Is Collagen Safe To Take With Birth Control Pills?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not collagen powder is safe to take while on birth control pills.
I am taking Tri-Sprintec. Is it okay if I take collagen powder in the morning with it?
Jul 14, 2022- There is no known interaction between collagen supplements and birth control pills, and collagen has no effects on reproductive health or hormones.
- Collagen is a type of protein that is very common in the human diet and unlikely to interact with your birth control medication.
- Side effects from collagen supplements are generally limited to mild nausea and gas if they occur at all.
Answer
Hello and thanks for reaching out to us! I'm happy to discuss this topic.
There is no known interaction between collagen supplements (which include collagen peptides) and birth control pills (such as Tri-Sprintec). Additionally, supplementing with collagen has no known effects on reproductive health or hormones in the body. You can feel safe utilizing both together with no ill effects.
Collagen is simply a type of protein (which I discuss further in the next section), and is very common in the human diet.
When talking about drug interactions, unless protein specifically interacts with your drug (which is uncommon), there is no interaction to be worried about. Be sure to still follow the directions for your specific medication however regarding whether or not it should be taken with food.
What Are Collagen Peptides?
Collagen peptides, also known as hydrolyzed collagen and collagen hydrolysate, are small protein molecules and the primary protein constituent in ligaments, tendons, and skin.
Collagen peptides are generally more absorbable than larger protein molecules (studies suggest collagen peptides are more than 90% absorbable).
A very popular dietary supplement, studies suggest that supplementing with collagen peptides can improve skin hydration and elasticity. They are also used to support wound healing and bone health. It is very well tolerated, and reported side effects from supplementation are generally limited to mild nausea and gas (if they occur at all).
Collagen peptides are soluble in water, and tend to mix easily, unlike gelatin (which is also derived from collagen).
What Are Birth Control Pills?
Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) are used to prevent pregnancy. Estrogen and progestin are two female sex hormones. Combinations of estrogen and progestin work by preventing ovulation (the release of eggs from the ovaries). They also change the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy from developing and change the mucus at the cervix (opening of the uterus) to prevent sperm (male reproductive cells) from entering.
Final Words
Thanks again for your question! You can feel safe combining collagen peptides and Effexor as they are safe together.
References & sources
- A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835901/
- TRI-SPRINTEC- norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol — DailyMed
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Collagen peptides
- Small protein molecules that are the main protein found in ligaments, tendons, and skin, commonly used as dietary supplements.
- Hydrolyzed collagen
- Another name for collagen peptides, referring to collagen that has been broken down into smaller, more absorbable molecules.
- Oral contraceptives
- Birth control pills taken by mouth to prevent pregnancy.
- Estrogen
- A female sex hormone that works with other hormones to prevent pregnancy by stopping the release of eggs from the ovaries.
- Progestin
- A synthetic female sex hormone used in birth control pills that prevents pregnancy through multiple mechanisms in the reproductive system.
- Ovulation
- The release of eggs from the ovaries, which is prevented by birth control pills to stop pregnancy.
- Cervix
- The opening of the uterus that birth control pills affect by thickening mucus to block sperm from entering.
- Drug interactions
- Unwanted effects that occur when two substances affect each other in the body in harmful ways.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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