Can you have too much collagen? Excess collagen symptoms

Collagen is a good employee who takes care of your health and beauty. When there is too much of it, it turns into an authoritarian boss who brings chaos to the office. Excess collagen will leave your work alone, but it can mess with your body severely.

That's why, together with Ilona Krzak, M.Sc. in pharmacy, we outline how excess collagen affects your health, beauty and why it's worth paying attention.

See also:

• Most powerful collagen
• Collagen for wrinkles
• Collagen for skin
• Facial collagen
• Collagen for joints
• Hair collagen
• Collagen for acne
• Collagen for cellulite
• Collagen for stretch marks

Can you overdose on collagen?

Yes, but it is unlikely - virtually impossible. Collagen occurs naturally in the body. Even so, huge doses can lead to the symptoms and effects of a collagen overdose. Researchers have not yet established an upper limit for collagen supplementation, so follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Try out the best collagens!

Best overall

Natu.Care Premium collagen 10 000 mg, mango-maracuja

5.0

• Collagen content: 10,000 mg marine collagen hydrolysate
• Additional active ingredients: vitamin C, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (and L-theanine and coenzyme Q10 in cocoa flavoured collagen or vitamin A and vitamin E in mango–passion fruit flavoured collagen)
• Form: powder sachets
• Dose: 1 sachet per day
• Sufficient for: 30 days

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Product description

One of the strongest collagens on the market, whichós provides as much as 10,000 mg in a daily serving. This allows the formula to effectively support the condition of the skin, hair and nails. 

With this supplement, you will support your beauty, which will allow you to visually stop the ageing process and feel a second youth!

Natu.Care Collagen Premium 10 000 mg comes in two flavours – cherry and mango-maracuja. Both formulas have the same product backbone – collagen, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. 

In the cherry version you additionally find glucosamine, chondroitin and Indian frankincense resin extract. Mango-maracuja, on the other hand, contains vitamin E and vitamin A.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Tested collagen formula – SeaGarden, whose effects have been confirmed in clinical studies.
• Effective dose of hyaluronic acid, additionally moisturizing the skin and positively impacting joint health.
• Vitamin C supports the body’s natural collagen production.
• The composition has been tested by the independent and accredited J.S. Hamilton laboratory.
• The product has an MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) quality certification – the collagen source supports sustainable fishing practices.

Cons:

• None.

Additional information

Users praise Natu.Care Collagen Premium for the easy dissolvability of the powder.

User review

I noticed a significant improvement in my skin texture after a few weeks of taking collagen regularly. My complexion is now as soft as velvet!

Best for joints

Natu.Care Collagen Premium 10000 mg, cherry

5.0

• Collagen content: 10,000 mg of hydrolyzed bovine collagen
• Additional active ingredients: vitamin C, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, chondroitin, extract of Indian frankincense resin (boswellia serrata)
• Form: powder sachets for drinking
• Serving: 1 sachet per day
• Lasts for: 30 days

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Product description

One of the strongest collagens on the market, providing as much as 10,000 mg per daily serving. This product can effectively support the condition of joints, skin, hair, and nails.

With this supplement, you will support your skeletal and joint system as well as your beauty, helping you visually halt the aging process and feel rejuvenated!

Pros and cons

Pros:

• The daily portion of collagen is very large – as much as 10,000 mg.
• Proven collagen formula – COLLinstant, whose effectiveness has been confirmed in clinical studies.
• Effective dose of hyaluronic acid, which additionally moisturizes the skin and positively affects joint health.
• Vitamin C supports the body's natural collagen production.
• Glucosamine is a fundamental building block of compounds found in joint cartilage and a component of collagen that gives elasticity to connective tissue in tendons.
• Chondroitin is a natural component found in the human body, mainly in cartilage. This large molecule (mucopolysaccharide) has the ability to absorb water, which helps maintain the elasticity and resilience of cartilage.
• Frankincense resin extract supports blood circulation and joint mobility and reduces their stiffness. It may help alleviate inflammatory conditions.
• The composition has been tested by the independent and accredited J.S. Hamilton laboratory.

Cons:

• None.

Additional information

Users praise Natu.Care Collagen Premium for the easy dissolving of the powder.

Unflavored

Vital Proteins Marine Collagen

4.8

• Collagen content: 12 000 mg marine collagen hydrolysate
• Form: powder
• Dose: 3 tbsp per day
• Sufficient for: 18 days

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Product description

Vital Proteins Marine Collagen Peptides is a premium collagen supplement designed for those following pescatarian-friendly diets. This marine collagen powder contains 12g of high-quality collagen peptides per serving, known for supporting skin elasticity, joint health, and overall vitality. Odorless and unflavored, it blends seamlessly into your favorite drinks or recipes, making it easy to incorporate into daily routines.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Made from wild-caught white fish, ensuring a high standard of quality and environmental responsibility.
• Powder dissolves effortlessly in hot or cold beverages.
• Collagen peptides are hydrolyzed for quick absorption.
• Pescatarian-friendly with sustainably sourced ingredients
• Made without gluten / cholesterol / mercury / dairy.

Cons:

• Doesn't contain additional ingredients, e.g vitamin C.
• The packaging isn't sufficient for a whole month.

High dose

Orgain Collagen Peptides

4.8

• Collagen content: 20 000 mg bovine collagen hydrolysate
• Form: powder
• Dose: 2 scoops per day
• Sufficient for: 22 days

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Product description

With 20g of Type I and III collagen peptides per serving, this unflavored, odorless powder easily blends into any beverage or recipe, making it a versatile addition to your daily wellness routine. High dosage enables you to see effects faster.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• High collagen content per serving, hydrolyzed for easier absorption.
• Derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle, ensuring quality and ethical sourcing.
• Unflavored powder can be seamlessly incorporated into coffee, smoothies, soups, and more.
• Non-GMO and free from dairy, soy, gluten, sugar and artificial ingredients.

Cons:

• Doesn't contain additional ingredients, e.g vitamin C.
• The packaging isn't sufficient for a whole month.

With probiotics

Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein

4.8

• Collagen content: 10 000 mg collagen hydrolysate
• Additional active ingredients: vitamin C, SBO probiotics
• Form: powder
• Dose: 1 scoop per day
• Sufficient for: 60 days

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Product description

Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein offers a powerful blend of ten types of collagen from four whole-food sources: grass-fed bovine, free-range chicken, wild-caught fish, and eggshell membrane. Formulated with Types I, II, III, V, and X collagen, this powder supports the health of your skin, joints, nails, and gut.

The included SBO probiotics promote gut health, while Vitamin C aids collagen synthesis and boosts immune function, delivering a holistic approach to wellness in every scoop.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Contains 10 types of collagen to support skin, joint, gut, and nail health
• Enriched with clinically studied probiotics and Vitamin C for additional gut and immune benefits
• Versatile vanilla flavor, perfect for adding to smoothies, coffee, or other recipes.
• Paleo and keto-friendly, with no dairy or gluten

Cons:

• Each collagen source (bovine, fish, chicken) requires distinct quality controls. Consumers concerned about sourcing may want to research the origin and processing of each source for peace of mind.
• The producer doesn't specify the percentage composition of the various types of collagen in the product.

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What are the causes of excess collagen in the body?

Excess collagen in the body is very rare. Collagen overdose from supplements occurs incidentally during extremely irresponsible supplementation. Therefore, autoimmune diseases, genetic mutations, tissue damage or endocrine disorders are more likely to lead to excess.

• Autoimmune diseases. Several autoimmune diseases, such as systemic scleroderma, can lead to an excess of collagen in the body. They are caused by the body's own immune system attacking its cells, including the fibroblasts responsible for collagen productionand
• Genetic mutations. Genetic abnormalities or mutations can lead to abnormalities in the structure, or function, of collagen, as well as overproduction of collagen 
• Tissue damage. The wound healing process is linked to collagen production. If tissue is damaged, too much collagen may be produced. This will result, for example, in keratinisation of the skinand
• Unwise supplementation. Inappropriate use of dietary supplements containing collagen can lead to an excess of collagen in the body.
• Hormonal disorders. Inflammatory conditions or hormonal disorders can result in excessive collagen production. For example, increased cortisol (a stress hormone) can stimulate fibroblasts to increase collagen productionand

Symptoms of excess collagen in the body

Symptoms of excess collagen in the body include thickening and hardening of the skin, tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes, joint pain, gastrointestinal problems (heartburn, bloating, constipation) and muscle weakness. Symptoms of collagen overdose also include heart palpitations and chest painsand

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned or suspect you have excess collagen, consult your doctor. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent the serious consequences of a collagen overdose.

See also:

• What collagen to choose
• Best collagen
• Best absorbable collagen
• Drinkable collagen
• Collagen in sachets
• Effects of drinking collagen
• Liophilised collagen
• Powdered collagen
• Marine collagen

What can be the effects of excess collagen in the body?

The effects of excess collagen primarily include organ scarring, tissue fibrosis, stretch marks and problems with wound healing. In the long term, excess collagen can also lead, for example, to systemic scleroderma, an autoimmune disease manifested by, among other things, hardness of the skin.

• Tissue problems - too much collagen can lead to tissue thickening and fibrosis. This will result in interference with the proper functioning of organs such as the lungs, liver and kidneys.
• Organ scarring - the process by which healthy and elastic tissues are replaced by rigid scars made of collagen.
• Systemic scleroderma - an autoimmune disorder that leads to excessive collagen production in the skin and internal organs. Scleroderma can result in fibrosis and dysfunction of organs such as the lungs, kidneys and heart.
• Wound healing problems - excess collagen risks scarring, reduced skin elasticity and, ultimately, impaired wound healing.
• Stretch marks - the skin's ability to stretch is linked to collagen levels. Too much can contribute to the formation of stretch marks.

What is systemic scleroderma?

Systemic scleroderma (or scleroderma) is a rare autoimmune disease. It attacks connective tissue and manifests as hardening and tightness of the skin. It can also lead to problems with internal organs, blood vessels or the digestive tract. Scleroderma is caused by an excess of collagenand

The most common causes of scleroderma are genetics, problems with the immune system or exposure to viruses.

Symptoms of systemic sclerodermaand:

• hardening, tightness, itching and swelling of the skin,
• digestive problems,
• joint and muscle pain,
• pain.
• feelings of numbness in the fingers and toes,

How to treat systemic scleroderma?

Most often, treatment of systemic scleroderma is limited to symptom relief. The doctor then gives the patient agents to reduce the activity of the immune system or drugs to improve blood circulation. Other treatments include taking steroids to relieve joint and muscle painand

If, however, drug treatment does not work, surgery may be necessary. In most cases, the aim will be, for example, to remove specific lumps under the skin 

See also:

• Properties of collagen
• Natural collagen
• When to drink collagen
• Collagen contraindications
• How to supplement collagen
• Collagen type 1, type 2 and type 3
• Fluid collagen
• What destroys collagen in the body

How to treat excess collagen?

Treating excess collagen depends on the cause of it. Below are the most common treatments for this condition. Remember that consulting your doctor or dermatologist is key. It will help diagnose the problem and suggest the appropriate treatment.

How to treat excess collagen?

• Anti-inflammatory drugs. In some cases, doctors may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids to relieve the symptoms associated with excess collagen.
• Immunosuppressive medications. If the cause of excess collagen is autoimmune connective tissue disease, doctors may prescribe immunosuppressive medications to help relieve symptoms.
• Physiotherapeutic therapies. Physical therapy and manual therapies can help improve flexibility and reduce tissue hardening caused by excess collagen.
• Surgery. In some cases, when excess collagen causes significant deformity or reduced mobility, surgery may be necessary to remove the excess tissue.
• Healthy lifestyle. A diet based on nutritious foods such as fruit, vegetables, protein and fibre, combined with moderate exercise and avoidance of stress, can help maintain health and minimise symptoms associated with excess collagen.

How to check collagen concentration in the body?

Today, there is no clear and direct test to accurately assess the concentration of collagen in the body. In contrast, there are various methods available, performed in laboratories, which can provide some information on this subject. These include:

• Histopathological examination. These are performed on selected tissue taken from the patient, usually from the skin. The tissue is analysed under a microscope to assess the structure and amount of collagen fibres.
• Collagen peptide assay. Collagen fragments - collagen peptides - circulate in the body. Their concentration can be tested with specific assays, allowing an estimate of collagen concentration.
• Imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound can provide information on the structure of the connective tissue, which can indirectly highlight the amount of collagen.

If a collagen-related disorder is suspected, it is advisable to consult a specialist. Your doctor may order appropriate tests to assess the problem more accurately.

Collagen overdose and excess collagen - are they the same thing or not?

No, collagen overdose and collagen excess are two different terms that refer to different conditions. Collagen overdose is possible by taking too much collagen supplements. In this case, the dose consumed exceeds the recommended daily dosage. The result of an overdose is an excess of collagen in the body.

In contrast, excess collagen is a condition in the body that can be caused not only by an overdose, but also by other factors such as metabolic or genetic disorders or autoimmune diseases.

In short: an overdose of collagen leads to an excess of collagen. But an excess of collagen is not always caused by an overdose of collagen.

Summary