Is It Safe to Take Collagen Long-Term?
Studies show that taking collagen is safe for improving skin health, with no major side effects reported. Just make sure to follow the recommended dosages.
Does Collagen Have Heavy Metals?
In today's world, both food and supplements can sometimes be contaminated with toxic metals. This includes collagen supplements, which might test positive for heavy metals because of the environment (like soil, air, and water) and the manufacturing process.
Are Heavy Metals Dangerous?
Heavy metals can be harmful in large amounts. They can cause serious health problems like birth defects, hormone issues, organ damage, and even cancer. The most concerning heavy metals are arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury.
Testing Results for Collagen Supplements
The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) and Clean Label Project (CLP) tested 28 popular collagen supplement brands and found:
- 64% had measurable levels of arsenic
- 37% had measurable levels of lead
- 34% had trace levels of mercury
- 17% had measurable levels of cadmium
While these numbers might seem scary, it's important to know that heavy metals are everywhere because of pollution. For example, spinach can have cadmium in it. The key is not to consume large amounts over a long period, as this is when they can become harmful.
Here are the collagen brands they studied.
Many of the top collagen brands today will have no unsafe levels of heavy metals per serving
How to Avoid Heavy Metals in Collagen
To reduce your exposure to heavy metals, it's important to:
- Ignore false claims: Just because something is labeled "Pure!" or "All-Natural!" doesn’t mean it’s safe. Always check for proof.
- Read labels: Fillers and colorants in supplements might contain heavy metals like lead.
- Verify quality: Look for supplements made in facilities that do rigorous third-party testing.
Levels of Heavy Metal Testing
Here's a simple way to understand the different levels of testing for heavy metals in supplements:
| Testing Level | Description | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Bare Minimum | Testing at a non-GMP certified facility. | Grade = C |
| Very Good | Testing at a GMP certified facility. | Grade = B |
| Best of the Best | GMP-certified testing plus third-party certification. | Grade = A+ |
Always choose high-quality brands that have third-party testing to ensure their products are safe. Our products are tested for heavy metals at GMP-certified facilities to ensure they meet FDA standards.
How to Find the Best Collagen Powder
If you want a collagen powder without heavy metals, look for these three things:
- Sourcing: Choose collagen from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals, as they are less likely to be exposed to heavy metals.
- GMP Certified: Make sure the collagen powder is made in a GMP-certified facility, which is your first line of defense.
- Third-party Testing: This is the most important factor in ensuring your collagen powder is free of heavy metals.