Interactions

Food components can interact with drugs and medication. These interactions may involve single or multiple nutrients, food in general, or the nutritional status of the individual [Boullata et al. 2012]. Possible interactions are also influenced by the dosage form of the drug (e.g., retarded dosage or not), as well as the age and accompanying illnesses of the patient [Boullata (ed.) 2010]. The simultaneous intake of drugs with food can limit or increase the bioavailability of a drug, such as certain antibiotics together with dairy products or lipid-soluble substances together with high-fat meal, respectively [Won et al. 2012]. Many interactions can be avoided by taking food and drugs separately. It is, therefore, important to follow the given advice for drug use, i.e., whether the drug should be taken before, after, or with a meal, and which food should be avoided. These instructions are found in the package leaflet in “How to use” or “Important instructions”.

Some foods may influence drug effects through biochemical mechanisms [Won et al. 2012]. The weakening of the anticoagulant effect of vitamin K-rich food by the drugs phenprocoumon or warfarin, both of which are vitamin K antagonists, is one of the well-known examples. Some foods affect the bioavailability and metabolism of drugs leading to overdosing (e.g., grapefruit juice combined with lipid-lowering agents) or insufficient (e.g., St. John’s wort combined with digoxin) [Mouly et al. 2017]. A delayed intake is usually not sufficient to avoid these interactions. You can find all information on possible interactions in the patient leaflet in the section “Interactions”.

Possible Interactions of Bioactive Collagen Peptides

No interactions of Bioactive Collagen Peptides with drugs are known so far.

When used as food supplements, they have similar properties like protein. Studies with artificially fed patients showed that the drug phenytoin closely binds to protein or protein hydrolysates, which hampers its absorption by the body [Mouly et al. 2017]. A delayed intake of several hours is recommended of both substances here.

In rare cases, a deficiency of carnitine may occur with valproic acid medications, which can lead to decreased ammonium detoxification in the urea cycle. A diet rich in protein can lead to increased ammonium in the blood, resulting in similar side effects [Boullata et al. (ed.) 2010]. Patients taking valproic acid should first talk to their physician before taking supplementary proteins.

A high-protein diet can also influence the effects of the drug levodopa. Again, patients should talk to their doctor in advance [Boullata (ed.) 2010].

On the other hand, no interactions of bioactive collagen peptides via the transport system (Pept1) are expected. Certainly, Pept1 is involved in the absorption of di- and tripeptides from the intestine into the body and promotes the intake of some drugs (e.g., antibiotics, ACE inhibitors, valsartan) or is inhibited by others (e.g., valaciclovir, ibuprofen). However, it is  highly expressed in the intestinal tract, and the impact of collagen peptides is supposed to be clinically insignificant [Pak et al. 2017].

How to Avoid Interactions

Read all instructions for use given in the patient leaflet provided with the medicinal products you are supposed to take. Do not skip the information on its use, e.g., whether the medicinal product should be taken before, after or with a meal.

Avoid taking both Bioactive Collagen Peptides and your medication simultaneously, i.e., choose different times for taking Bioactive Collagen Peptides and your medication.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice about possible interactions. This is particularly important for people who take several medicines or drugs with a narrow therapeutic range, for people of advancing age or those with serious diseases, and for patients who are treated with immunosuppressants.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist if the therapeutic effect of a drug is different from what was expected. Indicate all medications and preparations, or food you ingested, as even supposedly harmless products, such as fruit juice, tea, spices, alcoholic beverages, and mineral and vitamin preparations, can lead to interactions.

Last update: February 2023