Collagen is a substance that offers many health benefits, such as rejuvenating the skin and improving muscle function. However, not everyone is suitable for collagen use, and there are certain diseases that should avoid taking collagen to prevent unwanted effects.
What is Collagen?
Collagen, also known as “collagen fibers,” is a crucial structural protein that forms a significant part of the human and animal body’s structure. It accounts for about 30% of the total protein content in the human body and plays a vital role in maintaining and strengthening bones, skin, blood vessels, hair, nails, and various other body parts.
Collagen primarily constitutes a significant portion of the skin, making it soft, elastic, and contributing to its structural integrity. As age progresses, the body’s collagen production decreases, leading to signs of aging like wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, and other structural skin-related issues.
Collagen is an active ingredient that helps maintain skin structure
The Role of Collagen
Collagen plays a diverse and crucial role in the body. Here are some vital roles of collagen:
1. Supporting skin structure: Collagen is a major skin component, maintaining its elasticity, glow, and smoothness, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and cracks.
2. Joint protection: It forms part of bone, cartilage, and connective tissue structures within joints, maintaining their flexibility, strength, and preventing erosion and inflammation.
3. Bone structure creation: Collagen, along with other minerals, contributes to robust bone structure, making bones flexible and capable of withstanding pressure.
4. Protection of internal organs: It surrounds internal organs like the liver, lungs, and heart, shielding them from damage and keeping them in position.
5. Muscle fiber formation: Collagen is crucial for muscle function, providing strength and elasticity and participating in muscle contraction and relaxation processes.
6. Formation of blood vessels’ structure: Collagen is a primary component of arteries and blood vessels, maintaining their strength and flexibility.
7. Support for hair and nails: Collagen provides nourishment for hair and nails, keeping them healthy and vibrant.
Collagen supports thick and strong hair
8. Eye protection: Collagen in the macula of the eye maintains its structure and transparency.
Diseases That Should Avoid Taking Collagen
Some diseases that should avoid taking collagen below:
1. Individuals with gastric ulcers – diseases that should avoid taking collagen
Some collagen types have a strong smell due to their extraction from fish. This unpleasant odor may not suit individuals with gastric ulcers, potentially causing nausea and discomfort due to gastric tightening.
Moreover, collagen contains vitamin C, an acidic component that may increase gastric acidity, exacerbating ulcer conditions. Hence, during ulcer treatment, collagen consumption is not recommended.
However, if ulcer conditions are under control and stabilized, collagen use might be considered. Nonetheless, if there are signs of disease recurrence while using collagen, it should be immediately discontinued to avoid adverse effects on the stomach.
2. Individuals with chronic kidney disease – diseases that should avoid taking collagen
Avoid collagen intake if you have chronic kidney disease. Collagen might exert high endocrine pressure and increase filtration capacity, potentially affecting kidney structures and worsening conditions. Therefore, individuals with kidney issues need careful consideration before using this product.
However, many individuals misunderstand that collagen usage might harm kidney function, which is entirely incorrect. If you have good health and no kidney problems, collagen use is generally safe.
3. Individuals on specialized medication – diseases that should avoid taking collagen
The combination of collagen with specialized medication may lead to side effects. This compound might affect the therapy’s effectiveness, causing fatigue and lethargy. Hence, when using specific medication, additional collagen supplementation is not advised.
People with chronic illnesses using related medications such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or cancer need particular attention to this aspect. However, if collagen supplementation is necessary, consulting a physician is essential.
4. Pregnant or breastfeeding women – diseases that should avoid taking collagen
Pregnancy is a sensitive phase when a mother’s body is susceptible to minor changes. Though there’s no conclusive evidence regarding collagen’s impact during pregnancy, consulting a physician before adding collagen to the diet is advisable to ensure safety for both mother and fetus.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use collagen
For breastfeeding mothers, many experts believe that collagen intake does not impact breast milk quality. Nevertheless, to guarantee safety and avoid potential negative effects on the baby, mothers should follow the doctor’s guidance.
It’s undeniable that collagen brings significant benefits to the body, especially in beauty enhancement and anti-aging, particularly for women. However, not everyone is suitable for collagen use, and certain medical conditions might lead to severe complications. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions that should avoid collagen intake, careful consideration and consultation with a specialized doctor are necessary before deciding to use it.
Kiểm Duyệt Nội Dung
More than 10 years of marketing communications experience in the medical and health field.
Successfully deployed marketing communication activities, content development and social networking channels for hospital partners, clinics, doctors and medical professionals across the country.
More than 6 years of experience in organizing and producing leading prestigious medical programs in Vietnam, in collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV). Typical programs include Nhật Ký Blouse Trắng, Bác Sĩ Nói Gì, Alo Bác Sĩ Nghe, Nhật Ký Hạnh Phúc, Vui Khỏe Cùng Con, Bác Sỹ Mẹ, v.v.
Comprehensive cooperation with hundreds of hospitals and clinics, thousands of doctors and medical experts to join hands in building a medical content and service platform on the Doctor Network application.
