Collagen is a building block of all our organs and systems, and it plays a fundamental role in our health, both supporting us on the outside and holding us together on the inside. In this article, we'll look at one of the most important factors for the whole body that regular intake of hydrolyzed collagen affects – we'll turn our attention to how it acts on your gut microbiome.
It Improves Digestion
A disrupted digestive process is often at the root of many discomforts and health problems related to the stomach. Hydrolyzed collagen has a high content of the amino acid glycine, which has proven beneficial properties in this area. Numerous clinical studies in recent years have examined the link between this amino acid and digestive quality, and one from 2022 found that a daily intake of 20 grams of collagen peptides over 8 weeks improved some stomach issues, such as bloating and acid reflux, among women who had no other accompanying symptoms.
It Repairs and Strengthens the Gut Barrier
Collagen's rich amino acid profile gives it a wide range of health benefits, one of which is precisely – strengthening the gut barrier. Glycine and glutamine are the main „workers“ behind our gut health and optimal balance. Large amounts of type 3 collagen can be found in our intestines, muscles and blood vessels, and it's what their elasticity, strength and density depend on. Having enough collagen in them is extremely important for our body to be „well running“ and for the gut to work optimally.
When it's poorly reinforced (there's a lack of collagen), the gut barrier is more permeable than normal. This means that some nutrients, as well as toxins and microbes from the world around us, easily pass from the gut directly into the bloodstream – causing more bloating and acid reflux. An article from Harvard Health Publishing looks at leaky gut syndrome as a cause of other health conditions such as celiac disease, and as a precondition for more serious problems in other parts of the body over the long term, including acne, arthritis, allergies and asthma.
It Supports the Immune Response
A healthy gut microbiome is extremely important for the body's overall immune response and its natural defenses. When immunity drops, especially during the warm months, the stomach becomes prone to irritation and viral infections, and a weakened protective function leads to gut permeability and the entry of bacteria and toxins from the outside environment into the bloodstream.
Collagen's role in maintaining the health of the gut lining is crucial for the stability of the immune system. Since it heals the gut barrier and supports digestive function, we can conclude that collagen also helps our stomach maintain an optimal balance of the gut microflora. Of course, the way we eat also carries a lot of weight for a healthy immune system. If we don't supply valuable nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, we can't count on a healthy immune system.
It Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Many factors can cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, but the most likely one is precisely a weakened immune response – the entry of bacteria and the onset of viral infections can „attack“ the tissues.
The amino acids in proteins, embodied in hydrolyzed collagen, act directly on inflammation in the gut and can also ease more serious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Fairly common, it's a daily reality for around 10% to 15% of adults in the United States. Although this syndrome is often due to a family predisposition, through the right routine, movement and supplements for us, we can „support“ our stomach and keep it in optimal health.
…And we all know how good it feels when your stomach is in top shape too.
Amino acids glutamine, arginine and glycine are cited in studies as fundamental in their action on such conditions, and we can obtain them daily precisely through collagen.
When Should You Take Collagen for Stomach Problems?
In a previous article of ours we focused on the optimal time to take collagen according to a person's individual needs. In it, we shared that, taken on an empty stomach, collagen could positively affect stomach problems. This is because when it's drunk before a meal, collagen is primed for direct absorption by stomach acids, which in turn stimulate the protein's uptake. As a result, collagen can help improve not only digestion, as we mentioned above, but also the absorption of nutrients.
The optimal health of the gut microbiome is directly influenced by collagen, since it is precisely one of the building blocks of the intestines. This protein looks after normal gut balance in many ways, but as we usually advise – to identify a given problem and its correct solution, it's good practice to consult your doctor.
