Should you take collagen while on Mounjaro?

Jump to: Safety considerations | Potential benefits | How to supplement effectively | Take home message

You can safely take collagen supplements while using Mounjaro (tirzepatide).

There are currently no known direct interactions between collagen supplements and Mounjaro based on available research.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, making up about 30% of its total content.

It provides structure to your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Think of collagen as the ‘scaffolding’ or framework that holds your tissues together, giving them strength and elasticity.

Collagen supplements may offer complementary benefits for people losing weight on Mounjaro, particularly for supporting skin elasticity, joint health, and helping preserve muscle mass during weight loss.

Studies have also shown that collagen may directly benefit weight loss due to its ability to lower hunger.

However, it’s worth considering whether you genuinely need collagen supplementation, as a protein-rich diet and other whole foods may provide sufficient support for most people.

If you do choose to supplement, timing your collagen intake on different days from your Mounjaro injection may optimise absorption.

Safety considerations

Safety should be our primary concern when considering combining collagen supplements with Mounjaro.

Interaction profile

There are no known direct interactions between collagen supplements and Mounjaro, and collagen is not known to interfere with its mechanism of action.

While collagen supplements are generally well-tolerated, they can occasionally cause mild digestive symptoms like bloating or constipation in some individuals.

Since Mounjaro can also cause gastrointestinal side effects, avoiding taking collagen on the day of your Mounjaro injection is recommended.

Who should be cautious

Though generally safe, certain groups should exercise additional caution or consult healthcare providers before combining collagen with Mounjaro:

• People with kidney or liver conditions, as excess protein intake may increase the workload on these organs
• Those with allergies to specific collagen sources (marine, bovine, or chicken)
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as safety data is limited
• Individuals taking multiple medications or with complex health conditions

We’d recommend informing your healthcare provider about all supplements you’re taking, including collagen, to ensure oversight of your treatment.

Potential benefits

Taking collagen while on Mounjaro may offer several complementary benefits that address specific concerns related to weight loss.

Supporting skin elasticity

Rapid weight loss, common with Mounjaro treatment (averaging 15-20% of body weight within a year), can sometimes lead to skin laxity or sagging.

Clinical research shows collagen supplementation may help improve skin elasticity and hydration.

In multiple studies, a daily dose of 2.5-10g of collagen peptides has been associated with increased skin firmness and reduced wrinkle depth.

For those concerned about skin changes during weight loss, collagen may provide additional support alongside adequate hydration and a diet based on whole foods.

Joint and bone health

Weight loss can sometimes trigger temporary joint discomfort as our body adjusts to carrying less weight.

Collagen makes up a significant portion of our joint cartilage and bone matrix.

Studies suggest collagen supplementation may help reduce joint pain in some people, particularly those with osteoarthritis. Clinical trials have shown beneficial effects at doses of 10g daily.

This could be particularly relevant for individuals using Mounjaro who have pre-existing joint concerns or who are increasing physical activity as part of their lifestyle.

Preserving muscle mass

Preserving muscle mass during weight loss is crucial for long-term health and physical function.

While collagen is not a complete protein (it lacks specific essential amino acids), it can contribute to overall protein intake.

Evidence suggests that collagen supplementation, particularly when combined with resistance exercise, may help support muscle mass maintenance.

The amino acid glycine, abundant in collagen, plays a role in creatine synthesis, which supports muscle function.

For Mounjaro users concerned about preserving muscle during weight loss, collagen may be a useful addition to a whole food diet that includes adequate protein sources in every meal.

How to supplement effectively

If you decide to take collagen while using Mounjaro, these guidelines can help you maximise benefits and minimise potential issues.

Choosing the right collagen

The collagen supplement market offers multiple options, each with different properties:

• Type I collagen: Most abundant in the body and primarily beneficial for skin, hair, nails, and bones
• Type II collagen: Concentrated in cartilage and potentially helpful for joint health
• Type III collagen: Found in skin, blood vessels, and internal organs

Most commercial collagen supplements contain primarily Type I, or a blend of Types I and III. For joint-specific concerns, look for products containing Type II collagen.

In terms of source, collagen supplements typically come from:

• Marine sources (fish skin and scales)
• Bovine sources (cow hides)
• Chicken sources (primarily for Type II collagen)
• Vegan options are also available

Choose based on your dietary preferences and any specific allergies you might have.

Timing and dosage

To optimise collagen supplementation while on Mounjaro:

• Dosage: Research suggests 2.5-15g daily is effective for most health benefits. Start with a lower dose and increase gradually if needed.
• Timing: Take collagen supplements from your Mounjaro injection on different days to avoid potential absorption issues.
• With meals: Consume collagen with a meal to improve absorption, particularly one containing vitamin C, which supports collagen synthesis.
• Consistency: Benefits from collagen typically develop over 8-12 weeks of consistent use.

Food-first approach

Rather than relying solely on supplements, focus on a nutrient-rich diet that naturally supports collagen production:

• Protein-rich foods: Meat, fish, eggs, dairy, tofu, and legumes
• Vitamin C sources: Berries, peppers, leafy greens, and citrus fruits
• Minerals: Zinc (seafood, meat, nuts) and copper (shellfish, nuts, seeds)
• Bone broth: Contains naturally occurring collagen and other beneficial compounds

If you’re unsure what a balanced diet based on whole foods looks like, the Second Nature balanced plate model is a good place to start.

We should always prioritise a diet based on whole foods to nourish our body and mind with everything we need.

Supplements like collagen can complement our intake but shouldn’t be considered a replacement for a healthy diet.

Take home message

You can safely take collagen supplements while using Mounjaro, and they may offer complementary benefits for skin elasticity, joint health, and muscle preservation during weight loss.

However, supplements should complement, not replace, a balanced diet rich in whole foods.

Focus first on consuming adequate protein and nutrients through your diet, and consider collagen as an additional support if you have specific concerns about skin, joints, or muscle preservation.

We recommend informing your healthcare provider about your supplement regimen, particularly if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking multiple medications.

Second Nature’s medication programme

Second Nature provides Mounjaro as part of our Mounjaro weight-loss programme.

Why should you choose Second Nature over other providers, assuming you’re eligible?

For peace of mind.

Second Nature has worked with the NHS for over 6 years, providing weight-loss programmes across the UK.

While our Mounjaro weight-loss programme is private and not currently used by the NHS, we’ve built the programme focusing on scientific evidence, patient safety, and data security.

We hope that our 6+ years of working with the NHS and building a track record of effective weight-loss results will give you peace of mind to give us a try.