You may have read that collagen supplements can help IBS symptoms.
It makes sense, right? Collagen is used by your body in many ways, one of which is in the gut lining.
So, if your gut isn’t working, it would find it responsible to take a supplement that you know has a direct role.
In this article I am going to outline what we know about collagen supplements and their role within IBS.
Does Collagen Help IBS?
There is no research looking at collagen supplements and IBS. So, we have no idea if collagen would help or not.
You will likely be thinking now, ‘well why are people claiming that it does then?’
Where the claims come from is the idea that collagen can help with gut permeability.
Some people with IBS have a more permeable gut (leakier gut). However, there are no studies to see if collagen supplements would help this or not.
There has been 1 study looking at people with inflammatory bowel disease (an entirely different condition to IBS). The study showed that people with IBD had reduced serum levels of collagen (1).
But, before you go jumping the gun to take collagen based on this study, please note;
- IBD is entirely different to IBS
- Serum collagen levels may not relate to symptoms
- Taking collagen symptoms may not change levels or symptoms
Can Collagen Help Leaky Gut Syndrome?
You may have heard that collagen can help to improve leaky gut syndrome. The theory being that collagen helps to mend the lining of the gut wall.
Whilst collagen is crucial for connective tissue, this theory really is a fad.
Firstly, there is no such thing as leaky gut syndrome. Yes, your gut can become more or less leaky (permeable) but there is no ‘syndrome.’ Instead, having a leaky gut is more like a symptom.
You can read more about leaky gut syndrome in my other post here.
Secondly, we can not dictate where our nutrition is used in the body. Just because you take more collagen, does not mean it will be used for that 1 purpose.
Lastly, there are again no studies in this area.
Summary
Whether collagen supplements help IBS or not remains unknown. So I would advise that you do not take them until we have some research in this area.
I know you will be thinking ‘but Kirsten we can not wait until everything is researched.’ And my explanation would be this – why then do you not go and stand on your head for 10 minutes daily? We also have no research on that either.
So, stick with products that have been researched so you do not end up confused and wasting time, money and energy in return for little to no IBS symptom relief.
Good reading,but no answer to my problem which is Type 2 diabetes,i.b.s and diverticular disease,all the doctors say different foods to eat none the same.Nobody seems able to give a simple diet for these problems that is compatible with my symptoms.I have had a camera up and down only one polyp removed,still leaking from back passage.Recent diagnosis
stress.
regards Mrs S.Watson
Hi, thank you for your comment. It sounds like you need a diet made specific to cover all your problems in 1 go. This is why (as you pointed out) one size does not fit all when it comes to Nutrition. I would suggest booking in for a complimentary call with our dietitian to discuss the possibilities :).
Hi,
I have suffered with supposed IBS for 20 years. This occurred after sushi and have been unwell ever since. I’ve tried everything over the years but unfortunately nothing has helped. I’m unwell 24hrs a day, with extreme gut sensitivity. l’ve recently discovered that marine collagen has had a positive effect on all my symptoms.
Hey! Thanks for the comment. I am sorry to hear you are going through this. Sadly collagen has no scientific backing so it isn’t something I would recommend.