Can you take too much collagen?

Collagen is a wonder protein that, as we get older, we have to top up ourselves. Our bodies produce less collagen naturally from approximately 25 years of age. By the time we hit 40 fabulous years on this planet, we begin to lose around 1% of collagen annually. Additionally, smoking, sun exposure and drinking alcohol can also cause our levels to drop.

Some of the benefits of collagen are nervous system protection, encouraging healthy hair and nails, providing anti-ageing support, assisting with wound healing, helping with blood clotting, and more. Hence, it’s essential to keep our collagen at a healthy level.

How much collagen should you take per day?

There are no official guidelines regarding how much collagen you should take each day; even experts disagree on the exact answer. However, the Harvard Medical School suggests that the average person, that is, someone who is not considered to be an athlete or heavily involved in bodybuilding, should not exceed 2 gm of collagen/kg. So, for someone who weighs 140 lbs, you shouldn’t take more than 125gm of collagen per day.

With that guideline in mind, if you prefer to consume your collagen supplement as one of our shots, we recommend one scoop or heaped tablespoon a day. Or, if you opt for our capsules, you should take no more than four every day. Both of these supplements should be taken with water or your beverage of choice.

 Can you have too much collagen?

While medical professionals haven’t stated that you can overdose on collagen, that doesn’t categorically mean that taking too much will be harmless. Research is still ongoing, and guidelines can change depending on the outcome of future studies.

What are the side effects of too much collagen?

Collagen supplements are considered nontoxic and safe to consume; however, some people have reported feeling overly full, experiencing heartburn symptoms and a lingering bad taste in their mouths after ingestion. Suffice it to say that if you experience the same and take more than you should, these symptoms will likely increase.

If you’re unsure about taking collagen supplements and how much you should take, we recommend speaking with your doctor and adhering to their advice.