn, diarrhea or constipate, particularly when used in large amounts. Collagen is a protein and there can be a delay period before the body can adapt to digesting and processing collagen which can cause temporary stomach or intestinal discomfort.

Allergic Reactions

The bovine ( cow ), chicken, shellfish or fish are typically the animal sources of collagen. When an individual is allergic to one or more of them, one may have mild or severe reactions to ingredient ingestion of collagen supplements. Symptoms can bear as rash, itchiness, swelling or worst, one experiences difficulty in breathing. To prevent undesired reactions, it is worthwhile to check the origin of collagen on the label of the product.

Unpleasant Taste and Aftertaste

Certain collagen powders, pills or soda emit a bitter taste, which most consumers dislike. Namely, marine collagen can give a fishy sensation in the mouth or make teeth smell bad. Although this side effect is not dangerous, it may dishearten individuals to use collagen on a daily basis. Collagen should be added to flavored drinks or smoothies so that the flavor can be concealed.

High Calcium Levels (Marine Collagen Risk)

High amounts of calcium are sometimes contained in marine collagen supplements and they cause a condition known as hypercalcemia when consumed in excess. The excessive amount of calcium in the body causes symptoms: nausea, feeling of fatigue, constipation, and irregular pulse. This is a rare side effect but it points to the importance of selecting quality supplements and not over dosing on these supplements.

Kidney Strain from Excessive Protein

Collagen is a protein, and excessive intake of collagen could place an added burden on the kidney, especially among individuals with a known kidney/liver issues. In the long-term, that may lead up to kidney stones or low kidney functioning. That is why individuals suffering kidney conditions are advised to discuss before taking collagen supplements in their diets with their physician.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

1. Collagen supplements may improve heart and vascular health.
2. Studies show a slight reduction in blood pressure (about 5 mmHg).
3. Most beneficial for people with mild or marginal hypertension.
4. Possible side effects include digestive issues, allergies, and kidney strain.

Collagen supplements may modestly lower blood pressure in some people, particularly those with marginal blood pressure. The anti-hypertensive effect is low (about 5 mmHg) and should be considered as a supplement to a healthy lifestyle rather than the main treatment. Always consult a doctor before taking any supplements and do not stop any blood pressure medication without consulting a doctor. It helps keep the heart healthy, but may slightly lower blood pressure.