Safety and Benefits of Collagen Supplements While Breastfeeding

Should Breastfeeding Moms Take Collagen Supplements?

Collagen is emerging as an increasingly popular dietary supplement due to a wide range of touted beauty, gut, joint, and overall wellness benefits. As a breastfeeding mom trying to stay healthy while also passing nutrients to your baby, you may be wondering if adding a collagen supplement into the mix could provide advantages.

While the benefits are appealing and collagen is generally considered safe, more research is still needed on the impacts to breastfed babies. There are also alternative ways to obtain more collagen during breastfeeding that may carry less uncertainty.

Collagen Basics

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up 30% of total protein. It forms an essential structural network providing strength and elasticity to connective tissues like skin, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, blood vessels and guts.

Starting in your late 20s, collagen production begins declining, allowing structures to weaken over time. Supplementing from external sources may help counteract this natural depletion.

Benefits of Collagen Supplements

The proposed benefits spurring the collagen supplements craze include:

• Reducing wrinkles, dryness and other signs of skin aging
• Easing joint pain and inflammation
• Building stronger nails, hair and teeth
• Speeding wound healing
• Promoting heart health
• Alleviating gastrointestinal issues

What the Research Says on Collagen While Breastfeeding

With all the promised perks of upping your collagen intake, turnover starting during breastfeeding seems appealing. But with limited safety data, is it wise?

Lack of Human Studies

No direct studies have analyzed the impacts of collagen supplements on breastfeeding mothers and infants. Available research has primarily been conducted on animals.

One study found no adverse reactions when nursing rat mothers were given oral collagen peptides. Their breast milk showed higher levels of proline and hydroxyproline. But drawing human correlations requires more evidence.

Potential Benefits for Baby

As collagen peptides are broken down into amino acids during digestion, researchers hypothesize human babies may also receive higher amino levels through breast milk if mothers take supplements.

Certain amino acids like glycine are thought to promote healthy infant development. More study is needed, but passing collagen-derived amino acids could provide baby benefits.

Unknown Long Term Effects

On the other hand, the lack of data also means potential long term impacts to babies remain unknown. Developing babies have much more vulnerability when it comes to nutrients received compared to adults.

While unlikely to be directly dangerous, some health professionals still express caution until more concrete pregnancy and breastfeeding safety guidelines get established for collagen supplements.

Additional Collagen Considerations for Breastfeeding Moms

Before jumping into a collagen regimen while breastfeeding, be sure to think through the following factors:

Types of Collagen Supplements

Collagen supplements come from animal or plant sources, with bovine and marine collagens being most common. Look for hydrolyzed versions proven more bioavailable. Consider allergy potential when selecting a type.

Dosage Amounts

Adhere to packaging dosage guidance to avoid excess collagen intake while breastfeeding until optimal recommendations get defined. More is not necessarily better.

Duration of Supplementing

Research any supplements before taking them while pregnant or breastfeeding. Discuss use for at least 3-6 months with your doctor to determine if continuing use seems advisable and beneficial.

Doctor Guidance

Check with your OB-GYN before starting collagen supplements to breastfeed. While likely low risk, every pregnancy carries unique factors to weigh. Discuss any potential contraindications.

Alternate Collagen Sources While Breastfeeding

In lieu of supplements, focus dietary efforts on collagen-rich foods naturally. This allows you and baby to benefit from safer, slow releasing collagen sources.

Bone Broths

Bone broth made by long simmering animal bones contains abundant collagen together with vitamins/minerals. Use as a base for soups and stews.

Eggs

Egg whites and yolks provide collagen building blocks. Whip up omelets, frittatas or scramble into other dishes.

Fish

Wild caught fish like salmon and tuna supply anti-inflammatory omega fats along with collagen. Roast, grill or get creative with recipes.

Berries

Vitamin C aids natural collagen production. Bring on fresh berries like strawberries, blackberries and raspberries for rev up smoothies, salads or snacks.

Garlic & Onions

Sulfur compounds in garlic and onions assist collagen synthesis. Add generous amounts into hummus, soups, stir fries and more.

Focus on real whole foods over isolates like supplements while breastfeeding for safety and balance. Nutrient rich ingredients let you support collagen levels through natural diet.

The Takeaway on Collagen While Nursing

Research shows collagen supplements likely wont cause harm to most breastfeeding mothers and babies. But until direct safety guidelines get firmly established, collagen-rich whole foods remain the best approach to avoid uncertainty.

Discuss any supplement use thoroughly with your doctor during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Prioritize diet over isolates for collagen production with added perks like fiber, antioxidants and healthy fats.

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.