Collagen headaches

(Anti47) #1

Hi all. I started taking collagen powder supplements for various reasons. But after two days I developed a constant headache. The headache is now on day 7. I stopped taking the collagen two days ago but headache is still here. Anyone else had the problem? If so how long did it take for headache to go?
It might not even be the collagen so I will be seeing my Doctor this,week if it doesn’t go away

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #2

The headaches are probably not related to the collagen powder, unless you are sensitive to one of the ingredients. What is your salt intake like? Headache can be a sign of a lack of sodium.

(Anti47) #3

Other people have experienced headaches with collagen. That’s why I’m asking to hear from people who have had that experience. I’ve had headaches before, this is not normal. Thanks

#4

Highly unlikely it’s the collagen unless there’s some weird additive in there for some reason that’s getting you, collagen is just protein minus tryptophan, so if collagen does that than every time you eat protein that should happen as well as you’re getting all the same aminos.

This a plain collagen peptides powder and not one of those flavored ones? Which one is it specifically?

(Michael - When reality fails to meet expectations, the problem is not reality.) #5

I eat collagen every day as both a pure protein powder and a liquid. I’ve never experienced a headache. So I suspect that something else is causing the headaches. As suggested, try a pure collagen powder with no additives. As noted, if you don’t get a headache from eating protein generally it’s not the collagen.

Can you cite something for us to investigate? Correlation is not causation, as we like to say here. Thanks.

PS: here’s an example of a product with 100% collagen and zero other stuff added. This is a Canadian product so may or may not be available elsewhere, but if not I’m sure there are local equivalents. BTW for other interested Canadians, I bought this stuff at Winners for half the price noted on the company website.

(Michael - When reality fails to meet expectations, the problem is not reality.) #6

Do you get headaches from eating Jello or anything containing unsweetened and unflavoured gelatin? If not, then collagen is most likely not the problem.

Then there’s this:

Abstract

GABA and glutamic acid are the main inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters of central nervous system. Among other functions they modulate the pain threshold in the CNS. For this reason it has been hypothesized that anomalies of GABA and glutamate turn-over may play a role in migraine pathogenesis. In this review are discussed the evidences in favour of this hypothesis. A derangement of GABA may be an important factor in the occurrence of migraine attacks and their recurrence, whereas high level of glutamic acid may represent a biochemical marker of the neuronal hyperexcitability that may be the underlying cause of the aura…

Excitatory aminoacids and migraine

Glutamic and aspartic (Asp) acids are CNS excitatory neurotransmitters. In the brain, Glu and and Asp are taken up from the circulation or directly synthesized and catabolized in the neurons and glia. Glu and Asp may be involved in migraine pathogenesis, since an abnormal release of glutamate causes neuronal hyperexcitability and may be essential in the propagation of SD, the supposed pathophysiological process of the aura [25, 26]. Some biochemical and pharmacological evidence in favour of this hypothesis is presented.

(Anti47) #7

Ok. Thanks everyone. I appreciate you all taking time to respond. Its a “beauty” brand which I was wary of but went for it anyway. I think you are all right and it isn’t the collagen though so I’m going to call my Dr today. On day 7 of a headache :tired_face: feeling exhausted with it. Thanks