Welcome back to the Bendy Club blog! This week, we’re diving into the world of collagen supplements for EDS and hypermobility and their impact on joint health. For those with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), maintaining joint health is crucial. Let’s explore how collagen supplements might be a beneficial addition to your wellness routine.
Why This Matters
Collagen is a vital protein that provides structure to your skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments making them strong, resilient and able to withstand stretching. For individuals with HSD and EDS, who often experience joint instability and pain, collagen supplements can potentially play a role in improving joint health and overall well-being.
What Are Collagen Supplements?
Collagen supplements are derived from animal or marine sources and come in various forms, including powders, capsules, and liquids. These supplements aim to boost the body’s collagen levels, which can naturally decline with age and be insufficient in individuals with connective tissue disorders. It is especially common in people taking in insufficient overall protein throughout the day.
Dosages of 15g per day have been shown to stimulate the body to produce more collagen. So not only can collagen function as the building blocks necessary for connective tissues it can also act as a signaling molecule to create more collagen.
Collagen Supplements for EDS and Hypermobility
All that being said, EDS is not due to a lack of collagen in the body. Many forms of EDS and Hypermobility are due to an abnormal structure in the collagen that the body creates making it less resilient. Taking collagen supplements is not the “cure” for EDS, but I like to think about it in terms of what can you do to give your body the best possible chance to function properly? Can taking a collagen supplement, which is easy and fairly inexpensive, give your body everything it needs to form the best connective tissue it can? I think so. This in combination with other supplements including Vitamin C, Zinc, Copper, Vitamin A, and Manganese can allow your body to synthesize connective tissue.
Potential Benefits of Collagen Supplements
- Improved Joint Health: Collagen supplements may help improve the integrity and strength of joints, reducing pain and discomfort associated with hypermobility.
- Enhanced Skin Elasticity: For those with stretchy or fragile skin, collagen supplements can improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Bone Health Support: Collagen plays a significant role in bone health, and supplements may help in maintaining bone density and reducing the risk of fractures.
- Muscle Mass Maintenance: Collagen is also a component of muscle tissue, and supplementation can aid in maintaining muscle mass, which is essential for joint stability.
- Gut Health Improvement: Collagen supplements might benefit gut health by supporting the lining of the digestive tract, which can be particularly helpful for those with gastrointestinal issues.
Action Steps for Incorporating Collagen Supplements
- Consult with a Healthcare Provider: Before starting any supplement regimen, it’s essential to discuss it with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for you.
- Choose High-Quality Supplements: Look for reputable brands that provide high-quality collagen supplements. Check for third-party testing and certifications.
- Start with a Low Dose: Begin with a low dose to see how your body reacts and gradually increase it if needed. Studies have shown that 15g per day can help signal the body to create more collagen so this is a good goal for most individuals.
- Combine with other Nutrients: Collagen supplements work best when combined with a balanced diet rich in vitamin C, which is crucial for collagen synthesis. Include foods like citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens. Also adding in a multivitamin with Vitamin C, Zinc, and other necessary micronutrients needed for optimal collagen production.
- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for the effectiveness of collagen supplements and overall joint health. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Be Consistent: Consistency is key. It may take several weeks to notice the benefits of collagen supplements, so make it a regular part of your routine.
Shop Our Top Recommended Supplements on Fullscript
Finding the right supplements can be overwhelming, especially when living with HSD or EDS. We understand how important it is to choose high-quality, effective products to support your health. That’s why we’ve curated a selection of our top recommended supplements in the Hypermobile Solutions shop on Fullscript. With our expert guidance and trusted brands, you can confidently choose the supplements that best meet your needs. Click here to explore our Fullscript shop and take the next step towards better health!
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Warm regards,
The Hypermobile Solutions Team
References
Kviatkovsky SA, Hickner RC, Ormsbee MJ. Collagen peptide supplementation for pain and function: is it effective? Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2022 Nov 1;25(6):401-406. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000870. Epub 2022 Aug 31. PMID: 36044324. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36044324/
Khatri M, Naughton RJ, Clifford T, Harper LD, Corr L. The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on body composition, collagen synthesis, and recovery from joint injury and exercise: a systematic review. Amino Acids. 2021 Oct;53(10):1493-1506. doi: 10.1007/s00726-021-03072-x. Epub 2021 Sep 7. PMID: 34491424; PMCID: PMC8521576. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34491424/
Home. The Ehlers Danlos Society. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/
What is HSD?. The Ehlers Danlos Society. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-hsd/
What is eds?. The Ehlers Danlos Society. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-eds/
Jovin, D., Atwal, P., Herman, K., Block, N., Maxwell, A. J., Mitakides, J., Maitland, A. M., Saperstein, D., Hamilton, M., Schofield, J., Koby, M., Klinge, P., McElroy, A., Bluestein, L., Chopra, P., Tishler, J., Pocinki, A. G., Varga, J., Dempsey, T., … Lane, K. (2020). Disjointed: Navigating the diagnosis and management of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders. Hidden Stripes Publications, Inc.
Smith, C., & Wicks, D. (2017). Understanding Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder: (previously known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type & Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, respectively). Redcliff-House Publications.
Cox, C. (2022). Holding it all together when you’re Hypermobile. Journey2Joy
Disclaimer
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no provider/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user’s own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.