Gelatin and collagen are all the rage right now — and for GOOD reason, but there are some not-so-widely known facts that I would like to share with you. If you've ever overdosed on gummy bears, sweet and sour protein bites, or overdosed on collagen the first time you used it, you MAY already know what I'm about to talk about!
1) Eating too much gelatin or collagen and/or using the wrong kind for you can cause digestive upset— constipation, pain, excessive fullness, bloating and lack of appetite.
The primary amino acid in gelatin and collagen is glycine, and it is needed in abundance to fuel detoxification in the liver, particularly phase 2.
According to Peter Bennet in The 7 Day Detox Miracle Solution, "Glycine is a non-essential amino acid that the body uses for detoxification reactions in the liver."
Eating too much too quickly can overwhelm your body, and do more harm than good. Start with a small serving ½-1 tablespoon per day and slowly increase your dose every few weeks as tolerated. If you have a digestive condition like IBS, IBD, or SIBO you may have to go even slower. There is also the possibility you may not tolerate it at all.
According to Dr. Ray Peat, PhD., gelatin or collagen can make up to about to 30% of total protein intake, so for the average person that is about 3-6 tablespoons per day (1 tablespoon is 6 grams of protein).
2) Choose the type of gelatin that fits your digestive abilities.
This is what I've found works best with my clients:
- Strong digestion: regular gelatin (dissolved only in desserts, snacks, etc.), collagen hydrolysate, and bone broth
- Weak digestion: collagen hydrolysate, bone broth
- Very weak digestion: bone broth (however, if you have a digestive condition like SIBO, you may not be able to tolerate bone broth made from cartilage at all due to it being a high FODMAP food).
If your digestion needs some work, get all my tips for how to fix your gut.
3) Dissolve it.
Both gelatin and collagen hydrolysate should be properly dissolved in fluid. This is especially important for regular gelatin which is only hot water-soluble. Collagen on the other hand has gone through an additional stage of processing that renders it hot and cold soluble and it will not make a fluid gel.
4) Eat gelatin or collagen with carbohydrates and fat for the best digestion.
Since gelatin and collagen provide protein, it's important to eat it with carbohydrates and fats in order to stimulate strong digestive juices and allow the body the fuel to use the protein properly.
5) Regular gelatin and collagen hydrolysate are NOT interchangeable.
They have a different chemical structure and serve different purposes in the kitchen. I get a lot of questions about substituting one type for another in recipes, and it's not a good idea. This is why:
-Regular gelatin (red can) is hot water-soluble, makes things gel, and is harder to digest. Only use this one in SMALL quantities like making a dessert or something that gels (gummies, etc).
-Collagen hydrolysate (green can) is cold water-soluble, does not make things gel, and easier to digest than the regular. This makes it a good choice for using it like a protein powder.
Using these tips can help you incorporate gelatin and collagen hydrolysate into your diet without experiencing constipation, bloating, and digestive problems.
6) Gelatin and collagen intake can cause anxiety, insomnia and decreased mood in some people (take heed)
It's been reported that regular gelatin and collagen intake can contribute to anxiety, insomnia and decreased mood in some people, and I suspect this has genetic connections to undermethylation.
Undermethylators tend to have a genetic predisposition towards low serotonin (happiness hormones) and low dopamine (pleasure hormone). As well, undermethylators tend to have a genetic methionine (amino acid) deficiency. Because collagen is low methionine, so it has the potential to displace higher methionine-containing proteins in the diet, deepening deficiency. For example, collagen contains about .7% methionine vs. chicken and beef are closer to 5%, and dairy is around 4%.
This is typically something that would not happen right away, but could drive a undermethylator's methionine deficiency over time (years).
On the flipside, overmethylators do not need more methionine in their diet, and may find a greater benefit from glycine-rich collagen protein.
Another thing to look out for is depression and anxiety that could hypothetically result from not eating enough animal protein to balance the amino acid profile of collagen, depleting tryptophan (the precursor to serotonin).
One last important thought
Don't ever forget to pay attention and respond to your own reactions to collagen and gelatin. If you're trying to incorporate them into your diet and you are getting side effects (digestive or otherwise), you are either doing too much too quick or it is not working for you!
There are some health conditions where collagen is not a good fit (and could aggravate your symptoms), so don't try to force something on your body it is otherwise rejecting.
Always listen to your body and get data when needed to steer you in the right direction.
Want more digestive tips to support gut health?
If your body has a lot of nutritional debt (see quiz below) chances are you may not tolerate gelatin or collagen well or maybe even at all until you strengthen your digestion.
And don't forget to check out the Creating Wealth ebook to help you:
-Strengthen digestion and nix the bloating
-Increase your metabolism with FOOD
-Balance your hormones
-Identify food intolerances and sensitivities
-Create your own nutritional plan!
What's your favorite way to use gelatin? Please share in the comments!
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Allina
Thanks for a very informative and well timed article!! Oh no.. i just ordered 2x tins of the red Great Lakes Gelatin- so thats not the collagen hydrolysate is it?
My digestion is probably weak but not very weak.
How best should I consume the red one? As per Point 3+4 above, should I mix with warm water and then consume a meal of roast veges (for carb) with healthy fats?
Catherine
Just updated point 5 to provide more clarity of my opinion (per your question).
Thanks for reading!
Catherine
Allina
Oh great thanks. Sorry only just came back to check this page 🙂 So i am wanting to use up my red cans (i stocked up on them!) could i add some of the regular gelatin (red can) to soups if they contain bone broth? I would jut add a teaspoon 🙂
Thanks!
Cherrie Benoit
thanks sooo much for this info about gelatin .. i had no idea about the different kinds, etc . my digestion at present is very weak , no wonder i couldn't handle the intro to GAPS eating ONLY bone broths . by the 4 th day i had to start eating fruit, etc . severe constipation .. i appreciate you qualifying your advice to add gelatin to our diets . keep up the good work : )
DMac
Good article, however bone broth being high fodmap is not true. If it's made with garlic, onion, or other high fodmap ingredients it would be, but straight broth cooked from bones is low fodmap. Fodmaps are fermentable carbs so anything that does not have carbs can not be high fodmap. I have been high fodmap for a year, follow Monash, the Fodmap Everyday website, and have been guided by dieticans...bone broth is recommended, especially during IBS flares. It would helpful if you would update the article to fix that part for future readers.
Catherine
Hi there,
We'll have to agree to disagree on the nitty-gritty details here, as it depends on the kinds of parts used. According to Dr. Allison Siebecker, an authority on SIBO: "Making bone broth with joints, chicken carcasses or other cartilaginous bones will result in a high FODMAP bone broth when the polysaccharides leach from the cartilage into the broth. Some people react to high FODMAP bone broth and some do not. It’s important to test your individual reaction or simply make the bone broth without cartilage."
Abundantly,
Catherine
Marilyn
I was just going to start using the gelatin as an alternative to using corn starch to thicken desserts. Is that not a good idea? What are other suggestions?
I do have some digestion problems but never constipation. I consume quite a bit of bone broth (homemade)
Sara
So what do you recommend for someone with good digestion who is consuming gelatin. I was rotating the red and the green (drunk with bone broth) every other day but I wonder if that is too much? TIA
Natalie L.
I've been giving my cat about a 1/16 of a tsp of gelatin along with some other supplements with her raw meat everyday. Is it harmful to her, not being dissolved?
Sue
Oh my - this scared me for a second! I have been using the collagen hydrolysate (green can) for about 3 weeks now. My sleep is improving, my hair has stopped falling out, and my psoriasis is slowing getting better. My digestion isn't the greatest and there has been a little constipation problem, but I have upped my water intake, which seems to help. I am happy so far with the results!
jamie
How much are you taking each day?
Dana McKee
How many milligrams of gelatin are you supposed to take a day?
Heather
Thanks so much for your article! Darn, just received my two cans of the regular gelatin, hoping to use it with my child who needs to heal. Oh well, I can still make gummies and such for the kids but will be getting the other gelatin for sure now!
Jeff
Anxiety and insomnia are linked to gelatins/collagens extremely high amount of the excitory amino acid, glutamine/glutamate. These are bad news if you are histamine intolerant or glutamate intolerant which many people unknowingly are. Glutamate can cause neuro toxicity and raise blood pressure and heart rate. Glutamates are in MANY foods and chemicals sprayed on foods and in the environment. Be cautious with gelatin and particularly the much better absorbed collagen peptides. What is good for some can be bad for outhers.
LJ
Great comment and spot on! I broke my kneecap and injured alot of ribs, chest, and wrist tissues. I decided to try knox unflavored gelatin because I heard it was good for recovery. It gave me high anxiety and insomnia. I started having panic attacks at night, insomnia really bad. It did seem to help my pain and recovery, but I had to stop it because of the side effects. Now I'm doing bone broth. The gelatin was not worth the anxiety!
Susan Christiansen
Thank you Jeff! I was going to mention the same thing and then saw your post! My head started ringing when I started consuming gelatin and collagen several years ago. I finally figured out it was the high glutamine content and I started studying it and found out that although this amino acid is so vital in the body the body can make it, if too much gets across the blood brain barrier due to it leaking (just like the gut can develop leaking) then it can indeed be problematic for those with a leaky blood brain barrier. And what I discovered is the brain is connected to the gut via the vagus nerve and if the gut is leaking then most likely so is the blood brain barrier, or something to that effect. People need to know that MSG, monosodium glutamate can cause issues with the brain too and is implicated in ADD. So if you are sensitive to MSG, you will likely have a problem with high glutamate amounts as well. I finally discovered it was my problem when I drank a smoothie with collagen and my head started ringing right away (this is different from tinnitus). Then I realized that collagen hydrolysate absorbs rapidly as well. Anything powdered and concentrated can present problems in the body!! Consider it refined!! So the body can be overwhelmed by high concentrations and quick absorption! Like Catherine said, better to balance and combine it with fat, carbs and protein to slow down absorption and digestion.
Jenni
Hi Guys great article. Last few days I have been on the hunt for some Great Lakes but its so expensive in Australia, around $45 compared to $15 in the states. I cant buy it though Amazon, it wont deliver here, any one know of someone that ships to Australia?
Thanks - Love your site!
susie153
Hi there you can buy it through IHERB much cheaper postage only $4.00 or if you want it quickly $8.00
Penny
I-herb is probably the cheapest way to buy in Australia.
ian croker
buy it from cambells $65 for 2kg pure
Robin Sheppard
You can buy it through - 'iHerb' online. This appears to be an outlet from the US based in Australia. They have both the Red and Green products.
Jen
I'm allergic to beef 🙁 what about info on the pork one?
Alyssa
Fantastic information! And this explains why all 4 of my first homemade marshmallow attempts did not set up correctly. I purchased a new candy thermometer thinking that was the problem but I now see after reading your article that the problem is that I was using collagen hydrolysate (green can). I purchased it thinking it would be easier to use. Thank you so much. I will purchase some new collagen and re-try my marshmallows. 🙂
JP
Can you take the green can in a protein powder smoothie? I tried that this morning and didn't notice anything off about flavor. It's shakeology, organic raw milk, one banana, ice, and flaxseed oil. But now I'm wondering if it's digesting as well as possible… I find I have to go lower carb to lose weight - I'm just getting over Lyme Disease again and gained quite a bit. I did weight loss hypnosis in the past and lost a ton but it was just meat and veggies. Hard to do without hypnosis! Thanks for any advice you can offer.
Linda
hi.. Try about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of L-Glutamine powder. It wipes about my appetite and cravings by about 80-90%!!!!!!!! I just measure it and toss it into my mouth and dissilve it and swallow. I am very sensitive and it does not give me any bad side effects. I take it about every other day but you can do it everyday. Good luck!!
Angelina
Hi, I just bought the red can and have yet to love any recipes I've made with it (not that they were bad, I just don't like marshmallows and I couldn't figure out how to make the gummies with any real flavor). I want to take it for health reasons, but if I understand you correctly I should not just throw it into smoothies and such? I'd love clarification on whether or not it can just be "taken" in some way without having to whip up marshmallows or gummy bears. Thanks!
Catherine
The red can is only for making gummies, desserts etc. You want the green can for use in smoothies.
These gummies are fantastic: https://butternutrition.com/sweet-and-sour-protein-bites/
Catherine
Angelina
Thank you Catherine! I will try your recipe and love it, I'm sure. 🙂
Brett
This gelatin seems to be contaminated with heavy metals like lead, arsenic and cadium. It has 25 times the levels of arsenic that the epa allows for water. Do you think this is a problem? http://www.greatlakesgelatin.com/business/specs.htm
Catherine
Hi Brett,
I don't quite understand the serving size for those heavy metal specs, so I've reached out to the owner of Great Lakes, and should have a clarifying answer from their chemist within a few days. I'll post the answer here when I get it.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Brett
Thanks for following up.
Catherine
Update: Great Lakes put up a response to your question, you can find it here: http://www.greatlakesgelatin.com/consumer/HeavyStatement.php
I hope that clarifies things.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Brett Bauer
With regard to the statement that great lakes gelatin provided: I think that it is convenient that they specifically instruct the lab to not report any levels of arsenic below the government maximum allowable level. Their testing methodology ICP-MS can easily detect far lower levels than 25ppm. We have to ask why are they hiding the exact amounts and hiding behind the "government" standards. Mike Adams from Natural News has his own independent lab that tests products for heavy metals. He believes that any where near 25ppm is not good. What is interesting is he has no financial interest in the matter. When he tests for arsenic, using the same testing methodology, he tests well below 1 ppm. http://www.lowheavymetalsverified.org/ The article in the preceding link explains the standards he has set and why. I trust Mike Adams' standards over the government's who's politicians are funded by industry. Please read this and tell me your thoughts on Great Lakes Gelatin's Public relations heavy metals statement.
Catherine
Hi Brett,
Interesting read. If you want to challenge Great Lakes heavy metal testing methods-- send me an email, and I'm happy to connect you with their chemist for further inquiry (I'd love to hear what you find out)! Aside from liking their products and using them myself, I'm not affiliated with them in any way. I actually prefer bone broth for glycine, but collagen hydrolysate offers a convenient alternative way to get a bit extra in the diet.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Dan
Hello folks, if you read the following points by Brett you'll see he has read 0,25 as 25 and so mistakenly gone off one one.
Great lakes says it contains <0.25 ppm NOT <25ppm Arsenic....
So 100 times less than Brett has mistaken...
That decimal point is important.
Dan
ok they are preceding posts now, I didn't know my reply would go the the bottom. Hope that helps.
cab
I add gelatin to my coffee, and it gels on the bottom of the cup. I just pull it out and eat it.
Bird
I use the red can to make Kellogg cups and only use 100% real fruit juice from trader Joe's and add fruit chunks, yummy
nancy
Is it safe to take this while i am taking diatomaceous earth?. Thank you for this article- VERY informative!
Ayshea
So I've been trying the COLLAGEN HYDROLYSATE, just dissolving it in my drinking water and every time I end up with a sore throat. I only drink it at work, at 24 oz. water bottle with about 1 to 11/2 tablespoons (eyeballing, not measuring). Also, I don't end up drinking the whole bottle.
Boca
I dissolve it in half a cup (3 or 4 fluid ounces) of water. I think your problem is that you are drinking way too much water as 24 fluid ounces is ridiculous. Too much water leaches minerals from your body which us making you sick. Note that drinking too much water is actually poisonous and people have died from doing this (google it). The govt recommendation of 8 glasses of water a day is erroneous - it includes water derived from food so you probably just need about a glass or two of water on an average day - or just wait for your body to tell you it's thirsty!
Laura
When your body isn't getting enough water it loses the sense of thirst. When you start drinking water it comes back and all kinds of health problems get better. It has happened to me and others. Your Body's Many Cries for Water is just one source you could read. Please do a little research.
Kerrie
Hey guys
I am using the green tin for my dogs for arthritis, the other day one dog ate both dinners before I could stop her! Would the double dose (half tsp each ) hurt her? She vomited several times the nxt day & seemed lethargic
David M
Brett Bauer said:
"With regard to the statement that great lakes gelatin provided: I think that it is convenient that they specifically instruct the lab to not report any levels of arsenic below the government maximum allowable level. Their testing methodology ICP-MS can easily detect far lower levels than 25ppm. We have to ask why are they hiding the exact amounts and hiding behind the “government” standards."
This is just totally incorrect. The report says:
'The analytical testing results for arsenic are “below detection limits”'
This means that the testing method they use cannot detect any arsenic at all. If there is any, it is not detectable. That's what "n.d." means. It DOES NOT mean that they suppress any figures less than the government standards.
Your comments, tbh, seem like a deliberate misreading of the figures to scare people, and get them to go to the other fellow's web site. It is a form of click-bait.
Brett Bauer
The Great Lakes Gelatin site does not say n.d. or not detectable it says 25. How could my comments be click-bait when I don't have a site that has another source of gelatin that is better? I referenced natural news to show that it is possible to detect arsenic below 25. I didn't reference Natural News for any other reason. Further the link was not an affiliate link.
David M
I think you are just being obtuse and reading the statement they way you want it to be.. It seems you did not actually click on the link to actual test results showing "not detected".
As for the reference to the other site, people have been known to use fake names, and there are other ways of making money from a web site than selling a competing product. Advertisers pay the web site owner each tme an ad appears, and again if you click on the ad. That's what click-bait is about.
Sofia
Why do you need to dissolve gelatin (both types) in water before consuming? Does it help with absorption or what?
Stacy
Have you ever used chia seeds? They swell up and hold lots of water. Gelatin is different, but similar to that. The reason you mix it as specified in cold water first is to prevent clumping. You gently dissolve the gelatin in cold water, and then heat or mix with hot water to cause it to set up and gel evenly.
Jody
Thank God for this website. I brought the wrong can. I dissolved the red one with room temp water and glugged down the whole, horrid glass. I was dry retching, obviously it is the wrong one hahahaha. I'll get the green one for glugging and use the red one for cooking. Ooops
Note: Don't mix the red one with water to drink straight up - yuk!
tumbleweed
I would only drink the Red can gelatin; mixed with some Vitamin C powder prevents it from gelling up.. We used to drink gelatin powder 50 yrs ago when I was in highschool for hair & nails & facial breakouts 🙂
Hydrolyzed sounds like hydrogenated, so not for me.
If I don't add the vitamin c powder & it helps up I just add more water, stir and drink..Great Article, Thanks"
LeeBee
I just saw that NOW has this in capsules. I was wondering if anyone had tried those, and if they work well?
Julie D
I wish I had known about starting the green one slowly - I went straight to the recommended doseage of 2 rounded tbsp per day - no wonder I have been feeling bloated. Great article and great that you follow up on the comments, so many articles don't.
Norma
I just brought the green can and went striaght to the two tablespoons but I am not clear as to how much wter to use per tablespoon -
Aaron Evans
For more information on gelatin visit the GMIA (Gelatin Manufacturers Institute of America). It has links to North American gelatin manufacturers as well as technical and regulatory information. http://www.gelatin-gmia.com
Susana
Hi, many thanks for the valuable information on gelatin. Could you please explain why I am so sensitive to bone broths or the amino acid such as glutamate, alanine, etc.. They tend to make me very hyperactive. I've tried to do gaps diet but I could t digest the fats and don't do well with certain fermented veggies. For example sauerkraut interferes with thyroid and don't tolrrate kefir . Also I cannot digest too much home-made beef tendon gelatin. It seems to slow down my digestion and makes me bloated. In general I tend to be very sensitive to long cooking foods such as stocks, and broths.
HeatherBurkhardt
Just a thought but check into histamine intolerance. Suzy Cohen, the pharmacist has a recent blog post on histamine intolerance.
David
It could be histamines in the fermented foods, but long cooked bone broths are more likely to be glutamate problems. Many people who try GAPS have the same problem. There are two things to note. Firstly, in the early stages, don't do bone broths. Stick to meat stocks which do not have such high levels of glutamates. Bone broths are an advanced food. Secondly, start with short-cooked chicken - legs and wings and good for gelatin. Only cook for 45 mins to an hour to minimise glutamates. As your gut starts to heal, you will find yourself better able to tolerate these things and be able to eat a wider range of foods and some of the stronger meat stocks.
Kristy
Remember when I was a kid, ladies used Knox gelatin. Is that still ok? Interchangeable?
Laura
It's not grass-fed so, I think she'd say it's a poor source of gelatin.
De
I just started taking gelatin, and I think I've had an adverse reaction. I am sleepy all the time and have bad acid reflux. Also a terrible headache. Has this happened to anyone else?
Zoe Tucker
Hi De - I thought your reactions to gelatin sounded like mine. It's been 5 days since I last had collagen hydrolysate but still experiencing a kind of fatigue especially brain fatigue. I have taken it for 4-5 days and the initial symptoms were lethargy, a feeling of heaviness in the body, and brain fog. How long have your symptoms last? Do any of these symptoms sound familiar to anyone?
Toni
Hi. Yes! Very familiar. You could be having a detox reaction or the glycine. It's a detoxifier and works on the liver with phase detoxification. Try taking it in much smaller doses then working your way up, so your liver can have some time to catch up. I had the same reactions and had success using the collagen instead, in smaller doses. Bone broth was even easier. I was able to add gelatin in later after my body had cleaned out a bit more slowly.
Toni
Sorry for the typos! detox reaction *from the glycine, and phase 2 detoxification
Erin
I am kind of late to reply, but I recently started taking great lakes collagen again. I took a tablespoon two hours before bed and I woke up more exhausted than I have in my entire life. I had to go back to bed for three more hours and I had a headache when I woke up. I do also have a heaviness in my body, and I am in great shape and I never get sick LOL. I’m at the gym lifting more weight then some men 🙂 So, I also noticed a pinching in my Arm right in the vein area where they put the needle when you have blood taken. I had the same problem in the past but I did not link it to collagen. I do have the MTHFR gene defect as well , and another woman said she could not take it because of that but I’m not sure why. I am afraid to take anymore, but there are so many good reviews on the stuff .
I did not feel like this Last time I took it, so I doubt it has anything to do with detoxifying in my liver. I have never felt like this
Erin
I don’t know if I should take it anymore
Lala
I have been taking collagen and beef gelatin since May 2017 3 to 6 tablespoons a day. My doctor confirmed it is the most natural thing I can take so to keep taking it since it cured my 13 years of medically diagnosed insomnia . I was taking for 10 years sleeping pills Rozerem which cause huge weight gain, stomach aches and other side effects. Gelatin got me off the medicine. since it is a protein, I take it with food never just in liquids. you may want to look into your diet to see if other factors are interacting with the gelatin .
I also cut out nuts, vegetable oils, high estrogen vegetables, beans , avocados, salmon due to the high PUFA levels which blocks sugar that my body needs. I used Ray Peat .research as guidelines on what to eat /not eat. Now i do a more modified version of it plus exercise.
Note: I have not eaten beef and still don't for over 20 years so the first week was hard on my body. but I slept like a baby. The discomfort and headaches went away after a few days. Well worth it!
sumi
I m having bad headaches too. Did you find why?
Alma
I have been using the green one for about 4 months now - and I got pimples !!! My face looks like a pizza and now in my chest and back ! Has this happened to anyone else????
Basia
Yes, this happened to me too!! I been using different brand (NeoCell super Collagen).I had no idea what was causing this terrible tumors like acne all over my face,neck,chest.Then I started to read reviewes on line and there where so many other people with same issues.I think personally that could be reaction to Glutamic Acid which is MSG..All those companies claim that their products do not contain MSG but this is simpy not true. Glutamate is MSG.Unfortunetly I had to stop using the product.I hope that some company will make collagen or gelatin without Glutamate.!!!!
Basia
Yes, this happened to me too!! I been using different brand (NeoCell super Collagen).I had no idea what was causing this terrible tumors like acne all over my face,neck,chest.Then I started to read reviewes on line and there where so many other people with same issues.I think personally that could be reaction to Glutamic Acid which is MSG..All those companies claim that their products do not contain MSG but this is simpy not true. Glutamate is MSG.Unfortunetly I had to stop using the product.I hope that some company will make collagen or gelatin without Glutamate.!!!!
Gianneta
To all you Vegan and Vegetarians out there you should know that gelatin has skin, hides and bones of cows and pigs in it.
vatiswa
where can I purchase the red or green tin of gelatin in South Africa
maggie
My doctor (The Denverdoctor.com) told met hat the green can (my reference, not his) is a "crap" protein made from horse hooves. I am trying to loose weight and suffer from hypothyroidism, but my proteins in my lab reports are low, so I was trying to get more protein this way. Do you have any insight into these claims? He said egg, pea, and hemp proteins are superior and again referred to the hydrolysate as crap. I am so concerned. I would appreciate any input from anyone here. I was also supplementing with grass fed whey, but I have heavy edema, so upon his recommendation, I am stopping that. He also insists I need HRT to support my thyroid hormone, but I am looking into natural herb sources for that (instead of bioidentical).
jay
lol if he has a website he is a crap doctor
Dane not fooled
As opposed to a blog which is driven by links to Amazon?
Catherine
Very little money is made from Amazon links nowadays (used to be good income a decade ago with millions of readers). It's comical now 😂 .
It's just more work to remove them from years of blog posts and actually readers find them helpful.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Traci
Wish I found this page a few weeks ago but better late than never.
I was taking 2 tablespoons a day (Green can) for a week. I should've started off slow. Made me bloated and I had horrible constipation. Total loss of appetite. It was crazy. I would wake up not feeling hungry AT ALL. I almost went a whole day without eating. It was a bit scary. I really wish this didn't make me bloat because there were some positives.
- My nails are a lot stronger (I used to be able to peel them easily- yikes!)
- Appetite control - I'm a huge snacker/grazer during the day. The week I used this I had no desire to snack on any sweet/salty snacks
Jules
Hi there, many thanks for the info. Can you inform me re when to use gelatin powder?? I am taking it for osteo arthritis. I am also going to the gym. I don't want to put on weight!! But after an exercise should I take it then or before??...I have read before now, re loosing weight, to have it three hours after last meal and before bed. Unfortunately...I am useless at that one...I love a snack, late at night...so if I was to have the gelatin powder not long after I have consumed food...I think I could put on weight!! so please set me straight. Bottom line..it is working re my osteo arthritis and bonus getting the compliments on looking good!! Again, many thanks for your info. Wishing you and yours the very best. Cheers, Jules
Dennis
Hi. I'm Dennis from South Africa
I'm 76 years old & still quite fit. I do however experience
joint pain.
I' bought some gelatin powder , &
also some empty capsules from the pharmacy.
I am filling each capsule with gelatin.
I will take 2 capsules on an empty stomach first
thing in the morning, then 2 capsules last thing at
night. Any comments ?
Jules
Hi Dennis, so glad to hear you are fit, but not so good to hear you are having joint pain. I am definately no expert on gelatin powder....but I am taking it for my osteo. What I do know is you need a tablespoon twice a day for it to be effective. That is what I am doing and thank the heavens it is working. But if you are relatively fit try your way re two caps twice a day. If it doesn't work then up your dose.. I am still waiting for some clarification on my queries to this web site. Also try and boost your omega 3's...I am using Chia seeds put through a blender with any goodies. Oh and stay away from supermarket bread....way too processed. Best of luck. Jules
Edwina May
Hi Catherine, thank you for this very informative site. I have recently been tested and my gastro has prescribed medical grade digestive enzymes as I am unable to digest fat. I have suffered with diarrhea for several weeks now and need to know if tge hydrolised Collagen Great Lakes green can will be of benefit to me. I have Hashimotos, Celiac disease, mixed connective disease and have been working on these issues for over 20 years without the use of drugs.
Theo
Is either type of gelatin okay to use as a laxative? i am looking to an alternative to the usual psyllium and inulin based fiber supplements. I'm guessing that regular gelatin is better as it is not as easily digested, ie. it passes through the bowel intact. Have you heard of people using it as a laxative?
Catherine
I've never heard of it being used that way. Actually, I think it has the potential to have the opposite effect.
Doris L
Hi Catherine, I do not eat gelatin BUT I take vitamin E gel tabs everyday. The gel part that encapsulates the Vitamin D is made of soybean oil and gelatin and glycerine. Could the daily intake of these gel tabs be contributing to my constipation?
Catherine
Hi Doris,
It could, anything could, but there is probably something larger at play than a gelatin capsule. You can read more about constipation here: https://butternutrition.com/5-ways-to-get-things-moving/
Abundantly,
Catherine
Shai
Hi Catherine, Do you have any suggestions on an alternative to the green great lakes can? I am in the UK and it's becoming a nightmare getting hold of this product! When amazon have it, they double and even quadruple the price- changing it by the day...
Thanks
Greatful Alive
Oh Dear Catherine !! May God Bless you and TY TY TY Ty TY for your article.
male 50 - ordered for 2green can and 2 red can . for joint pains- for past 3 months (since Jan 1st) i used to put 2 t spoons of green can in black tea no sugar first thing in the morning - AND - LATER ON - 2 T spoons Red can in blender mixed w/ fruit juices and alternate days 2 T spoons red can in a handful of oats while cooking it - - and - everyday for the 3 month i would get severe bloating / loud rumbling / cramping in stomach / followed by uncontrollable -explosive bowel movement - then i stopped it all the fruit juice / the oats etc - but i still took the 2 t spoon Green can in plain black tea and then i Noticed none of the Gas/Seismic Activity/Cramps/ Explosions/ 6.9 Richter's bowel movements - None - it all stopped - there finally seemed to be a Truce between the intestines & the Anus -
But i wanted to know what it was ? was it the black tea ? fruits ? juice? oats ? WTF ? until i came across your article - and analyzed ( i would never have ever doubted the GELATIN Red can ) - if it wasn't for your Kind/Well-meaning, Well informed article.
Thank you once again for your Time and Wisdom !!!!
LALA
I contacted NOW foods about their gelatin . it now earned the Kosher seal (which they have been Kosher but did not have the seal.) I would contact them directly about grass fed ; they are pastured fed. ( They will give you some information about grass fed companies,etc. ) I was not impressed with Great Lakes so I am now using Now Foods which can be used with hot or cold liquid. Taste better and no awful smell- at a fraction of the price.
Lala
I no longer use NOW foods gelatin. I switched over to Great Lakes after I found out NOW foods uses a combination of several countries including Asia . They did not want to confirm which countries in Asia.
Mark
Probably India. They've been the largest beef exporter in the world since the 60's. Despite most people believing they would never do so.
Susanna
Thanks very much. I have been using the Green Bottle on days I don't consume bone broth. I'm not 100% but I think the collagen is REALLY upsetting my stomach. I put it in coffee and an hour later....I have to GO! It's been 4-6 weeks. Initially I think it was making me constipated for the first month now it is very much the opposite. I am going to consume less and see if that makes a difference. I thought my body would be used to it by now.
Cam
I can say I'm one of thos people who have experienced bone broth's benefits. I wasn't a fan of the gelatin at first because I was thinking it's fat. But now that I've learned how important it is, I've been enjoying drinking it with Au Bon Broth. I'm liking it so far because of its taste and how it helped me become healthy.
Mccrotchity
Catherine- I can't stop pooping. I blame collagen.
But my nails are long and beautiful.
sumi
I have just started using green can great lakes since I have started I m having really bad headaches. What is the reason? I m taking 2 Spoons in the morning and 2 spoon at night. and per box instructions.. Does anyone have the same issue.?
Julia Pearson
Hi Sumi, You may be taking to much. My understanding and what I take for my osteo arthritis (I was told I would need a hip replacement!!!...not any more!!) is 1 tablespoon in the morning...and if I feel pain coming on I may take another one tablesppon late at night. When I take it in the morning it is after I have eaten something healthy...so not on an empty tummy! I am in Victoria Australia and I purchase an australian brand....but it does gel or could set. so I have it in a glass of apply juice. I thank the heavens for this find!! Hope this is somewhat helpful....You could talk to the people you purchase from, if not on line! a health proff...but it sounds like you having too much....You need to build up to bigger amounts.
ilpmusic
You are taking too much in the beginning stages. I have not eaten beef for over 17 years and it was a hard decision to use beef gelatin. So the first few days my stomach was upset .but I was able to sleep at night without my medication and didn't need that afternoon nap. So I endured it. I also had headaches. It went away after a few days. Everybody is different. I would personally start out with teaspoons instead of tablespoons. Once you build up a tolerance increase it by tablespoons.
SANDRA DOUGHTY
I just posted a content which I don't see appearing yet. I just want to say... Sorry for the typo's. I didn't catch then until after I posted.
Brendan
I bought the green can and have been taking 2 tablespoons/day as recommended. I'm on my fifth day. I feel bloated, lethargic, and even depressed. There have been some benefits, including smoother/clearer skin, hair looks and feels better, and even some stretch marks seem to have faded.
I've also been measuring out Australian tablespoons. I'd forgotten that these are bigger than US tablespoons. Therefore I've actually been taking 2.5 US tablespoons.
I'm going to cut back to 2 teaspoons/day and increase it gradually.
Camila
Hi Good day
I made a big pot of bone broth last week and started drinking a cup in the morning and evening.with grated turmeric and ginger for extra punch. my digestive health has been suffering this week though, is it because of the bone broth. Would appreciate any feedback.
many thanks
Stuart
I use gelatin powder in my coffee, 2 teaspoons in the cup, a little cold water, leave for a minute or two, pour on boiling water and add instant coffee, I take my coffee black, but I suppose you could use milk instead of cold water.
There is no change in the taste, but the coffee feels silky to drink.
Primrose
I intake 1 tsp of Great Lakes collagen hydrolysate yesterday along with bone broth. I had a soft bowel movements and it feels uncomfortable which made me feel like I need more bowel movement. Should I reduce intake the amount down to 1/8 tsp to build up?
Lala
With gelatin or collagen, it is best to take it with a fat, dairy and/or sugar plus a small snack or food.
I just learned from a trainer to take it with a fat.
Bone broth has gelatin in it so for people just starting taking it , it is too much too soon plus it needed some solid food,
When I would take gelatin with chamomile tea to help me sleep, it would hurt my stomach. but once
I started taking it with warm milk and honey plus a small snack, my stomach was fine and i slept better. Everyone is different.
Lala- Taking gelatin/collagen since May 5, 2016-now my 13 year insomnia is cured and free from sleep medication.
ez
Really appreciate your experience and recommendations, Lala. On thinking, bone broth always hadd a high fat content and never had a digestive issue. Collagen in a protein shake, on the other hand, terrible , horrific constipation. Your comment has been very informative. Thank you!
vickie
After the chicken Pox in 2004, I was unable to eat gluten, diary, corn, soy, nuts, fruits and vegetables. I can eat potatoes, rice, meat and fish without pain. I have tried supplements for leaky gut and spent thousands of dollars with other supplements and Doctors but nothing has been able to help.I know I am deficient in nutrients and minerals cause I am exhausted all the time and in pain every day since 2004. I have decided to live with the pain cause no one has been able to help me. I would appreciate any help.
Thanks.
Natalie
It does help tons of people with arthritis or osteoporosis. It helped me So much and I haven't had any side effects at all . When taken as directed and a good quality gelatin; it is a very good supplement . everybody.'s different ..I think this article is a little dramatic.. .. but I guess people with blogs want that what can you do ...
Chris
While I am not speaking for Dr. Peat, but from many of his podcasts I gather the bones especially those of older animals are high in heavy metals. That is one reason he considers egg shells as they are cleanest.
Christina
Oh my gosh.. there just arn't alot of articles out there that tell of the pain that can come on if you eat too much too soon! I started eating Grass Fed Beef Gelatin - adding it to recipes, my shakes, etc., etc., and it's been about a week and I am experiencing horrific IBS symptoms.. more than I ever have before. VERY PAINFUL. I'm pulling back from all gelatin for awhile and then going to SLOWLY ADD IN. omg.. sitting here in work in so much pain from it. Thanks for your informative article.
Casey
Hello Catherine,
I have a question.
I make broth from a whole chicken (minus head and feet) by cooking it in a pressure cooker, though sometimes I cut off the thighs and wings and roast them and then toss the rest with the bones in the cooker. I cook this for about 3 hours until all the cartilage dissolves, and it makes a very gelatinous broth with which I fill around 7 mason jars (around 8-10 oz). I then use this broth for about 9 days to make evening soups for myself, husband and toddler. I know from experience that I become sensitive to gelatin (I don't touch the powder anymore!) when I consume too much, causing severe insomnia, but that a bit of gelatinous broth works wonders for my fragile sleep. I suspect that the same happens to my husband, though we have totally different genetic and nutritional backgrounds. For example this past week I used a jar each evening for a soup and we both have slept increasingly badly.
Here's my question, finally. I believe in consuming the whole animal. But then I don't understand how to explain this insomnia. We consume all the chicken meat much more rapidly than the broth. Why is it that we can handle the muscle meat, or so it seems, but the cartilage is too much? We eat meat once a day at noon (about 100 grams each). It feels wrong and bizarre to throw away some of it.
Catherine
Hi Casey,
I'm a big fan of the philosophy — if it's not working for you, it's working against you.
As to why, you would need more data from testing to know for sure, but for starters a few ideas could be:
-existing imbalances in the body that are being thrown off more by bone broth
-possibility of higher concentration of free glutamate from pressure cooking that you are reacting to
-could be too concentrated and intense for you
Personally, when I make bone broth, I typically cook it until the bones are soft and I can crack them in half, but not until they fully dissolve.
Abundantly,
Catherine
KB
@Casey You could be histamine intolerant. Bone broth is considered high in histamines. The mere fact that it cooks slowly makes it high in histamines. As it ages or sits, histamines increase. I am histamine intolerant and my symptoms are mainly insomnia and labored breathing.
Mark
Good read. I am curious to see a follow up or update now that Great Lakes has added Bone Broth Hydrolysate (the new big white can). Would love any thoughts on this versus your own homemade chicken broth.
Catherine
Hi Mark,
Bone broth is superior because it contains minerals + amino acids. Collagen powder is processed so it's supplying amino acids only.
As far as which is better — it depends on which one works with you and your lifestyle. Most people use collagen because it can easily be mixed into anything and is more flavorless vs. bone broth powders are not as versatile.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Jan
Believe it or not, I have discovered that my greens salad addiction is causing my life long, on and off, constipation.
I started taking collagen powder with my first cup of coffee and was freed from my constipation.
Or so it seems 🤷🤷
JJ
Good article! I took 2 tablespoons of beef gelatin and they made my stomach REALLY hurt... bloating, pain, trots, gas... I get a similar effect from collagen. NO MAS'!!!
Diane
This was such an informative article.
I do have a couple of questions.
1. I sense that my body becomes more inflamed with the green can collagen (and often when eating the awesome local beef we are blessed to purchase)… how do I figure this out? I had my Naturopath muscle test it and she said it was neutral energetically, but commented that she thought I would do better with marine collage. With all the heavy metals, etc., I’m not confident of making that change and it’s so smelly. I’d appreciate your perspective.
2. We get amazing fresh pastured eggs where chickens are supplemented with organic feed from another local farm… could I not use a fresh egg instead of collagen if I were to blend it into my smoothie, OJ, or coffee?
Thanks so much for your thoughtful educational content!
Catherine Crow, NTP
The collagen is optional in recipes, it just adds more protein. If it doesn't work for you it's best to listen to your body and avoid it.