If you’re a mom-to-be or breastfeeding, you may be wondering if it’s safe to take collagen supplements. After all, your body is going through some major changes and you want to make sure that you’re doing everything possible to support your health.
You may have heard about the benefits of Collagen for your skin, hair, muscles and joints. But what about collagen supplements? Are they safe to take when breastfeeding?
There is a lot of debate surrounding the use of supplements during pregnancy. Some women swear by them, while others believe that they are unnecessary. The truth is that the use of supplements depends on the individual and what she needs to support her health.
Can you Safely Take Collagen During Breastfeeding?
Yes, you can safely take collagen during breastfeeding as long as you follow the recommended dosage.
You’ve probably heard that collagen is good for you, but did you know that it’s also safe to take while breastfeeding?
If you’re breastfeeding, it’s important to be especially careful about which supplements you take. Some supplements can pass through breast milk and affect your baby. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, including collagen.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a type of protein that is found in the body. It helps to give skin, hair, muscles and joints their structure and strength. Collagen is the most prevalent protein in the human body, and it may be found in bones, muscles, skin, and tendons. Collagen is a protein that is mostly composed of the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.
It’s the glue that ties the body together. Collagen binds together to form a scaffold that provides strength and structure.
Endogenous collagen is collagen that is produced by the body. Exogenous collagen is man-made. It originates from somewhere else, such as supplements. Collagen supplements are made from either animal or plant sources and contain collagen peptides.
What are the Benefits of Taking A Collagen Supplement?
Collagen is a kind of naturally occurring protein that is essential for the formation and maintenance of numerous tissues, including bones and cartilage, as well as skin, hair, eyes, and the digestive system. The benefits of taking collagen include:
Skin Health:
Collagen plays a major role in keeping skin looking young and healthy. It helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and makes skin more elastic. Hair and skin health are improved when collagen is taken as a supplement.
Muscle Mass:
Collagen supports muscle growth and repair, making it an important supplement for athletes or anyone who wants to maintain muscle mass.
Hair Health:
Collagen is also beneficial for hair health. It helps to keep hair strong, shiny, and full-bodied.
Joint Health:
Cartilage is composed largely of collagen, so taking collagen supplements can help to maintain joint health and reduce the risk of developing arthritis or joint pain. Collagen may lessen joint pain because it helps to rebuild cartilage.
Support Bone Health:
Collagen is also essential for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis. The peptides in collagen can help to stimulate the formation of new bone cells.
Digestive Health:
Collagen helps to form a protective barrier around the digestive system, which can aid in the prevention of leaky gut syndrome and other digestive disorders thereby promoting good gut health.
Source of Protein:
Collagen is a high-quality protein that provides many of the essential amino acids needed for tissue repair and growth.
However, it is best to encourage collagen through a balanced diet rather than through dietary supplements. A healthy diet will mean that there is no need for collagen supplementation
Among the nutrients that may aid in collagen production are:
- Proline may be found in egg whites, pork, cheese, soy sauce, and cabbage.
- Anthocyanidins are found in berries such as blackberries, blueberries, cherries, and raspberries.
- Oranges, strawberries, peppers, and broccoli are high in vitamin C (you can also take emergen c when breastfeeding).
- Copper may be found in shellfish, almonds, red meat, and even certain drinking water.
- Vitamin A is found in animal-derived foods as beta-carotene and in plant foods as lutein.
Collagen has a long list of benefits, but does it have any risks?
While collagen is usually considered safe, you should always consult with your healthcare provider before including a collagen supplement in your diet. Side effects are possible as collagen supplements might produce a rash or, in rare situations, liver issues.
A lot of new moms are curious about whether or not they can take collagen while breastfeeding. It’s a valid question since there are a lot of supplements on the market and it can be hard to know which ones are safe.
You need to ensure that the type of collagen you are taking is safe. Bovine collagen from cows is generally considered safer than marine collagen for breastfeeding women. The reason for this is because marine collagen is derived from fish (skin, scales, or bones), which is a frequent allergy, and certain types of fish can also include amounts of dangerous metals like mercury.
Will a collagen protein powder help with Milk Supply?
There is no evidence to suggest that taking collage while breastfeeding will help with your milk production. However, because collagen is abundant in protein, adding it to your diet should improve your milk production. Protein is an essential macronutrient that women require in order to make breast milk, thus collagen is an excellent method to improve your protein intake!
It may have other health benefits for breastfeeding women like helping to replace hair loss, give you healthier hair it will also promote healing with stretch marks as it gives the skin elasticity in the postpartum period. Also, the hyaluronic acid in collagen will help keep skin looking hydrated.
How important is Collagen for babies?
Collagen is beneficial to babies since it is a vital protein-containing components found nowhere else in the edible world. Everyone (even babies) requires collagen in order for the body to operate, develop, and mend.
Babies usually get an ample amount of collagen from breast milk, but there are cases in which a mother could benefit from added collagen in the form of a supplement. Premature babies and those born with low birth weights may not be able to produce enough collagen on their own, so a doctor might recommend that they take a hydrolyzed collagen supplement.
If you are breastfeeding and considering taking a collagen supplement, make sure to consult with your healthcare provider first to ensure that it is safe for both you and your baby.
The Bottom Line on Is Collagen Safe For Breastfeeding Moms
Ultimately, it’s up to you and your doctor to decide whether or not taking collagen while breastfeeding is right for you. Increasing your collagen intake may have many positive effects for a new mother from reducing stretch marks to would healing and improved hair health.
Whilst collagen’s benefits are well known, remember the best form of collagen is from food stocks like bone broth rather than a collagen powder. Certain foods will help you to increase the collagen in your breast milk.
You should always check with your healthcare provider to be sure that the specific supplement you are taking is safe. There are many types of collagen supplements on the market, so it’s important to do your research before selecting one.
