Many expecting mothers experience a heightened awareness of health and nutrition during pregnancy and may wonder what supplements are safe to take. Collagen, a vital protein that supports skin, joints, and connective tissues, is also commonly used as a supplement for its potential beauty and health benefits. Can you take collagen while pregnant?
Importance of Collagen
Collagen is a protein – in fact, it’s the most abundant protein in the human body. Collagen is essential in the production, structure, support, and strength of our skin, bones, muscles, and connective tissues like tendons, cartilage, and ligaments.
Collagen also:
- Helps new skin cells grow
- Plays a part in replacing dead skin cells
- Provides a protective covering for organs
- Gives skin its structure, strength, and elasticity
- Helps blood clot
Can You Take Collagen While Pregnant?
Pregnancy is a time when certain supplements, medications, and even foods are temporarily off-limits. So, can you take collagen while pregnant? As a rule, you should always talk with your doctor about any medications or supplements you consider taking while pregnant. However, in most cases, collagen supplements are generally regarded as safe to take during pregnancy.
As Matthew Lederman, MD, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist, confirms, “Most studies and reviews emphasize that collagen, especially in the form of hydrolyzed collagen (i.e., collagen peptides), is safe for consumption during pregnancy as long as it’s taken in appropriate amounts.”
Benefits of Collagen During Pregnancy
Some research indicates that collagen may provide essential health benefits to the developing fetus beyond being safe during pregnancy and support the process of a healthy pregnancy.
A study published in the International Journal of Biological Sciences notes that collagen is involved in many of the processes essential for a successful pregnancy: it helps regulate the formation of blood vessels, contributes to connective tissue development, and may even protect the baby’s immune system. Collagen also plays a role in immune tolerance, which prevents the mother’s body from rejecting the fetus.
Collagen Sources
So, how can you get more collagen while pregnant? You can start with whole-food sources: slow-cooked meats (especially pot roast, brisket, and chuck steak), fish, and bone broth are all good dietary sources of collagen. If you’re pregnant, remember that while eating fish is safe in moderation during pregnancy, it’s important to avoid fish with high levels of mercury.
Since diet alone offers limited ways to boost collagen intake, collagen supplements are ideal.
How do you know which collagen supplements are best for you? Start by trying the top-tier 6 best collagen supplements below.
6 Best Collagen Supplements
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Supplements
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder
Collagen Peptides Powder from Vital Proteins is a powder supplement sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides to ensure a natural, high-quality, and sustainable source of collagen. Simply stir it into your favorite beverage, add it to a smoothie, or mix it with oatmeal, soups, or sauces, and enjoy.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Stick Pack
Collagen Peptides Stick Pack, also from Vital Proteins, uses the same natural, high-quality, sustainably sourced collagen powder in a convenient, travel-friendly package that makes it easy to take collagen even on the go.
NeoCell Collagen Supplements
NeoCell collagen products are crafted to support skin elasticity, hair strength, and nail health by nourishing the body at a cellular level. NeoCell collagen is highly absorbable, making it easy to access all of the health benefits of collagen. When looking for collagen supplements to add to your daily wellness routine, try one of the NeoCell collagen supplements below.
NeoCell Marine Collagen with Beauty Blend
Marine Collagen with Beauty Blend from NeoCell supports healthy hair, skin, nails, and joints with highly absorbable marine collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, MSM, and vitamin C. Marine collagen is an excellent pescatarian alternative to bovine collagen, providing powerful support for healthy hair, skin, nails, and joints.
NeoCell Super Collagen Peptides Powder Stick Packs
Super Collagen Peptides Packets offer 10 grams of grass-fed collagen per packet to support youthful skin, healthy hair and nails, and healthy joints in both men and women. These convenient single-serving packets are great for travel and work.
NeoCell Beauty Bursts Collagen Soft Chews
Beauty Bursts Collagen Soft Chews support firm, hydrated, smooth skin, strong hair, and healthy nails in a delicious, fruit punch-flavored gummy.
NeoCell Super Collagen + Vitamin C & Biotin
provides collagen types 1 and 3 and vitamin C for antioxidant support and biotin to promote healthy hair and nails. These tablets help boost your body’s collagen production with grass-fed, hydrolyzed collagen.
