The Collagen Conundrum

 

If you’re the parent of a child on the autism spectrum or managing conditions like PANDAS or PANS, you’ve probably tried various approaches to support their health—special diets, supplements, and everything in between. One supplement that’s been gaining attention is collagen.

Now, you may have heard that collagen is great for joints, skin, and gut health, but there’s more to it than that. And as with most supplements, not all collagen is created equal. If your child is sensitive to oxalates, glutamates, or histamine, picking the right type is essential.

There’s another little wrinkle: collagen lacks tryptophan, an amino acid crucial for regulating mood, sleep, and digestion. This matters because children on the autism spectrum, PANDAS, or PANS, often struggle with these exact areas.

Let’s break down the key things to consider before choosing collagen.

 

 

The Role of Oxalates, Glutamates, and Histamine

• Oxalates: These compounds, found in certain foods, can accumulate in children with compromised detox pathways (common in autism and PANDAS). Imagine oxalates as tiny sponges that soak up calcium. Too many of them can form kidney stones or cause joint pain, gut irritation, aggression, anxiety, urinary frequency, and in extreme cases, kidney stones.
• Glutamates: A neurotransmitter that helps brain function, but when it’s too high, it’s like giving the brain an espresso shot. For some children, this can trigger anxiety, hyperactivity, or mood swings.
• Histamine: Known for causing allergic reactions, histamine can also trigger headaches, hives, or digestive upset in children sensitive to it. Some collagen sources are higher in histamine, which could make these issues worse.

 

 

What Is Collagen, and Why Does It Matter?

Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein, acting like scaffolding for your skin, joints, bones, and gut lining. But not all collagen is the same—there are different types, and understanding these can help you choose the right one for your child.

Here’s a quick look at the main types:

• Type I Collagen: Great for skin elasticity and bone strength.
  • Source: Bovine or marine collagen.
• Type II Collagen: Ideal for joint health, as it cushions the cartilage.
  • Source: Chicken collagen (often found as UC-II).
• Type III Collagen: Supports muscles, skin, blood vessels, and the gut lining, often working alongside Type I.
  • Source: Bovine collagen.
• Type IV Collagen: Plays a role in wound healing and tissue repair.
  • Source: Bovine collagen.
• Type V Collagen: Helps support hair, cell structure, and tissue repair.
  • Source: Found in multi-collagen blends from bovine or eggshell membranes.

 

 

The Missing Piece: Why Tryptophan Is Important

Collagen is rich in amino acids, but it’s missing tryptophan, which is vital for making serotonin—the neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and digestion. Serotonin imbalances can make things like sleep issues, mood swings, and anxiety worse for children on the autism spectrum, , PANDAS, or PANS.

To make up for the lack of tryptophan, include tryptophan-rich foods in your child’s diet. For every 5 grams of collagen, aim to pair it with 50-100 mg of tryptophan from sources like:

• Turkey or chicken: 50g of turkey provides around 120mg of tryptophan.
• Eggs: Two eggs offer about 90mg of tryptophan.
• Dairy: A glass of milk or a slice of cheese gives you 50-90mg of tryptophan.

If you’re concerned your child isn’t getting enough tryptophan, consider a supplement (around 250-500 mg/day), but check with your healthcare provider first.

 

 

Glutamate Sensitivity: What to Watch For

Children sensitive to glutamates should be cautious with hydrolysed collagen, as the breakdown process can release free glutamate, which may overstimulate the brain.

What to Do: Opt for undenatured collagen (like UC-II), which keeps its natural structure intact and is less likely to cause glutamate-related issues. As a bonus, UC-II is excellent for joint health, and only 40 mg/day is needed to see results. This may seem like a low dose, but the data supports its benefits at this level.

 

 

Oxalates: A Sneaky Source of Trouble

Collagen contains hydroxyproline, an amino acid that can convert into oxalates in the body. In children with compromised detox pathways, high oxalate levels can lead to joint pain, gut irritation, or kidney stones.

What to Do: Stick to moderate doses—around 2.5 to 5 grams/day—and consider adding calcium citrate to your child’s diet. Calcium binds oxalates in the gut, reducing their absorption.

 

 

Histamine Intolerance: Know Your Collagen Sources

For children with histamine intolerance, collagen (particularly marine and bone broth collagen) can be problematic, as the long cooking times tend to increase histamine levels.

What to Do: Stick to bovine-sourced collagen peptides, which are generally lower in histamine. If bone broth causes problems, avoid it, as it tends to be higher in histamine.

 

 

Homemade Bone Broth: A Natural Collagen Source

For a natural collagen source, homemade bone broth can be a great option. However, not all bone broth contains the same types of collagen, so it’s important to choose the right bones depending on your child’s needs. Beef bones are rich in Type I and III collagen, which are beneficial for gut health, skin, and bones, while chicken bones are excellent for providing Type II collagen, ideal for joint support.

But, if histamine is an issue, watch the cooking time, as longer cooking can increase histamine levels. Alternatively, you can start with a meat broth, which tends to have a lower histamine load. While the collagen benefits might be less, it’s a gentler option to begin with, and you can build up from there. For a great recipe, check out [my meat broth recipe here.

Here’s a quick guide to the best bones for collagen:

• Beef bones: Marrow bones and knuckles take longer to cook (around 24 hours) but yield 8-10g of collagen per cup.
• Chicken bones: Chicken feet, in particular, are rich in Type II collagen, cooking in 12 hours and yielding 5-8g of collagen per cup.
• Fish bones: Cook in 4-6 hours and offer 3-5g of collagen per cup.

To boost nutrient extraction, add a splash of apple cider vinegar (1-2 tablespoons per 4 litres of water). This helps release minerals like calcium and magnesium from the bones into the broth. If histamine is a concern, shorter cooking times or collagen supplements are better options.

 

 

Collagen vs. Gelatine: Understanding the Difference

Collagen and gelatine come from the same source, but gelatine is what happens when collagen is cooked for long periods. It’s useful for thickening liquids but can release more free glutamate, which may overstimulate sensitive children.

Collagen peptides, on the other hand, dissolve easily in drinks and don’t release as much glutamate, making them a gentler option for children sensitive to excitotoxins like glutamate.

 

 

Which Collagen Type Is Best for Your Child?

• Type II Collagen for Joint Health: Ideal for children with joint pain or inflammation.
  • Source: Undenatured chicken collagen (UC-II).
  • Dosage: 40 mg/day.
• Type I and III Collagen for Gut, Skin, and Bone Health: Best for supporting gut health, skin elasticity, and bone strength.
  • Source: Bovine collagen peptides.
  • Dosage: Start with 2.5 grams/day.
• Type IV and V Collagen for Wound Healing: Helps promote tissue repair and regeneration.
  • Source: Multi-collagen blends from bovine sources or eggshell membranes.
  • Dosage: 2-5 grams/day.

 

 

Conclusion: Tailoring Collagen to Your Child’s Needs

Collagen can be a powerful tool to support your child’s health, but choosing the right type is key—especially if they’re sensitive to oxalates, glutamates, or histamine. By understanding these sensitivities, you can make the best choice for your child’s needs and avoid any unwanted side effects.

 

IMPORTANT

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is crucial to consult with medical doctors or qualified functional medicine practitioners to address specific health concerns and obtain personalised guidance tailored to individual needs. Never add any supplements to your plan until it has been assessed and approved by your medical doctor or a suitable qualified practitioner who is familiar with your health history. 

Concerned about your child’s health? We’d love to have a chat with you. 

Click the link here to book your Free Discovery Call.

 

References

Proksch, E., Schunck, M., Zague, V., Segger, D., Degwert, J., Oesser, S. (2014). Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides improves skin elasticity and has a positive impact on dermal collagen matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 27(1), 47–55.

Lugo, J. P., Saiyed, Z. M., Lane, N. E., Efficacy and tolerability of an undenatured type II collagen supplement in modulating knee osteoarthritis symptoms: A multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.(2016). Nutrition Journal, 15(1), 14.

Hoffer, A., Prousky, J. (2003). Histamine and histamine intolerance. Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, 18(4), 269-272.

Blaylock, R. L. (2007). Excitotoxins: The taste that kills. Health Press.

Rohner, F., Zimmermann, M. B., Wegmüller, R., Tschannen, A. B., Hurrell, R. F. (2007). Mild riboflavin deficiency is highly prevalent and reduces hemoglobin and serum ferritin in young children in Bangladesh. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85(4), 1055-1061.

Williams, H. E., Wandzilak, T. R. (1989). Oxalate synthesis, transport, and the hyperoxaluric syndromes. Journal of Urology, 141(3), 742-748.

Huang, W. C., Dai, Y. W., Wang, T. S., Lee, T. Y., Lin, W. S., Yang, C. J., Wu, W. L. (2015). Serotonin levels in autism spectrum disorder children with and without chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 61(1), 72-78. https://doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0000000000000732