Navigating pregnancy or the postpartum journey can mean significant adjustments for our body, diet and beauty routines, as it undergoes drastic changes in order to support new, growing life. And naturally, these internal shifts can be simultaneously remarkable and frustrating – with common concerns for women centred around skin and hair health.
We know the science behind marine collagen supplementation is there, however can its tangible benefits across hair, skin and nails be safety implemented into a pre or post-partum woman’s daily regime? Here, we answer your questions on collagen supplementation during and after pregnancy.
Can you take collagen when pregnant?
Pregnancy is linked with an increased requirement for nutrients necessary for foetal growth and development, as well as physiological changes that can be reflected in our hair and skin health. And whilst many of our customers have been able to take our Natural Marine Collagen throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding, clinical testing has only been done on non-pregnant women.
That said, we always recommend speaking to your healthcare practitioner prior. This is simply to ensure that any supplements, including our products, are right for you and your individual needs during this time.
Is collagen safe to take during pregnancy?
As the most abundant protein in the body, collagen sets the foundation for thriving hair, skin, nails and joints. And as a heightened time of nutritional needs, it is not uncommon for some pregnant women to safely supplement protein powders to temporarily fill nutritional gaps and meet daily protein needs. Likewise, as a pure protein, collagen, could also be taken during pregnancy without much concern. The underlying point of contention regarding the safety of collagen supplementation during and after pregnancy is predominantly around the risk of heavy metal consumption.
Vida Glow’s Natural Marine Collagen is subject to over 300 stringent safety and quality checks – and is tested for heavy metals including arsenic, lead and mercury. Every batch is sifted, filtered and purified four times during production to ensure it is free of containments like microplastics and is certified 100% safe for human consumption. And we also hydrolyse our marine collagen, so you get the most bioavailable supplement with the right amino acid profile necessary to elicit tangible benefits.
Can you take collagen while breastfeeding?
While there is no substantiated evidence available suggesting that post pregnancy collagen supplementation can be harmful to either a breastfeeding mum or her baby, clinical evidence is lacking. However, collagen is a naturally occurring substance found in animal products and is made up of amino acids, which our bodies need and utilise regularly.
And we know our body’s ability to produce collagen depletes with age – so in tandem with the significant changes we experience pre and post-partum (including breastfeeding) – it is said that pregnancy collagen supplements can potentially be beneficial in supporting these immense amount of changes that the body undergoes. Delivering the necessary bioavailable peptides and amino acids essential for collagen production.
Is collagen an effective postpartum hair loss treatment?
During pregnancy, women experience a considerable rise in hormones, which in fact prolongs the hair growth stage. Meaning there are fewer hairs in the resting stage of the hair growth cycle and therefore, less falling strands. However, after giving birth, estrogen levels rapidly drop and for some women, this can result in sudden and excessive hair loss – which we know as postpartum hair loss.
And finding a postpartum hair loss treatment can be a frustrating and disheartening journey. Though, there is evidence that suggests the tangible effects of collagen on hair. Collagen is rich in proline – the vital component of keratin, which is the protein that makes up your hair. As a collagen powder, Vida Glow’s Natural Marine Collagen strengthens the collagen matrix – supplying your body with the foundational peptides it needs to create an optimal hair growth environment. And with real, tangible results to show for it. Including more and longer baby hairs and faster-growing hair long-term.
Does collagen support postpartum acne or postpartum dry skin?
During pregnancy, as hormones fluctuate and the body directs its nutrients to the baby, our skin can cop the aftermath effects – including dryness and a loss in skin firmness. As the protein responsible for giving your skin its structure, strength and elasticity, consistent intake of hydrolysed collagen may have a positive influence on postpartum dryness and skin health.
A hydrolysed marine collagen supplement travels through the bloodstream to the dermis, where it delivers collagen peptides to stimulate its production. By replenishing the skin’s collagen and elastin, skin is thickened and moisture content is boosted. Making it more resilient as our body adjusts post-partum, and helping to support a hydrated, firm and plump complexion.
Clinically proven results
Vida Glow’s Natural Marine Collagen is clinically proven to deliver visible results in as soon as 8 weeks. Our formula has been rigorously tested for quality, purity and safety, however, we still advise speaking with your GP or a healthcare professional to confirm the safe implementation of Natural Marine Collagen into your beauty routine.
