Wellness

[morganjen]

I had a pelvic ultrasound recently and found out I have two uterine fibroids. After doing some research, I was surprised to find out that taking collagen supplements can increase risk of fibroids and also make them grow. I take Andrew Lessman's Marine collagen every day and have for a long time. I immediately stopped. I don't want to do anything to adversely affect the fibroids. I read the presence of collagen in the body increases the risk.

[DianeJ2]

Thank you for this information! Good to know. I was excited to start Vital Proteins Collagen and disappointed that I  had a reaction to it. I didn't know the  hydrolyzed process can leave sulfites and I got hives.  Definitely don't need fibroid risk too. 

[Still Raining]

Can you share your research?  Does it mean the hydrolyzed peptides can do this?

[DianeJ2]

      @Still Raining Sure! I saw my doctor for my reaction and she was the one who told me sulfites can be a natural by product of the process. I'm allergic to sulfa and sulfur both and as both reactions I had were immediately after trying the powder, she suspects this was the case for me. Haven't had hives since stopping.  I have friends with sulfa allergy and are fine taking Collagen. I researched further and found this information on https://myahs.eu/faqs/    

@CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE SULPHITE RESIDUES IN COLLAGEN PRODUCTION

Sulphites come from the process of enzymatically hydrolyzing (pre-digesting the Collagen outside the body by breaking down the amino acid chain by a process of adding synthesized enzymes) or fermenting products. They are a natural by product of the Collagen hydrolyzing process. The sulphur that holds the bonds between the molecules is broken up from these processes and changes them to sulphite – an ionic form of sulphur. During the manufacturing process Collagen is passed through a nano filter to remove excess residues. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S regulates that it is a legal requirement to list a sulphite warning on red wine. The regulation states that sulphites have to be declared on products that contain 10 parts per million or more. Red wine typically contains 125-250 parts per million, (about 40mg per 4oz glass). AHS Super Collagen + C contain a maximum of 1.3mg in 6 tablets.

Some consumers may find that they are allergic to sulphites. Consumers who are allergic to sulphites can not typically tolerate red wine, pickled vegetables, dried fruits or even aspirin. The most common symptoms of sulphite intolerance are becoming itchy and having headaches. In reality, individuals who are allergic to sulphites should avoid facial products that contain soluble Collagen as they could have a topical reaction. It is quite interesting to note that consumers with sulphite intolerance are often asthmatics.

[Still Raining]

@DianeJ2 

Thanks for the information, but I was also interested in the fibroids.

That is a nice, concise explanation you posted.  Tried to tick a box, but I think it is not my allergy.  Good to learn new things.

[SilleeMee]

I've never had fibroids. I'm not about to stop taking my collagen supp just b/c it might cause me to get them. I think most women don't have to worry about this.

[goldensrbest]

Why do women take collagen supplements? And yes i had   fibroids many years ago, my periods became  so bad and heavy within a matter of 10 minutes i went through several pads, with it running down my legs,so i had a hysterectomy,at age 34.

[BirkiLady]

@DianeJ2  Fascinating information. I've been allergic to Sulfa all my life. Glad I've never been interested in buying OTC supplements! I've only taken supplements prescribed by my PCP.

The aspirin was interesting since I continue to take a baby aspirin each day. Will ask about that with my PCP tomorrow morning (although it has not bothered me yet). 

@Still Raining My mom had fibroids and had surgery to eliminate the problems she encountered. She was in her 40's at the time. Things have changed for the better in those decades, thankfully. 

I'm 72 and have had fibroids for four years that I know about (with minimal spotting). At first it was frightening, but my GYN has assured me she's watching them and so far, I have zero cancer and as long as the spotting occurs months apart she feels I'm safer without any invasive surgery. I agree! We have a standing October appointment to make sure everything is still healthy and safe. 

If you are having problems, see your GYN and have him/her exam you thoroughly and run any necessary tests. It's worth it for the peace of mind. Establish a good rapport with your GYN and become comfortable enough to ask anything, anytime. My GYN calls me at home to check on me! (Not her nurse or receptionist, she calls me personally.  That's the kind of relationship I like with my physicians.)   

[DianeJ2]

@Still Raining  Your welcome! If I find anything on the fibroids I will add here.  That  I had not heard of. I always learn from this board of great people.  I wanted to try  collagen as I have friends with arthritis who say collagen has helped their joint pain. 

[DianeJ2]

@goldensrbest @BirkiLady  My younger sister had a hysterectomy at age 35 from endometriosis and fibroids. Sound advice to have a good gynecologist and regular checkups. We all had heavy periods,  not fun at all...