Is Collagen Safe to Take While Breastfeeding? Benefits and Precautions

Is Collagen Safe While Breastfeeding?

Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years, with people taking collagen for potential benefits like improving skin elasticity, reducing joint pain, and supporting hair and nail growth. But is collagen safe to take while breastfeeding? There are a few important factors to consider.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It makes up the connective tissues throughout the body and plays a vital role in structure and stability. Collagen gives skin its elasticity, strengthens bones, and supports joint health.

The body produces collagen naturally. But as we age, collagen production starts to slow down. This leads to common signs of aging like fine lines, sagging skin, brittle nails, and joint discomfort.

Supplemental collagen aims to make up for the collagen deficit in the body. Collagen supplements usually contain collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen extracted from sources like bone broth, egg shells, bovine hide, porcine tissues, or fish skin.

Benefits of Collagen Supplements

Here are some of the evidence-based benefits of collagen supplements:

• Improves skin hydration and elasticity
• Reduces signs of skin aging like wrinkles and dryness
• Helps increase muscle mass
• Strengthens nails and may prevent nail breakage
• Reduces joint discomfort associated with arthritis
• Helps relieve joint pain after exercise
• May improve bone mineral density
• Promotes hair growth and thickness

Is Collagen Safe During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?

Limited studies have examined the safety of collagen supplements specifically during pregnancy and breastfeeding. But here's what we know so far:

During Pregnancy

There is not enough reliable data to determine if collagen supplements are safe during pregnancy. Pregnant women are advised to exercise caution with collagen supplements until more research confirms their safety.

That said, collagen is a protein naturally found in the body. Consuming collagen from food sources like bone broth, meat, and eggs is considered safe during pregnancy.

While Breastfeeding

Collagen supplements are likely safe to use while breastfeeding, but definitive research is lacking. Small amounts of supplemental collagen peptides likely pass into breastmilk after being broken down into amino acids during digestion.

These amino acids are safe and beneficial for breastfed infants. Consuming collagen from real food sources is also considered safe during breastfeeding.

As always, discuss supplement use with your healthcare provider to assess safety for you and your baby.

Potential Benefits of Collagen While Breastfeeding

Here are some of the potential benefits of collagen supplements for breastfeeding moms:

• Improved Skin Elasticity - Collagen may improve skin elasticity and decrease wrinkles associated with pregnancy. The skin needs extra collagen support during breastfeeding as well.
• Reduced Joint Discomfort - Collagen supplements can help relieve joint stiffness and discomfort related to pregnancy, childbirth, and carrying a baby.
• Stronger Nails - Collagen can strengthen weak, brittle nails by providing amino acids needed for nail growth and maintenance.
• Healthier Hair - Collagen may support hair growth and thickness after postpartum hair shedding.
• Boosted Energy - The amino acids in collagen can provide an energy boost and aid postpartum recovery.

Which Collagen Supplements Are Best?

If you want to try collagen supplements while breastfeeding, marine collagens like fish or squid collagen are safest as they have low potential for contamination.

Bovine or porcine collagen have higher risks for contamination as they are sourced from land animals. Opt for reputable brands that rigorously test their products for purity and safety.

Collagen powders are very versatile and can be easily added to shakes, smoothies, baked goods, etc. Convenience is key for busy moms!

Recommended Dosage While Breastfeeding

Most collagen supplements provide around 10-20 grams of collagen per serving. The maximum recommended daily dosage is generally 30 grams or less.

While breastfeeding, it's best to start with a low dose like 5-10 grams per day and gradually increase to assess tolerance. Follow package directions and discuss proper dosage with your healthcare provider.

When to Avoid Collagen Supplements

You may want to avoid or limit collagen supplements while breastfeeding if you:

• Are allergic or sensitive to collagen sources like beef, fish, eggs, etc.
• Have a metabolic disorder like diabetes or kidney disease
• Take any medications that impact collagen synthesis like corticosteroids
• Are within the first 2-4 weeks postpartum when establishing milk supply

High doses of collagen may also impact vitamin and mineral absorption. Work with a healthcare practitioner to determine if collagen supplements are appropriate for you.

Other Tips for Breastfeeding Moms

Here are some additional tips for breastfeeding moms looking to reap collagen benefits:

• Eat collagen-rich foods like bone broth, eggs, citrus fruits, berries, fish, and chicken.
• Consider using a Multi Collagen protein powder that provides collagen types I, II, III, V, and X.
• Add collagen peptides to your morning coffee, smoothies, or baked goods.
• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water daily.
• Take collagen with vitamin C to improve absorption.
• Use collagen consistently for at least 2-3 months to see results.

The Bottom Line

Collagen supplements are likely safe for breastfeeding mothers in normal doses, but more research is needed on the long-term effects. Marine collagens like fish collagen provide a safer option over bovine and porcine collagens.

As with any supplement, discuss collagen use with your doctor first. Start with low doses and watch for any adverse reactions. The amino acids in collagen can provide benefits like improved skin, stronger nails and hair, relief from joint pain, and a nutritious boost for breastfed babies.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.