Vital Proteins: Safe During Pregnancy?

is vital proteins safe during pregnancy

Collagen is the body's most abundant protein and is present in many animal sources, such as chicken, beef, fish, and dairy. It provides a foundation of support for the skin, hair, nails, joints, and bones. While there is minimal literature on the safety of collagen during pregnancy, it is generally regarded as safe for most healthy adults. Pregnant women should opt for bovine collagen instead of marine collagen to avoid pregnancy-related risks associated with fish and mercury. Collagen supplements are available in pill or powder form and can be added to various dishes and drinks. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements during pregnancy.

Characteristics Values
Safety Collagen is generally regarded as safe for most healthy adults, but there is minimal literature on the safety of collagen in pregnancy.
Collagen Source Pregnant women should opt for bovine collagen over marine collagen to avoid pregnancy-related risks associated with fish and mercury.
Collagen Form Collagen supplements come in the form of pills, powders, ready-to-drink beverages, and specialty items like collagen coffee creamer.
Benefits Collagen may improve skin elasticity and health, prevent dry skin and stretch marks, promote wound healing, increase muscle mass and bone health, and improve joint pain.
Medical Advice Always consult with a doctor or healthcare provider about taking collagen supplements during pregnancy.

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Collagen is a natural protein produced by the body

Collagen accounts for about 30% of the body's total protein and is the primary building block of the body's skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. It is also found in organs, blood vessels, and the intestinal lining. Collagen provides structure, strength, and support throughout the body. It helps form fibroblasts in the middle skin layer, aids in replacing dead skin cells, provides a protective covering for organs, and gives skin its elasticity.

The body's natural collagen production declines with age, leading to the appearance of fine lines and sagging skin. Additionally, collagen levels can be affected by lifestyle factors such as smoking, excess sun exposure, diet, and lack of sleep and exercise. A well-balanced diet that includes foods rich in collagen or collagen-boosting nutrients can help support the body's natural collagen production.

Collagen supplements have become popular, but their effectiveness is still being studied. While some research suggests that collagen supplements may improve skin elasticity and joint health, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety, especially for pregnant women.

During pregnancy, it is recommended to opt for bovine collagen or collagen from land animals, as marine collagen may contain high levels of toxic metals, such as mercury, if not produced properly. Overall, collagen is generally regarded as safe for most healthy adults, but pregnant women should always consult with their healthcare provider before taking any supplements.

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Collagen is present in many animal sources

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the animal kingdom. It is present in the skin, bone, cartilage, blood vessels, gut, and muscle of vertebrates. Collagen is present in meat and fish, so if you consume these, you are already consuming collagen via your diet.

Collagen can also be sourced from animal hides, which are mostly a by-product of meat production. Skins of chicken and sheep are high in fat, whereas beef and goat have skins with a lower fat content. Skins from cattle, goat, buffalo, and sheep have a higher alignment of collagen fibrils than those from sheep and pig.

Collagen can be extracted from animal skins using various methods, including acid, alkali, salt solubilization, and enzyme hydrolysis. The extraction method can be tailored depending on the desired yield and the properties of the final product.

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Collagen supplements are not regulated by the FDA

Collagen supplements are classified as dietary supplements, which are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness before being sold to the public. Instead, dietary supplement companies are responsible for ensuring their products meet safety standards and are not in violation of the law. This means that manufacturers can make health and structure/function claims about their products without providing proof of safety or efficacy. As a result, consumers are at risk of encountering products with inaccurate labelling, inconsistent or low-quality ingredients, and even contamination.

For example, a study by ConsumerLab found that one out of 15 collagen powders was contaminated with cadmium, a toxic heavy metal. In addition, many collagen supplements lack independent testing and utilize outdated daily values of nutrients, with confusing dosing instructions that don't correspond to the daily values listed.

To address these concerns, consumers are advised to purchase products that have undergone third-party testing by independent laboratories, such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or ConsumerLab. These organizations provide seals of approval that confirm the ingredients and doses listed on the label, as well as test for contaminants and adulterations. However, it is important to note that the presence of a seal does not guarantee the safety or efficacy of a supplement, as the testing is not mandatory.

Therefore, it is crucial for consumers to be cautious and conduct their own research when considering collagen supplements. They should look for products with detailed information about their collagen sources, types, and formulations, and opt for reputable brands that prioritize transparency and quality. Additionally, consulting with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement is always recommended.

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Collagen may help with morning sickness

Women with morning sickness are more likely to have food aversions to high-protein foods like meat, eggs, fish, and dairy. Collagen supplements are flavourless and can be mixed into any food or drink, making them easier to consume when feeling nauseous.

Additionally, collagen supports gut health, which may also help with morning sickness. A study found that 93% of participants experienced a reduction in digestive symptoms, which are common during pregnancy.

Collagen is generally regarded as safe for most healthy adults, but it is always important to consult with a medical professional before taking any new supplements during pregnancy.

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Collagen can support skin hydration and elasticity

Collagen is a vital protein that supports skin hydration and elasticity in several ways. Firstly, it is the most abundant protein in the body and plays a crucial role in maintaining skin structure and function. Collagen provides the skin with firmness and elasticity, which helps to keep it supple, plump, and hydrated. As we age, our body's natural collagen production declines, leading to dry skin and the formation of wrinkles. This is where collagen supplements come in—they provide the body with additional collagen, which can help improve skin hydration and elasticity.

Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of collagen supplements in improving skin health. A randomized, placebo-controlled, blind study found that a collagen supplement significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density in a group of 72 healthy women aged 35 years or older. Another study on 66 Japanese and 106 French women showed significant improvements in skin hydration and dermis density after eight weeks of collagen intake. Additionally, a review of 26 studies focusing on women found that taking 1-12 grams of collagen per day for 4-12 weeks led to improvements in skin elasticity and hydration.

Collagen supplements are generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most healthy adults, including pregnant women. However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy.

Frequently asked questions

Vital Proteins is likely safe during pregnancy but always speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Vital Proteins is one of the most well-known collagen brands sold at most health food stores. They market their collagen as dairy and gluten-free without artificial ingredients. It comes in powder form and contains 20g of bovine collagen for every two scoops consumed.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is present in the skin, tendons, bones, ligaments, cartilage, blood vessels, gut, and muscle. Collagen can improve skin elasticity and health, preventing dry skin and stretch marks, and promote wound healing. It may also increase muscle mass and bone health, improve joint pain, and lead to increased hair growth.

There is minimal literature on the safety of collagen in pregnancy. Collagen supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and there is a lack of studies on taking collagen supplements while pregnant. Therefore, it is important to speak with your OBGYN or healthcare provider before taking any collagen supplement during pregnancy.

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