Is collagen intake beneficial?

Taking collagen may be beneficial for the skin, joints, and fertility, but it should be considered with caution and after medical consultation in certain cases.

Role and importance of collagen

Collagen is an essential protein that accounts for about one-third of all proteins in the body and up to 70% of the proteins in the skin. It is responsible for the density and elasticity of connective tissues and participates in the formation of the structure of the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Disorders in its synthesis can lead to a loss of skin elasticity, weakening of ligaments, the formation of keloid scars, as well as diseases of the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems.

Collagen during pregnancy and IVF

During pregnancy and when preparing for in vitro fertilization (IVF), collagen is of particular importance. It helps to maintain the elasticity of the skin and abdominal muscles, reduces the risk of stretch marks, and contributes to the strengthening of blood vessels and ligaments, which is especially important during pregnancy. In reproductive medicine, dietary supplements based on collagen can be used to improve the condition of the uterine and cervical tissues, potentially increasing the chances of successful embryo implantation. However, in case of pregnancy or FIV planning, collagen intake is only recommended after consultation with a doctor.

For normal collagen synthesis, the amino acids proline, lysine, and glycine are necessary, along with vitamins and minerals: vitamin C, zinc, manganese, sulfur, and copper.

Main types of collagen

• Type I — up to 90% of all collagen, forms the skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
• Type II: found in cartilage, maintains joint health.
• Type III: present in muscles, arteries, and internal organs.
• Type IV: localized in the skin.
• Type V: involved in the formation of the cornea of the eyes, certain layers of the skin, and hair.

Factors influencing production

1. Sex hormones: decreased estrogen and testosterone slow down synthesis.
2. Sun radiation: ultraviolet rays destroy collagen (photoaging).
3. Smoking and alcohol: toxins damage collagen structures.
4. Excess carbohydrates and fats: cause inflammation and damage proteins.
5. Genetic disorders: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, etc.
6. Autoimmune diseases: reduce collagen quality.

What studies say

Study data confirm that collagen-based dietary supplements can improve skin elasticity and hydration, reduce pain, and increase joint mobility, as well as contribute to the prevention of osteoporosis. Thus, taking fish collagen with chondroitin, glucosamine, and vitamins for 90 days improved skin turgor by 40% and reduced joint pain by 43.9%. In menopausal women suffering from osteopenia, a one-year treatment with 5 g of collagen, vitamin D, and calcium showed a more significant improvement in bone density than taking vitamin D and calcium alone.

When collagen is contraindicated

• Allergy to the main product.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding (without medical prescription).
• Kidney or liver diseases.
• Gout.
• Use of anticoagulants, NSAIDs, diabetes medications.
• Severe autoimmune diseases.
• Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases — only after consulting a specialist.

Products to stimulate collagen synthesis

• Bone broth — a natural source of collagen, minerals, and amino acids.
• Protein products — meat, fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, dairy products.
• Eggs — contain proline, zinc, sulfur, vitamins A, C, D, E, and amino acids.
• Foods rich in vitamin C: citrus fruits, berries, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes.
• Sources of zinc and copper: meat, seafood, nuts, whole grains.

Rules for taking collagen

1. With a balanced diet, supplements may not be necessary.
2. Harmful foods reduce effectiveness.
3. Ultraviolet rays destroy collagen, use protection.
4. Hydrolyzed collagen is better absorbed by a healthy digestive system.
5. Dosage: 2.5 to 25 g/day.
6. The duration of intake depends on the goals.
7. Take one hour before or two hours after a meal.
8. Choose certified products (NSF).
9. Gelatin is an additional source of peptides.
10. Collagen is always broken down into amino acids, so the effect may differ from expectations.

Specialist assistance

The Barcelona IVF Clinic NatuVitro will help you establish a comprehensive assessment based on analyses and hormonal examinations, and will provide complete support in conception, including natural assisted reproduction techniques and the most modern ones, such as IVF with preimplantation genetic diagnosis, embryo cryopreservation, donation programs, and personalized protocols.