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Collagen for Leaky Gut

Scientists and physicians have yet to pinpoint the causes of leaky gut syndrome, which has symptoms including gas, bloating, chronic diarrhea or constipation, skin problems, joint pain, and a host of other difficulties. What is known is that the leaky gut develops after the lining of the intestinal wall becomes compromised.


The “leak” in the gut lining allows toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Even worse, the unpleasant symptoms of leaky gut may signal a host of diseases including irritable bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, liver disease, and others.

infographic comparing a normal gut and a leaky gut, which allows toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream - collagen can help ease the symptoms of leaky gut, as well as stop the breakdown of the intestinal lining

The positive side to this is that researchers continue to explore gut health, including the mystery of the relationship between leaky gut and certain diseases, such as diabetes. As of this writing (January 2021), it is unknown if leaky gut is a symptom or cause of such conditions. It is known leaky gut is connected to genetics, stress, excessive alcohol use, antibiotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug medications (NSAIDS).


Researchers are also looking into ways to ease some of the symptoms and, perhaps, stop the breakdown of the intestinal lining. One key finding was that collagen peptides may address both issues (the symptoms and the lining). Plus, some researchers found that collagen may ease inflammation in the gut that then leads to fatigue, constipation, and more. Still, the research findings about leaky gut aren’t definitive, and scientists note more research needs to be conducted.


There is relief for those with leaky gut syndrome, however, in the form of collagen, the most common protein in the human body.

Benefits of Collagen


Collagen benefits your nails, hair, skin, cartilage, bones, and connective tissue

Collagen is often praised for its effectiveness in relieving joint pain from different afflictions including osteoarthritis (which it does by strengthening bones), and in improving heart health. You may have heard about the benefits of collagen injections, including an increase in skin hydration, as well as a reduction in wrinkles and other signs of aging.


What you may not know is that collagen is a key part of connective tissue and that it makes up to 35 percent of the protein in the human body. There are various types of collagen in our bodies, and some are stronger than steel. Others protect organs, including the kidneys.


There are many ways to help increase collagen in the body, which is necessary because smoking, sunlight, and aging are among the factors that rob your body of collagen. You can encourage collagen production by eating protein-rich foods, including eggs, chicken, beans, fish, bone broth, and dairy. However, those with leaky gut may not have the appetites to eat many of the protein-rich foods that trigger collagen production.

Collagen for Leaky Gut Syndrome


silhouette with graphic of the intestines - showing both good and bad bacteria  - collagen can help promote the good bacteria in your gut

Many of those with leaky gut know that it’s often best to avoid certain foods that trigger the symptoms. Those foods include grains with gluten, processed meat, baked goods, dairy, refined oils, sauces, and artificial sweeteners. There are many foods that you want to make sure to include in your diet for various health reasons—like improving the production of collagen.


Your body makes collagen by combining amino acids with nutrients from particular foods including, those high in vitamin C, zinc, and copper. Citrus fruits, broccoli, green and red bell peppers, greens, and tomatoes are some of the best choices to make to ensure you have those vitamins. The nutrients in those foods combine with amino acids—specifically glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline—to begin collagen production.

Again, some people who experienced leaky gut may not eat those foods for fear of triggering symptoms or perhaps interfering with prescription medications. That’s a genuine concern for many. Those who experience leaky gut may also have celiac’s disease, type 1 diabetes, and other chronic ailments, note medical experts.

How Collagen Peptides Can Help

So, how do you treat leaky gut with collagen if some of the foods that enhance its production trigger your symptoms or conflict with your prescribed medications? Many people turn to high-quality collagen peptide powders and supplements. One such example is Brightcore’s Revive®, which is made of ingredients from grass-fed cows, free-range chickens, and wild-caught Atlantic cod. Collagen supplements like these are easy to digest and boost the collagen in your body.


Collagen is both safe and effective. Scientists studied the intestinal barriers that play a role in IBD and multiple organ failures and found Alaska pollock skin-derived collagen offered multiple health benefits. Researchers in a separate study underscored that collagen peptides are an easily digestible, effective way to increase collagen protein in the human body. Another set of scientists published a study that showed how peptides can help rebuild a damaged intestinal epithelial barrier.

colorful variety of healthy foods around a chalkboard sign that reads "collagen"

Not All Collagen Supplements Are The Same

blue gloved hands scooping out a spoonful of collagen powder from the jar.

All collagen peptides aren’t produced the same way, however, so it’s important to choose carefully. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements as it does medications. That means the industry is charged with following guidelines without strict oversight. There’s no guarantee that a company produces supplements following any industry standards. Consistency may also be uneven among batches.


Remember that it’s always better to choose food first instead of supplements. While supplements can and do boost health, food is the first step forward for any type of nutrition.

Tips for Choosing a Collagen Supplement

When you choose a collagen supplement, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. 


Here are some best practices to follow:

  • It’s always a good idea to look for companies that create their collagen from cage-free, free-range, and antibiotic-free sources.

  • Read the product’s label. You will find the ingredients are listed with the most predominant one first and then in descending order.

  • Look to make sure that the supplement does not contain fillers, binders, sweeteners, or preservatives. Commonly used additives include cellulose, gelatin, soybean oil, citric acid, and stearic acid.

  • Even though it seems like an obvious step, read the customers’ reviews on the website, and on other sites. You can do that by doing a web search on the product’s name.

  • Call the company. If you don’t see the information you want, call the company, and ask questions.

  • Talk to your doctor or health care practitioner about what supplement you choose.

a spoon of collagen powder being added to a glass of orange juice

A High-Quality Collagen Supplement

Brightcore’s Revive® is a high-quality multi-collagen protein powder on the market. It’s created from wild-caught fish, cage-free chickens, grass-fed hydrolyzed bovine, and egg shell. It’s also infused with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Plus it’s free of GMO, dairy, soybean, fillers, artificial binders, and colors. It’s tasteless, too, so it’s easy to work into your diet as you work to alleviate the symptoms of leaky gut.

outlines of different vital human organs filled with healthy foods - representing the high quality of ingredients in our multi-collagen protein powder


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