Can You Take Collagen While Pregnant?

Can you take collagen while pregnant? And if yes, what type of collagen supplements are safe to take while expectant? These are two of the most pressing question that new mothers-to-be have to contend with in the run-up to the delivery of the bundle of joy. So, if you are also presently asking yourself, "Can I take collagen while pregnant?" Then you are certainly not alone in this boat. You see, it's only natural (and even encouraged) to approach every rethink every decision when there is a life growing inside us. Choices that we would normally not even blink about can suddenly have a consequential impact on the health of the pregnancy. And that, of course, includes supplements. Which, as you would expect, leads us to the question; can you drink collagen while pregnant? Well, let's see.

Taking Collagen While Pregnant - Why it is Even a Point of Contention?

The notion of taking collagen while pregnant stems from the fact that this most abundant protein in the human body. In fact, collagen is the structural framework that makes up a majority of your bones, cartilage, skin, and much more. As such, given the importance of this protein in one's overall wellbeing, the concern of taking collagen during pregnancy is bound to arise at one point or another. If anything, there are a few nutritionists who have gone as far as specifically prescribing collagen for pregnancy to new mothers-to-be. Which, as you would imagine, begs the never-ending question; is collagen okay during pregnancy? Let's find out, shall we?

Is Collagen Safe During Pregnancy? An Unbiased and Objective Take

So, is collagen safe for pregnancy? Even before delving deeper into this, it is imperative to remember that collagen in its most natural and impure form can be found in your diet. It is, in fact, in almost everything from bone broth, and egg whites to your favorite bell peppers. So, as far as this type and form are concerned, collagen is indeed safe (and even encouraged) to take while expectant. It is actually the reason your physician will advise you to eat a nutrient-dense diet that includes colorful veggies, well-sourced meats, eggs, and plenty of fresh fruit in the run-up to motherhood.

That being said, the line is sometimes drawn when the subject of taking a collagen supplement during pregnancy is broached. And for a good reason. You see, in cases such as these, the risk of collagen during pregnancy is usually pegged on the formulation of the supplement in question. And considering that dietary supplements are not as strictly regulated by the FDA as standard medications, the safety of these collagen peptides in pregnancy cannot be outrightly guaranteed.

Is Liquid Collagen Safe During Pregnancy?

While dissecting the question, "Is vital proteins collagen safe during pregnancy?" You are likely to stumble upon the contentious issue of; whether is liquid collagen safe during pregnancy. All other factors held, liquid collagen should be safe enough to take while pregnant. Nonetheless, just like with any other external medication or health input, it is always advisable to consult your primary care provider or midwife before adopting any new supplement. Here's the thing; there's very limited research on the impact of liquid collagen on expectant mothers, given the ethical limits of such an experiment. That aside, the safety of collagen pregnancy is, in this case, pegged on the formulation of the supplement in question and not the nutrient itself.

Why Can't You Take Marine Collagen While Pregnant?

Some new mothers-to-be will sometimes ask; why can't you take marine collagen while pregnant? Well, here is what you need to know. The exact process of formulating marine collagen is almost similar to that of liquid collagen or collagen peptides only that fish is used as the source of collagen. Most of the time (if not always), supplement manufacturers will rarely disclose what fish species or part of the fish was used to synthesize this marine collagen. As such, the collagen supplement could potentially contain an awfully high amount of dangerous toxic metals such as cyanide or mercury if the fish was not sourced carefully. As such, you should always exercise caution when dealing with marine collagen supplements and ensure that you consult your physician before taking any such input.

Is Collagen Powder Safe During Pregnancy?

In light of the debacle surrounding marine collagen, one could ask; is collagen powder safe during pregnancy? Again, it depends a lot on the source of the collagen. Generally speaking, most collagen powders are typically and essentially bovine collagen i.e sourced from cattle. This is one of the types of collagen supplements that are considered relatively safe to take for pregnant and breastfeeding women simply because the process of formulating hydrolyzed powders involves boiling it. This, as you would expect, rules out any risk of suffering from a foodborne illness. However, if you're looking for a collagen supplement that offers additional joint support, you may want to consider glucosamine chondroitin MSM with bovine collagen, as this combination can help improve joint mobility and reduce joint pain.

An Outline of the Benefits of Collagen During Pregnancy

Despite the slight controversy surrounding collagen peptides in pregnancy, one cannot simply ignore the advantages that this nutrient packs for expectant mothers. The benefits of collagen during pregnancy are quite numerous and far-reaching, and they include

1. Needed to Strengthen Ligaments and Joints

Now that you have a little one developing inside you, it makes a lot of sense to have access to as many optimum nutrients as possible needed to strengthen your joints and ligaments. And taking into account that pregnancy often translates to a sporadic weight gain - anywhere between 10 to 15 kg - the additional load calls for a sturdy musculoskeletal system. Taking a well-formulated collagen supplement can go a long way in helping you cope with this inevitable weight gain.

2. Supports Skin Elasticity

Most women are likely to notice a barrage of stretch marks as early as their 2nd trimester. These are in fact microscopic tears found in the underlying tissue layers beneath the skin surface. And even though stretch marks are almost impossible to avoid, you can minimize their conspicuousness by adopting a collagen supplementation program to keep the skin around the belly supple and soft.

3. Improves Mood and Combats Anxiety

Pregnancy is, without a doubt, quite an emotionally taxing period for many women. Fortunately for most, collagen is a known mood booster with most studies suggesting that it is central to the production of serotonin, the body's legendary "happy hormone". If not for anything else, this can lower the severity of pre-and-post natal depression that typically accompanies many pregnancies.

The Best Collagen to Take While Pregnant

Now that we have broken down some of the benefits of collagen during pregnancy, it's only obvious to outline the best collagen to take while pregnant. Here's a quick rundown on that;

Multi-collagen Capsules or Peptides - Multi-collagen capsules are among the best to take during pregnancy simply because they usually employ at least four or five of the main collagen types that the human body can assimilate. Wellabs Multi-collagen Capsules, for example, unleashes food-grade collagen types II, I, III, V, and X when taken regularly.

Biotin and Collagen Drops - If you are looking for a more bioavailable version of collagen, then drops of this nutrient while paired with biotin are the best collagen for pregnancy. In this case, Wellabs Biotin and Collagen Drops come to mind, especially considering that it is vegan-friendly and GMO-free.

In Conclusion

It is important to bear in mind that collagen supplements are not a replacement for a balanced diet that contains well-sourced and protein-rich food. Actually, collagen supplements should only be viewed as a compliment to an otherwise nutritious-laden dietary regimen and taken under the guidance of a qualified medical professional.