Collagen is a kind of protein that is found in the connective tissues of your body.
including the skin, bones, joints, ligaments, and joints.
It’s also present in many protein-rich foods like fish, meat, and poultry.
In addition, it’s readily accessible in supplement form and frequently used to enhance skin elasticity, ease joint pain, and guard against loss of bone.
But many aren’t sure if collagen could affect their kidney health or increase the chances of getting kidney stones.
This article reviews research evidence that can help determine if collagen supplements result in kidney stones.
Kidney stones are the cause of this.
Kidney stones are a kind of mineral deposit that develops in the kidneys. They can cause symptoms such as nausea, pain, and vomiting.
While various kidney stones are present, calcium oxalate kidney stones are the most well-known.
A wide variety of plants contain oxalate, including nuts, fruits, vegetables, and cereals.
If you consume oxalate-rich food, they contain oxalate that bonds to calcium within the digestive tract. You eliminate it through your urine or stool.
However, high amounts of oxalate circulating through your kidneys can cause kidney stones.
Inadequate intake of calcium or fluids can also play a role in forming kidney stones by increasing oxalate absorption.
Collagen contains hydroxyproline
Like all animal proteins, collagen has an amino acid known as hydroxyproline.
Hydroxyproline can be converted into oxalate within the body, increasing the amount of oxalate excretion in the urine.
In a previous study, we ate 30g of gelatin made from collagen increased urinary excretion of oxalate by 43% over 24 hours, compared to the untreated study.
Some animal studies have also demonstrated that eating high levels of hydroxyproline can increase oxalate levels in urine and, consequently, affect the kidneys.
Additional animal and test-tube studies indicate that those with primary hyperoxaluria may amplify these effects. This inherited condition alters the metabolism of oxalate and raises the likelihood of the recurrence of kidney stones.
But, remember that the vast majority of these studies utilized high amounts of hydroxyproline.
So, it’s unknown how collagen present in food or supplements could influence urinary oxalate excretion or kidney stone development when consumed in normal quantities.
Do you need to avoid collagen?
The general rule is that collagen supplementations are not recommended for people with a high likelihood of developing kidney stones. But, the consumption of collagen in moderation as a part of a balanced diet isn’t likely to be a cause of kidney stones in most people.
Studies have shown that limiting the intake of oxalates is not necessarily necessary to avoid kidney stones.
The majority of research suggests that increasing calcium intake could be the most effective method to lower oxalate absorption and help prevent the development of stone kidneys.
Ideally, aim to consume between 1,000 and 1,200 mg calcium daily to lower the likelihood of creating kidney stones.
Ensure that you drink sufficient fluids every day could decrease the chance of developing kidney stones.
The advice might differ if you suffer from primary hypercalciuria or any condition that may predispose you to kidney stones.
Be sure to consult with your physician before taking a collagen supplement or making any dietary changes.
It’s the bottom line.
Protein found in a variety of food items and supplements.
It’s made up of hydroxyproline; an amino acid converted to the oxalate within your body. This can boost urinary excretion of oxalate.
For those at risk of having kidney stones develop, it could be better to stay away from high quantities of collagen in supplements or foods.
For most adults, taking in small quantities of collagen as part of a balanced diet is not likely to cause kidney stones.
