Is Taking Collagen Safe for Your Kidneys?

  • 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.