Supplements, Part 1: elasticity, injury, and pain reduction in EDS and HSD

To help us answer the question whether supplements help, we first need to review some key features of EDS.

Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) occur as a result of genetic alterations of the mechanical integrity of connective tissue proteins and enzymes such as the triple helix that forms fibrillary collagen. Fibrillary collagen is present in connective tissue throughout the body including joints, ligaments, skin, tendons, blood vessels and GI tract. Genes provide the instructions for enzymes and building proteins including collagen.  When a genetic mutation or “variant” is present, it can alter the final protein or enzyme that is produced, thereby affecting the way it functions in the body. This altered function can present in a variety of symptoms experienced amongst EDS and HSD patients. There are 13 named subtypes of EDS, each with a genetic variant that has been identified, apart from the most common type – hEDS. HSD also does not have an identified genetic variant contributing to its cause. The symptoms of EDS and HSD can then vary dramatically in prevalence and severity. In addition, there are a variety of co-conditions that may be present contributing to the overall complexity of symptoms of EDS/HSD, including systems involving neurological, mucocutaneus, cardiovascular (including autonomic), immunological or mast cell disorders and fatigue. With this information, it is easy to understand why many patients would ask: “will taking supplemental collagen help me?”  Stay tuned for the next post when we dive deeper into the topic of collagen. If you have tried supplements that helped, please share in the comments!

Author: Lisa Mejia, RDN, LDN