Collagen supplements have become a popular way to improve overall health, but are they safe during breastfeeding or pregnancy? For pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers who aren’t meeting their nutritional needs through food, a daily multivitamin or prenatal vitamin is often recommended.
There is limited research on the safety of collagen supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it’s best to avoid taking them until more is known. However, most healthcare professionals agree that collagen supplements are likely safe while pregnant or breastfeeding, as long as they are taken in moderation. Collagen supplements are not regulated by the FDA. If you want to be safe it’s best to wait until after you’ve weaned and stopped breastfeeding before taking collagen supplements.
We’ll explore the safety of collagen supplements during breastfeeding in more detail below and provide advice for mothers who are considering taking them.
What is collagen and what are its benefits?
Collagen is a protein that is found naturally in the body with a lot of benefits. Collagen is a protein, and proteins are broken down into individual amino acids during digestion. Some amino acids are essential—meaning that they can’t be made by the body and must come from food sources—while others are not.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough of all the essential amino acids, including those that come from collagen-containing foods.
Collagen helps make up the connective tissues in the body. It plays an important role in wound healing, and it’s also needed for the growth and maintenance of bones, muscles, skin, hair, and nails.
You reach your peak amount of collagen in your body around 20 years of age, and after that, you lose around 1% of collagen each year as you age.
There are 28 types of collagen but the most common ones are:
- Type I: The most common collagen type found in all of your connective body tissue is Type I.
- Type ll: Type II collagen is a kind of protein that is found in joints and intervertebral discs (the shock-absorbing cushions of your spine)
- Type lll: Type III collagen is the main component of reticular fibers, which are found in your skin and blood vessels. Reticular fibers are strong and help keep your skin looking good and your blood vessels working well.
- Type lV: Type IV collagen is a component of your kidneys, inner ear, and eye lens. It helps keep these organs healthy and functioning properly.
A lack of collagen can lead to a variety of health problems, so it’s important for breastfeeding mothers to ensure they’re getting enough collagen in their diet.
List of collagen benefits:
- Better Bone Health: Breast milk is high in calcium, an essential mineral for a growing infant’s bones and teeth. To satisfy the rise in demand for calcium, a woman’s body may resort to bone resorption as a last resort resulting in bone loss. Calcium stored in her skeleton is drawn out and transferred to her breast milk during this process. Taking collagen supplements might help keep your bones healthy and strong. This could prevent you from developing brittle bones and osteoporosis later on in life.
- Stronger Hair and Nails: Hormones levels fluctuate during pregnancy and lactation. These fluctuations can cause a woman’s hair to fall out after giving birth, as well as her nails becoming brittle and fragile. Collagen is an important part of having stronger nails and hair. A diet with supplemental collagen can help make both stronger and more resistant to breaking.
- Improved Skin Elasticity and Smoothness: Stretch marks are caused by the skin being stretched too much. This can happen when a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding. Collagen is a protein that helps stimulate new skin cell growth and can help your skin return to its original shape. Collagen may also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
- Help with the digestive system: Collagen supplements are also sometimes used as a natural remedy for digestive issues, such as leaky gut syndrome.
- May improve heart health: Adding collagen to your coffee might be good for your heart, too. Some researchers think that collagen might help to keep blood vessel walls strong, which could reduce the risk of artery disease. In May 2017, a small uncontrolled open-label study appeared in the Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis, investigating 32 people who took collagen tripeptides twice a day for six months. The study found that cholesterol and stiffness measures improved, suggesting that fatty deposits were accumulating in the arteries.
- May relieve joint pain: Collagen supplements may help relieve joint pain. A study published in Frontiers in Physiology in 2016 found that collagen peptides could reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as pain and stiffness.
How does collagen help during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, but it can be very demanding on the body. The body adapts in surprising ways to help support the developing baby. A lot of nutrients are required during both pregnancy and breastfeeding.
If the amount of a required nutrient in the body is insufficient, it’s mum who suffers because she has to go without, therefore it’s critical to consume a diet that provides all the nutrients needed. collagen is an important nutrient for both mother and baby during these times.
Collagen is likely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding because and it helps with milk production. Collagen is a protein that helps to rebuild tissues and can help increase the flow of breast milk. Overall protein is of greatest importance, but there are specific ways that collagen intake may help support women’s health during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Women also report experiencing hair loss, dry skin, and joint pain. This is of prime interest during pregnancy as hormone and micronutrient shifts can lead to dry skin/hair, as well as hair loss, in the later stages of pregnancy and up to a year postpartum.
Collagen is an important nutrient for nursing mothers, and taking supplemental collagen can help to ensure that you are getting enough collagen in your diet.
Collagen plays an important role in the production of breast milk, and taking a collagen supplement can help ensure that you are getting enough collagen in your diet while breastfeeding.
Hydrolyzed Collagen supplementation provides nutrients needed to produce an abundant milk supply while also supporting the health and vitality of both mother and child. Collagen supplements are generally considered safe for nursing mothers, but it is always best to check with a doctor or healthcare professional before starting any new supplement to make sure it’s safe for you and your baby.
Risks associated with taking collagen while breastfeeding or pregnant
There is not a lot of research on the safety of taking collagen supplements while breastfeeding and pregnant, so it’s possibly best to avoid them until more is known.
However, most health practitioners agree with the risks associated with taking collagen while pregnant or breastfeeding being low, as long as the collagen is derived from a safe and natural source and taken within the safe prescribed daily amount.
In fact, collagen supplements can be a great way to help nursing mothers recover from the physical strain of childbirth and to increase milk production.
In 2014, in a University of Kiel study in Germany, of 69 women aged 35 to 55, those who took 2.5 or 5 grams of collagen each day for 8 weeks experienced considerably enhanced elasticity of skin when compared with those who did not take it.
Collagen is a protein, and proteins are broken down into their constituent amino acids in the body. Some amino acids are essential, meaning that the human body cannot make them and they must be obtained from food), and others are not essential.
The essential amino acids can be used to make new proteins, including collagen. However, there is also a chance that some of the collagen could be passed on to the baby in breast milk. So it’s possible that consuming collagen while breastfeeding could provide some beneficial nutrients to the baby.
But since we don’t yet know what effects collagen might have on infants, it’s best to consider avoiding collagen supplements while breastfeeding. If you’re considering taking collagen supplements postpartum while breastfeeding, it’s speak with a doctor or other healthcare professional first to make sure they’re safe for you and your baby.
Are collagen supplements safe during breastfeeding and pregnancy?
As collagen is a protein, it is unlikely that it will pass into the breastmilk in large amounts. However, there is still some uncertainty about the safety of collagen supplements, as not much research has been conducted on their effects.
Hydrolyzed collagen supplements are also easy to digest and absorb, making them a perfect choice for nursing mothers. Collagen supplements provide all the nutrients needed to produce an abundant milk supply while also supporting the health and vitality of both mother and child.
Collagen peptides are derived from bovine (beef) or porcine (pork) sources, and they are typically presented in pill or powdered forms. Marine collagen supplements — which contain fish skin or scales — can also be found.
Most healthcare professionals agree that collagen supplements are likely safe during breastfeeding, as long as they are taken in moderation in prescribed doses. It is always best to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, especially if you are breastfeeding.
Different types of collagen supplements
Many different collagen supplements are available on the market.
The three most popular types are bovine collagen, marine collagen, and chicken collagen. So, which one should you take?
- Bovine collagen: Bovine collagen is derived from cows and is the most popular type of collagen supplement. It’s also the least expensive type of collagen.
- Marine collagen: Marine collagen is derived from fish and is more expensive than bovine collagen.
- Chicken collagen: Chicken collagen is derived from chicken and is the most expensive type of collagen.
- Vegan collagen: Collagen can now be manufactured in a lab from genetically modified yeast and bacteria rather than from animals. Researchers discovered that pastoris is the most effective and often used type of genetically engineering high-quality collagen.
So, which type of collagen is best for you? It really depends on your budget and your goals. If you’re looking for the least expensive option, bovine collagen is a good choice. If you’re looking for the most expensive option, chicken collagen is a good choice. If you’re looking for something in between, marine collagen is a good choice.
No matter which type of collagen you choose, be sure to do your research and buy from a reputable source. Collagen supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so it’s important to know what you’re buying.
How much collagen should you take while breastfeeding or pregnant
Although there are conflicting views on the effects of collagen supplements, we do know that it is just a source of amino acids, so if you’re going to go ahead, the main warning is to make sure you aren’t taking too much.
When considering all sources together, typical objectives for expectant women should be 70-100 grams per day. Any collagen ingested should be included in this count.
Your body’s collagen production slows down collagen as you get older, and this can cause wrinkles, reduced skin elasticity, and increased joint pain.
The good news is that you don’t have to wait until the end of your life for this problem to be solved! There are several ways to help boost collagen levels in your skin
Tips for incorporating more collagen into your diet while breastfeeding and pregnant
Collagen is generally a safe and healthy way to increase your essential nutrient intake while breastfeeding. Collagen can help improve the health of your skin, hair, nails, and joints. Some tips for incorporating more collagen into your diet include:
- Eating collagen-rich foods: Collagen-rich foods such as bone broth, meat, fish, and eggs can help you meet your collagen needs.
- Taking collagen supplements: Collagen supplements are an easy and convenient way to get the collagen you need.
- Collagen protein powder: Another solution is to include a serving per day of collagen protein powder by making a shake or smoothie and adding some collagen protein powder.
- Drinking plenty of water: Drinking enough fluids is important for breastfeeding mothers, and can also help with digestion and absorption of collagen.
- Vitamin-C: Eating foods high in vitamin C and essential amino acids can help increase the levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen in your body. These are important for skin health. Some good examples of foods that are high in vitamin C are oranges, red peppers, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and strawberries.
- Using collagen products: Collagen products such as skincare and beauty products, hair care products, and supplements can help improve the health and appearance of your skin, hair, and nails.
Hyaluronic acid has been said to help with the healing process and relieve pain in joints. Vitamin C is important for the synthesis of hyaluronic acid. If you don’t have enough vitamin C, you might not get the full benefits of eating foods with hyaluronic acid. Concentrated hyaluronic acid can be purchased at the drugstore. Besides collagen, getting regular exercise can also help improve joint health and increase energy levels.
If you are unsure about whether or not collagen is right for you, please consult your healthcare provider.
Common questions on taking collagen while pregnant or breastfeeding
Are hydrolyzed collagen or peptides safe while pregnant?
Answer:
There is no definitive answer to this question since collagen peptides are a relatively new product and there is limited research on collagen safety during pregnancy. However, since collagen peptides are derived from natural sources, they are likely safe for pregnant women. It’s always best to consult with your doctor before taking any new supplement during pregnancy.
Are collagen supplements safe while pregnant?
Answer:
Yes, collagen supplements are safe during pregnancy, as long as they are not taken in high doses. Collagen supplements should be avoided if you have a history of pre-eclampsia or other blood-clotting problems.
It’s always best to check with a doctor before starting any new supplement. Pregnant women should also make sure they’re getting enough protein from food sources to meet their needs.
Is it safe to take marine collagen while breastfeeding or pregnant?
Answer:
Marine collagen is a type of collagen that is derived from fish. Marine collagen is a natural source of protein, and it’s generally considered safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.
There are no studies that have looked at the safety of marine collagen for pregnant women, so it is not currently known whether it is safe to take this supplement during pregnancy based on any conclusive research. As with any supplement, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before starting to take it.
Is liquid collagen safe while pregnant?
Answer:
There are no studies that currently exist on the effects of liquid collagen supplements during pregnancy, but there is no reason to believe that they would be harmful. However, it is generally recommended that pregnant women avoid any kind of collagen supplementation, as there is a lack of information on what effects, if any, these supplements could have on a developing fetus.
Is it safe to consume collagen powder while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Answer:
There is currently no research on the safety of collagen powder consumption during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Collagen is a protein and proteins are generally safe to consume during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it is always best to speak with your healthcare provider before consuming any new supplement while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Is it safe to take frozen collagen while pregnant?
Answer:
It’s probably safe to take frozen collagen while pregnant, but you should check with your doctor just to be sure.
There’s not much research on the safety of frozen collagen or supplements during pregnancy, but there’s no evidence that they pose a risk. Most experts say it’s probably safe to take collagen supplements while pregnant, as long as you’re also getting enough protein from other sources. It’s always best to check with your doctor just in case.
Final thoughts about collagen supplements while pregnant or breastfeeding
Collagen supplements should be safe for breastfeeding and pregnant mothers as long as they are taken in moderation. However, there isn’t a lot of studies on the effect of taking collagen on mothers and their babies while breastfeeding and pregnant.
Collagen supplements can indeed provide extra nutrients needed to help produce an abundant milk supply while also supporting the health and vitality of both mother and child.
But it’s important to note that collagen supplements are not FDA approved. While most healthcare professionals agree that collagen supplements are likely safe during breastfeeding, it’s best to always speak with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements if you’re pregnant or during breastfeeding.
Trusted Sources
- Vinmec Healthcare System: Can I take collagen while breastfeeding
- National Library of Medicine Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications
- National Library of Medicine: Impact of maternal diet on human milk composition and neurological development of infants
- Wiley online library: Misbalance in type III collagen formation
- Webmd.com: Collagen supplements, what the research shows
- Grand Review Research: Global collagen market
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