Can You Take Collage Whereas Pregnant? Advantages and Dangers

Whenever you’re anticipating, you find yourself making plenty of choices about what’s greatest for you and your child—together with what meals to eat, what moisturizer to make use of, and possibly even what nutritional vitamins to take. A number of the belongings you would possibly’ve used (or eaten or taken) pre-pregnancy won’t be one of the best choices anymore. Even one thing as primary as collagen—a protein our our bodies naturally make to maintain our pores and skin glowing, joints shifting, and intestine pleased—might need you questioning whether or not it is protected on your rising child.

Many individuals, pregnant or not, take collagen dietary supplements these days. You could find it in capsule, powder, cream, or gummy type at most well being meals shops. (Heck, there’s even a collagen cocktail recipe going round you’ll be able to whip up!) The protein is a constructing block for our connective tissues and is usually touted for its “fountain of youth” results on pores and skin, hair, and nails.

However can you’re taking collagen whereas pregnant? We talked to a reproductive endocrinologist, midwife, and prenatal RD to seek out out.

Is it protected to take collagen whereas pregnant?

The quick reply is mostly sure, however at all times ask your physician first. Analysis on collagen supplementation throughout being pregnant is restricted, however present proof suggests it is usually protected to take beneath the steerage of your healthcare skilled, says Matthew Lederman, MD, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist with RMA New York.

“Most research and evaluations emphasize that collagen, particularly within the type of hydrolyzed collagen (i.e., collagen peptides), is protected for consumption throughout being pregnant so long as it is taken in applicable quantities,” Dr. Lederman provides.

One Might 2020 research within the Worldwide Journal of Organic Sciences even suggests collagen would possibly assist shield the child’s immune system, assist wholesome blood movement, and contribute to growing their connective tissues. However take into account, extra analysis is required to verify this.

In line with Lucy Chapin, NP, CNM, an authorized nurse-midwife, collagen ought to ideally come from whole-food sources like bone broth and gradual cooked meats when potential. In truth, sure amino acids in collagen—specifically proline and glycine—are in excessive demand out of your physique throughout being pregnant, she provides. “In response to this elevated want, it is truly inspired to get sufficient collagen whereas pregnant,” Chapin says.

Finally, if you’re leaning towards a complement, it is best to speak together with your OB/GYN or midwife earlier than making an attempt it (or persevering with to take it if it was a part of your pre-pregnancy routine). Collagen merchandise, like all nutritional vitamins and dietary supplements, are usually not well-regulated by the FDA, so if you need the most secure and highest-quality product, make certain it is third-party examined (search for a seal on the label, particularly one from USP or NSF, or test the product’s web site).

What’s one of the best form of collagen to take?

In case your physician offers you the inexperienced gentle, specialists suggest taking hydrolyzed or marine collagen powders, as a result of they’re simpler to digest and take up. Dr. Lederman additionally notes that marine collagen could also be a greater choice for folks following a pescatarian eating regimen (as a result of many different merchandise comprise bovine collagen, which is constructed from cows).

So far as how a lot to take? Your physician can suggest the fitting dose for you, however the typical vary is 2.5 to fifteen grams per day, based on a Might 2019 research in Vitamins. Dr. Lederman says 10 grams per day is frequent for basic use, however while you’re pregnant, sticking to the decrease finish—round 5 grams every day—is greatest, until advised in any other case by your physician.

You’ll be able to take collagen at any time of day: Some folks combine the powder into their morning smoothie, whereas others take it with scorching water or tea earlier than mattress at evening. This simply comes down to private desire.

What’s one of the best collagen model for being pregnant?

Each Dr. Lederman and Chapin suggest Wanted Collagen Protein Powder. “I like Wanted Collagen for being pregnant or outdoors of being pregnant—hydrolyzed powder is right as a result of the collagen is damaged down into easy-to-digest peptides,” says Chapin. “It’s additionally flavorless and dissolves pretty simply into liquids or might be added to most strong meals recipes with out altering the chemistry.”

This is an inventory of different manufacturers to search for:

Are there any particular advantages of taking collagen whereas pregnant?

“There are advantages to taking collagen whereas pregnant as your physique is increasing and the elasticity of your pores and skin is in a continuing state of duress,” says Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, RD, a registered dietitian and writer of The Higher Interval Meals Resolution. “It helps assist pores and skin integrity by offering it with a lift of amino acids.”

Different potential advantages of taking collagen whereas pregnant embrace the next:

• Decreased morning illness: Collagen is bland, straightforward to digest, and should assist alleviate nausea within the first trimester. It’s best “while you’re making an attempt to interrupt the vicious cycle of starvation into hypoglycemia into nausea within the first trimester and want a bland protein supply to take action,” says Chapin.
• Joint ache reduction: Collagen can ease joint ache and enhance flexibility, which is useful because the physique adjustments to make room for a rising child.
• Stronger bones: As your physique nourishes your rising child, collagen might assist assist bone density, which is essential for each mother and child, Dr. Lederman explains.

Whereas these are all potential well being advantages, it is essential to recollect it isn’t a “miracle complement” or an alternative choice to a nutritious diet.

Plus, “throughout being pregnant, you need to be additional cautious with the substances you set in your physique, so it might make sense to get a lift of protein from complete meals in your eating regimen first (assume: cheese, nuts, seeds, and beans) fairly than instantly operating to protein powder,” Beckerman provides.

Are there any downsides or unwanted side effects to taking collagen whereas pregnant?

Regardless of the potential advantages, collagen dietary supplements might not be appropriate for everybody, and there are a couple of precautions to contemplate.

“In case your physique isn’t used to taking a bovine-based protein complement, for instance, in case you have solely had plant-based protein powders, then you may discover a distinction in digestion and have extra gasoline and bloating,” says Beckerman.

In line with Dr. Lederman, different potential unwanted side effects embrace emotions of fullness and potential allergic reactions (particularly with marine collagen) in case you have a historical past of fish allergic reactions, although that is uncommon. There’s additionally a threat of contaminants in some low-quality collagen dietary supplements, so it’s essential to decide on respected manufacturers (which have third-party certification) and at all times speak to your physician earlier than taking something new.

The underside line

Normally, you’ll be able to take collagen whereas pregnant, however test in together with your physician earlier than beginning or persevering with it. Collagen dietary supplements might not be proper for everybody. In case your physician offers the “okay,” utilizing a decrease dose and switching to a product that is third party-certified is greatest. And even higher, you may get collagen via meals as a substitute, like bone broth.