Experiences with collagen and/or HA supplements
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Sat Jan 09, 2016 8:26 am

Hello all,

Many of you may have seen me a lot these past few weeks. I've been lurking around for a few years, but only recently have I truly began the journey into "actives" and realizing they have side effects! Also turning 40 was a shock to my entire being. Lol. But I digress..

I've been reading the wonderful benefits of collagen and HA supplements, plus tons of anecdotal experiences giving glowing reviews. So a week ago I started taking simultaneously Neocell collagen plus c, along with jarrow formulas HA (all they had at my local whole foods with the HA).

About three days in I started experiencing severe stomach cramps and diarrhea (sorry for the TMI). I attribute to either the collagen or HA, but not sure which. So I'm stopping both and I'll slowly add in to pinpoint the culprit. However in the meantime, I think they were truly helping my skin and hair!

Has anyone else had any weird side effects from either supplement? What were your experiences with these? I mainly hear positive reviews, and I so want these to work for me.

Thanks in advance to you all!

Sat Jan 09, 2016 9:14 am

Oh and I also forgot to mention that I've been taking weight loss supplements for several months. It's called "fit line" and I take amino acid pills twice daily and vitamin-packed powders, three x daily. I've had no issues with using this line of supplements, and I've lost the weight I wanted. I'm just taking for maintenance now. But maybe the combo of the amino acid pills with either the collagen and/or HA was causing damage?

Disclaimer: I know that no one on this forum is a doctor and of course I'll be consulting my dr about this when I can. I'm just curious to see if anyone here had any similar experiences and what they did about it.

Thanks again!

Mon Jan 11, 2016 2:48 pm

Whell I see this is quite the popular topic! haha!

If there's anyone out there who's had good/bad/any experiences with either of these supplements, please respond! I'm having a weird time with these and have no idea where to turn.

It appears that I can't even take the Neocell Collagen supplement that everyone raves about (too may side effects). So if there's anything else that anyone suggests I'd love to know!

BTW - I can't take MSM either. Sad

Hope someone's out there.

Tue Jan 12, 2016 11:30 am

This is my first post (ever) on the forum, but I've been reading various topics for over a year.

I started using the Neocell Super Collagen +C about 3 weeks ago, added in Neocell's HA capsules about 2 weeks ago and also started using their Biotin Bursts same time as the HA. So far, no real issues.

I have ignored/abused my skin for most of my life, but now I'm 62 and the dry skin/wrinkles are really getting to me. I also became a widow very suddenly a year ago, and there is a gentleman in my life who I just want to look good for. I don't have the scientific background that some of you do, but it just makes sense to me that if I'm going to do battle with the ageing process, I need to declare war from both an internal and external standpoint.

So in addition to the Neocell products, I also take 1,000 mg regular Vit C tablet and a Women's Formula One A Day multi vitamin.

Externally, every few days I do a green tea/Red LED treatment, and did some dermarolling in the past and will probably do that again maybe twice a week. I'm using a 20% Vit C +E +Ferulic Acid (Timeless), use to use their Matrixyl 3000 but am now switched up to Matrixyl synthe'6 (strong percentage from Platinum Skin Care) and a combo of Olay Complete mixed with a few drops of Emu Oil in the morning. At night, just started using Copper Peptides from Skin Biology.

So far, so good. No breakouts, uglies, adverse effects.

I truly do think the Neocell products are helping with my skin's elasticity and overall firmness. Had a real problem with crepey looking skin especially on arms and that seems to be really diminishing (also apply coconut oil all over after showers so that's probably helping as well).

Tue Jan 12, 2016 11:45 am

Littleness, I know the Neocell Collagen is 3 tablets x 2 daily on an EMPTY stomach (their HA is 2 capsules daily). Is that what you've been taking? Since I'm also taking a few extra supplements, I make sure to stagger stuff out throughout the day rather than all at once.

Tue Jan 12, 2016 11:52 am

Hi Feisty, thank you for your reply! That's awesome that these supplements are helping your skin. Smile

Unfortunately, the Neocell Super plus C, which everyone and their grandmother seems to love, does not work for me. And yes I was taking on an empty stomach. At first I mistakenly took the entire dose at once (all six pills - I am..*ahem*..an expert "swallower") and also took the HA pills at that same time. So, I did not ease into these supplements at all, because I've never had issues taking anything before. However once I felt the side effects, I backed off, and reduced both doses. Stopped taking them together. One day took one, the next day took the other. And still felt weird. Yesterday I took nothing and I had a intense pressure in both temples. Before that was severe stomach cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.
I'm not sure what ingredient I'm allergic to, but it's something.
The other ones you mentioned sound good tho. I can give those a try if you believe they're helping you.

At this point I'm looking for what's worked for people, and what possibly doesn't work, and alternatives to what doesn't work.

Thank you again so much for your response!

Tue Jan 12, 2016 2:38 pm

I'm very much like you where I've never had an issue taking anything (to this day, all I do for a rare headache is Advil liqui-gels, but I have to immediately take 3 gelcaps to get relief). I would talk to a local pharmacist about possible conflicts with the other things you're taking (weight loss product).

The first time I picked up the Neocell, it was a 90 tablet bottle (Walmart) and the ingredients were only the Collagen, Vitamin C, Biotin and possible vegetable magnesium stearate. The box looked more 'old style' with black/pink lettering and black/white photos on it. There is an allergy warning: May contain trace amounts of naturally occurring sulfite residue. Expiration date 10/18.

The next bottle I picked up (CVS pharmacy) has 120 tablets, no box just bottle, very colorful label with expiration date of 10/16. Now the ingredients listed are: Collagen, Sodium (30 mg), Vitamin C, but NO BIOTIN. Allergy warnings just say may contain sulfite residue.

Not sure which one you have/tried, but thought this info may help narrow down what's causing your side effects.

Tue Jan 12, 2016 2:44 pm

Feisty,

I got the box with NO biotin. and I have no idea what i'm allergic to, but I'm assuming it's either the sulfite, or the fact this collagen is from animals (as opposed to fish). I may try their Marine Collagen product in exchange for the Super Plus C. I'm telling you these side effects were intense. And I've been reading reviews online, and a few other people had similar experiences.

I just took the HA pills today, and I only have the slightest head pressure.

Gah! What's going on with me? Haha.

Tue Jan 12, 2016 2:57 pm

Just out of curiosity, what is the strength of the HA you're taking? The Neocell is 50 mg/capsule. I truly would talk to your local pharmacist and see why you might experience the pressure effect just from HA.

Tue Jan 12, 2016 3:02 pm

I think it's the 50mg for the HA (don't have it in front of me).

The Neocell was the 6,000 mg.

I already asked one pharmicist and she said both products should yield zero side effects. Which is crap, bc anything can yield side effects.

I'll continue checking into it. Thank you so much for all your help here!

free skin care · Fri Jan 22, 2016 12:13 am

maybe should try the big box from costco to see how it works...

Fri Jan 22, 2016 10:00 am

Hi oaijason,

I've actually tried the Neocell collagen bursts and those gave me similar side effects. I can't take the HA either.

Currently I'm taking Collagen peptides which I bought based on a recommendation from prevention magazine - I can't remember the name of the company right now. The side effects seem minimal if any. So I'll continue taking and update the forum.

Also starting the Source Naturals Skin Eternal tablets and will also update everyone! Smile

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