What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in your body. Collagen is crucial for the health of connective tissues, skin, bones, and blood vessels. As you age, however, your body’s collagen production starts to decline. From the age of around 25, your collagen levels drop. Collagen loss causes wrinkles, fine lines, joint pain, and more. Supplementing your diet with collagen, can support collagen synthesis and collagen formation, improving skin and hair condition, reducing wrinkles, strengthening bones, repairing joints, and reducing inflammation. The Harvest Table’s Bovine Collagen Granules are safe to take when pregnant and breastfeeding.
Nutrition during pregnancy
Studies suggest that as little as 300 extra calories a day is all that is needed to sustain a healthy pregnancy, so try not to fall into the trap of “eating for two”!
Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is closely linked with the health of your developing baby. A balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate hydration and appropriate vitamin and mineral supplementation are all important to optimise your health during pregnancy. Collagen supplementation during pregnancy can serve as an additional source of nutrients.
Is collagen safe to consume during pregnancy?
Lots of expecting moms ask about the safety of incorporating collagen supplements into their diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding. To answer the question, yes, it is safe to take collagen during pregnancy. Collagen offers several potential benefits for pregnant women, especially when it comes to skin, hair, and bone health.
Is collagen supplementation beneficial during pregnancy?
Some studies have even found the consumption of collagen during pregnancy to potentially be quite beneficial for the expectant mom. Some of these benefits may include:
- Improved wound healing: Collagen is crucial for the repair of tissues, which can be beneficial during the physical changes and challenges of pregnancy.
- Improved sleep: Glycine, an amino acid in collagen, has been shown to improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted during pregnancy.
- Reduced hair loss: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause hair loss, but collagen may help strengthen hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth.
- Increased muscle mass: As your body changes to accommodate the growing baby, maintaining muscle mass can support overall strength and mobility.
Other benefits of collagen supplementation
- Skin health and elasticity: Collagen can help maintain skin elasticity and skin hydration, which can reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- Joint health: As pregnancy puts extra strain on joints, collagen can help maintain their strength and flexibility.
- Bone health: Collagen is a significant component of bones, and its supplementation can help maintain bone density, which is crucial during pregnancy when calcium demands are higher.
- Gut health: Collagen supports the integrity of the gut lining, which can help manage pregnancy-related digestive issues such as constipation and heartburn.
- Muscle health: Collagen supplementation can help in maintaining muscle mass and muscle health, which is vital for overall strength and mobility during and after pregnancy.
- Connective tissue support: Collagen helps maintain the strength and flexibility of connective tissues, including ligaments and tendons, which can be under extra stress during pregnancy.
Harvest Table collagen products not recommended during pregnancy
The only products produced by The Harvest Table that are not recommended for consumption while pregnant are:
- The Collagen X range.
- Nutrafy Oil Prone Skin.
- Nutrafy Uneven Skin Tone.
The Astaxanthin contained in these products is a strong antioxidant. The safety of this product has not been tested for use while pregnant or breast-feeding. All other collagen products are completely safe to consume during pregnancy. The Harvest Table’s collagen is food-grade, with no additives, flavourings or colourants.
Looking to support your pregnancy with collagen supplementation? Try The Harvest Table’s collagen powder, granules, or capsules for a high-quality, safe, and effective way to boost your overall wellness. Additionally, our Bone Broth is a nutritious option to further support your collagen intake, providing essential amino acids and promoting overall health.
Our products are carefully sourced and tested to ensure the best results. Start your journey to better health today with The Harvest Table!
References
Baginski L, Winter M, Bailey TS, Capobianco S, Granese M, et al. (2016) Response to Hydrolysed Collagen Protein Supplementation in a Cohort of Pregnant and Post-Partum Women. J Preg Child Health 3: 275.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/nutrition-during-pregnancy
