Understanding the Ingredients: What's in My Way Up Collagen?
My Way Up Collagen Restore is not a standard, single-ingredient collagen supplement. Its formula includes a unique blend of ingredients, each contributing to its overall effect and safety profile. The primary components are:
- Collagen Peptides: Sourced from grass-fed, Australian bovine, these peptides are hydrolyzed to a very small size for maximum absorption. While collagen is generally well-tolerated, the source can matter for those with certain allergies.
- Bimuno® GOS: This is a branded, scientifically-backed prebiotic that works to feed beneficial bacteria in the gut. While it is designed to improve digestive health, some individuals may experience temporary gastrointestinal adjustment symptoms when starting a new prebiotic, such as mild gas or bloating. The ingredient is low in lactose and milk protein-free.
- Organic Bamboo Silica: This natural ingredient helps support the strength of connective tissues, hair, and nails. It is generally considered safe and is not typically associated with side effects, but it is important to note its presence for those with sensitivity to any component.
- Zinc Gluconate: An essential mineral for skin and immunity. Excessive zinc intake can cause side effects, but the amount in this supplement is formulated to be safe within the recommended dosage.
Potential Side Effects of My Way Up Collagen
Because of its multi-ingredient formula, potential side effects can arise from the collagen peptides themselves or from the additional components. It is important to distinguish between general collagen side effects and those specific to the My Way Up product.
General Collagen-Related Side Effects
Though rare and typically mild, some people may experience side effects from collagen supplements in general. These include:
- Digestive Discomfort: This can manifest as an upset stomach, bloating, or diarrhea, particularly if a supplement is not fully hydrolyzed or if you have a sensitive digestive system.
- Unpleasant Taste: Unflavored collagen can sometimes have a faint taste, though My Way Up claims its product is taste and smell-free.
- Allergic Reactions: As the collagen is bovine-sourced, individuals with specific allergies to beef should exercise caution. Rare but serious allergic reactions can occur with any supplement.
My Way Up Specific Side Effects
- Initial Digestive Adjustment: My Way Up’s inclusion of Bimuno® GOS, a powerful prebiotic, means some users may experience an initial period of adjustment. This can involve mild gas or bloating as your gut microbiome shifts. Most users, however, report a reduction in bloating rather than an increase.
- Skin Changes: While the goal is improved skin, some individuals, in rare cases, have reported skin changes like rashes or breakouts when starting a collagen supplement. This can sometimes be related to additives in other brands, but monitoring is still wise.
Comparison of My Way Up vs. Generic Collagen Side Effects
| Side Effect | Generic Collagen | My Way Up Collagen (Collagen Restore™) |
|---|---|---|
| Digestive Issues | Can cause bloating, gas, upset stomach, or diarrhea due to poor absorption or large peptide size. | Some users may experience temporary mild bloating or gas as the gut adjusts to the Bimuno® GOS prebiotic. The highly absorbent peptides are designed to minimize this. |
| Sourcing-Related Allergies | Depends on the source (marine, bovine, etc.). Potential for allergic reaction to specific animal protein. | Bovine-sourced (grass-fed). Individuals with beef allergies should avoid. Tested for heavy metals. |
| Taste | Can have a faint aftertaste if unflavored. | Claims to be tasteless and odorless, mixing easily into liquids. |
| Added Ingredients | Often contains a single type of collagen or undisclosed fillers. | Clearly lists high-purity collagen peptides, Bimuno® GOS, organic bamboo silica, and zinc gluconate. |
| Overall Tolerance | Generally well-tolerated, with mild symptoms being most common. | Generally well-tolerated. Some users report an adjustment period for the prebiotic. Most users report positive gut changes. |
Minimizing Side Effects and Ensuring Safety
To minimize the risk of side effects from My Way Up collagen, it's essential to follow the recommended dosage and listen to your body. Here are some steps you can take:
- Start with a Lower Dose: If you are new to prebiotics or collagen supplements, consider starting with a smaller dose than recommended to allow your body to adjust gradually.
- Take with Food: For those with a sensitive stomach, taking the supplement with a meal can help ease any potential digestive discomfort.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is crucial for overall digestive health and can assist the body in processing new supplements.
- Check for Allergies: Before starting, confirm you don't have an allergy to bovine products. If you have a fish or shellfish allergy, My Way Up offers marine collagen peptides as an alternative option.
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: Always consult a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your routine, especially if you have existing health conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking other medications.
The Role of Bimuno® GOS in Side Effects
The presence of Bimuno® GOS, a galactooligosaccharide, is a key differentiator in My Way Up's formula. Unlike some other prebiotics that can cause significant digestive distress, Bimuno® is often well-tolerated. Its purpose is to selectively feed beneficial gut bacteria, promoting gut health and reducing issues like bloating and constipation in the long run. For most people, any initial adjustment symptoms are mild and temporary. This gut-centric approach is intended to mitigate some of the common digestive side effects often associated with standard collagen powder, which can sometimes be poorly absorbed and cause gastrointestinal upset. The positive gut outcomes reported by many users suggest that for many, the benefits outweigh the initial mild adjustment period.
Conclusion
While all supplements carry some risk of side effects, My Way Up collagen, particularly the Collagen Restore™ formula, is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. The most common issues are mild, temporary digestive adjustments associated with the Bimuno® GOS prebiotic, which typically subside as the gut adapts. Rare allergic reactions linked to the bovine source are possible for sensitive individuals. The product's high-purity, highly absorbent peptides and careful formulation aim to minimize the side effects often seen with generic collagen. By starting with a conservative dose and consulting a healthcare provider, users can safely assess their tolerance while pursuing the supplement's reported skin, hair, and gut health benefits.
Visit My Way Up to learn more about their Collagen Restore product.