Can Collagen Cause Heart Problems? How To Supplement Safely

There are so many reasons to supplement with collagen, but you might have heard a rumor that it’s bad for your heart. Can collagen cause heart problems? After all, the last thing you want is to have a supplement that causes more problems than it solves! 

The short answer is that collagen side effects on heart health are rare, and following the instructions on your collagen supplement should not cause heart problems. There are a few exceptions to this, so let’s take a closer look at collagen’s effects on heart health and whether it might be a good addition to your supplement shelf.

What is collagen?

Can collagen cause heart problems? Well, what is collagen? Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. Your body uses collagen to provide structural support. It acts as a sort of scaffolding, so your body can build other cells on top of it to create different kinds of tissues.

This means your heart already has collagen proteins in it! Your other organs, skin, muscles, and bones, do, too. Your body synthesizes collagen using amino acids in the foods you eat – specifically, foods rich in protein, to build and repair tissue all throughout the body.

Naturally-produced collagen does not cause heart problems or any other kinds of side effects. So when people are concerned about collagen and heart palpitations, it’s usually collagen peptide supplementation they’re concerned about. 

What are collagen peptides?

Collagen peptides are shortened chains of collagen proteins. Basically, it’s collagen that has been broken down so it’s easier to digest. Collagen peptides are what you’ll find in any collagen supplement, and they’re sometimes referred to as “hydrolyzed collagen”, as well. 

Collagen peptides benefits can range from clearer skin to joint flexibility, weight loss, and a number of other things, as well! Since collagen is the most common protein in the body, it can improve overall health in many different ways, making it popular as a supplement. 

So can collagen cause heart problems? There are a few ways that a collagen supplement may cause heart problems. We’ll discuss those more in-depth in a moment, but when it comes to supplements specifically, there’s one thing to look for that can help ensure you have the safest, highest-quality collagen available. 

Supplements are not regulated very strictly by the FDA, and this can cause a number of problems. The biggest one is that some companies use fillers in their supplements. 

Can collagen cause heart problems? In some supplements, it’s the fillers that can cause allergic reactions, and that may include heart problems. In milder cases, supplements with fillers simply mean you may not get the amount of collagen the label promises. 

Medical-grade supplements, on the other hand, are held to much higher standards. Choosing a medical-grade collagen supplement means that you’ll be sure to get the amount of collagen shown on the label, and the quality of the ingredients will go through more intense quality control. 

Can collagen cause heart problems?

Whether you’re recovering from open heart surgery or have a lifelong heart condition, you want to be sure any supplements you’re taking are safe. Can collagen cause heart problems? In most people, no. 

Reports of collagen causing heart problems are mostly anecdotal, with very few well-documented cases of collagen causing heart problems. 

Remember, collagen is already one of the most important building blocks of your heart! High-quality collagen supplements just provide more of the material your body needs to synthesize the collagen it’s already using. 

There is one situation where collagen and heart palpitations are clearly linked. This is usually where the rumors about how collagen can cause heart problems come from. So what is it, and who should be on the lookout?

Collagen and heart palpitations

There’s one clear time when collagen can cause heart problems, and that’s in a condition called hypercalcemia. “Hypercalcemia” is the official diagnosis of too much calcium in your body. One symptom of hypercalcemia is heart palpitations, but others include excessive thirst, constipation, weakness, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. 

If you suspect you have hypercalcemia, or if you have heart palpitations for any reason, seek medical care as soon as possible. If you suspect your collagen and heart palpitations are linked, stop taking your collagen until you can consult with your medical professional and get tested for hypercalcemia. 

Why can collagen cause heart problems through hypercalcemia? Most collagen supplements are sourced from the bones, skin, and connective tissue of different livestock and fish. These bones are naturally rich in calcium, and that gets passed along through your supplement. 

That’s why if you’re already taking a calcium supplement, or a multivitamin containing calcium, it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before starting a collagen supplement.   

Common collagen side effects 

There isn’t any documentation of collagen side effects on heart health aside from hypercalcemia. But what about other side effects? 

Collagen can occasionally cause a mild stomachache or “too full” feeling, like any protein supplement. Taking collagen on an empty or mostly empty stomach can help with this. 

Some people may have an allergic reaction to collagen, as well. Can collagen cause heart problems in people who have an allergy? Possibly, so it’s important to make sure you aren’t allergic to any of the ingredients in your collagen supplement. Some supplements are made with fish, shellfish, or pork, which are all common allergens. 

If you suspect you’re allergic to your collagen supplement, stop taking it immediately and contact your healthcare provider. If you suspect you’re having an allergic reaction to your collagen supplement, seek medical attention immediately. 

For anyone who is not allergic, collagen does not cause heart problems or any other noted side effects.

Collagen deficiency 

While some people may have hypercalcemia as a result of taking collagen, many others are currently unaware of a collagen deficiency. Collagen production naturally slows after you turn about 25. Smoking, UV exposure, and other genetic or environmental factors can cause this to develop into a deficiency, where your body doesn’t have enough collagen. 

Can collagen cause heart problems in people with a collagen deficiency? Actually, it’s the exact opposite. People who have a collagen deficiency may have poor circulation or high blood pressure since the heart and blood vessels don’t have the structural support they need. 

And it isn’t just people with a collagen deficiency who can see heart-health benefits from their collagen supplements!

Is collagen good for your heart?

The rumors that collagen can cause heart problems are mostly unfounded, but collagen’s benefits for heart health aren’t! Collagen supplementation can actually have a positive effect on your heart health, and there have been quite a few studies documenting this. 

Like anything in healthcare, more studies are still needed to determine exactly how collagen affects your heart, and what amounts are the most effective. The current evidence all points to collagen for heart health being safe and effective, which only makes sense since collagen is supporting your cardiovascular system already!

What’s more, the calcium in collagen can be a huge health booster for those who struggle with bone or joint health problems. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of collagen on heart and bone health.

Collagen and heart health

Collagen can be one of the best supplements for heart health for a few reasons, not the least of which is that it supports your whole cardiovascular system. Collagen can help with weight loss, improving overall health and heart health. 

Collagen can also reduce arterial stiffness, a marker that can increase your risk of heart attacks and stroke. Collagen doesn’t just provide strength and structure, it can also provide flexibility like it does in your cartilage and joints throughout the body. The same thing applies to the arteries in your heart!

One of the most important things you can do for heart health is to reduce your LDL, or “bad” cholesterol levels. Early studies suggest that collagen can help with reducing LDL levels and increasing HDL, or “good” cholesterol levels. More research is needed to solidify these early results, but they’re very promising! 

People who have already been diagnosed with heart conditions may have heart inflammation. Collagen can help reduce the risk that residual inflammation causes in those recovering from an illness or disease since it has strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Collagen and bone health

Collagen isn’t just good for heart health, it’s great for your overall health! It’s one of the most popular supplements to take daily, especially in people who have bone or joint health problems. The calcium in collagen that can lead to hypercalcemia isn’t always a bad thing. 

People who have osteoporosis or arthritis may find that the calcium in collagen is a perfect support for their health concerns. Collagen has even helped to counteract bone loss in women with osteoporosis. And collagen’s strong anti-inflammatory properties may help those with arthritis manage their daily pain. 

People with arthritis may also find that collagen can help increase the strength and flexibility in joints by helping to rebuild some of the damaged cartilage in the joints. 

How to take collagen safely

Taking supplements safely isn’t hard, and that applies to collagen, too. There are a few things you’ll want to remember to avoid any possible collagen side effects on heart health. 

First, talk with your doctor before starting any new vitamin or supplement. They’ll be able to tell you if it may interact with any other medication or supplement you may be taking. Your doctor will also want to be in the loop in case of any bad reactions or side effects you notice, like a link between collagen and heart palpitations that could point to hypercalcemia. 

Next, be sure to choose a high-quality, medical-grade collagen supplement. They’re called medical-grade supplements because they’re used by doctors and dieticians to help care for patients, which is why they’re held to such high quality control standards. 

Finally, make sure to follow the instructions on your collagen supplement. Take the recommended dose, and stop taking it if you believe you’re having an allergic reaction. Can collagen cause heart problems? Maybe, for those that have hypercalcemia, but otherwise, you shouldn’t notice any negative side effects from your supplement.

Supplementing with collagen for better heart health

There are different reasons you may be wondering, “Can collagen cause heart problems?” Recovery from a heart condition or living with a chronic heart condition can make rumors about collagen and heart palpitations seem particularly intense. The good news is that for most people, collagen does not cause heart problems. 

Many people find that the collagen side effects on heart health are actually positive! Healthier arteries, balanced cholesterol, and reduced inflammation are just a few of the things that a medical-grade collagen supplement can do to support your heart health, no matter what the rumors say.