Collagen While Breastfeeding

There are arguably fewer natural dietary supplements that are more natural than collagen. After all, your skin is 80 percent collagen and your body is programmed to produce it. Collagen is the most ample protein in the body of mammals. It is considered “building blocks” in your body. It is a major component in your skin, bones, muscles, hair, ligaments, and tendons.

As we age and are further exposed to sun, pollutants, and tobacco smoke, however, the collagen in our body begins to break down. There’s early research that shows collagen supplements can reduce the signs of aging, among other benefits.

While collagen plays a major role in skin, muscle, ligament, and other parts of the body, collagen has plenty of other prospective health benefits, too. One study of young, physically active people mirrored the results of other research that showed daily collagen supplements reduced pain. In that study, the results revealed that daily consumption of 5 grams of collagen peptides for 12 weeks reduced joint discomfort that was caused by physical stress.

The best way to determine if you should take collagen when you’re breastfeeding is to talk to your doctor. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements. Instead, they are classified as food. Still, supplements can impact people in different ways, the FDA warns. In fact, the FDA noted that such supplements are not proven to treat, relieve, or cure any disease. Does that mean they have no benefits? No. But it’s best to talk to your doctor before you take them.

One of the most promising benefits of collagen showed that those who took collagen saw improved skin conditions. A small study of women aged 35 and over who took 2.5 grams of collagen for 12 weeks “significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density.”

But there are plenty of other possible benefits for breastfeeding women who take collagen. They include the following.

Following birth and during breastfeeding, your body needs extra healing power and strength. Early studies show collagen may help rebuild and strengthen a woman’s uterus, abdominal muscles, pelvic floor, and more. Collagen is so helpful with wound healing, in fact, that fibers of it are used on C-section incisions. In addition, collagen has amino acids, which not only help repair tissue but also break down food, according to studies.

As a protein, collagen contains some essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. They may help the body to repair tissue and break down food, among many other basic functions. The human body cannot create more essential amino acids. Instead, we must get them from our diet or through supplements.

Pregnancy and lactation can lead to osteoporosis. A study author explains: “During lactation, (4-7 percent) bone loss occurs in the lumbar spine and femoral neck which is reversed about one year after weaning in a site-specific manner. Therefore bone loss … seems to be partial and there is the possibility of complete restoration of bone density.” Preliminary studies show that collagen can increase bone density.

Pregnancy and location make it difficult to build muscle. The protein in collagen may help increase muscle mass, according to researchers.

The American Heart Association notes that breastfeeding may help build healthy hearts. Well, the same goes for collagen, according to an array of studies.

After giving birth to your baby and during breastfeeding, you may have trouble sleeping as a new mother. Early research shows that the amino acids in collagen improve the quality of sleep.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding generally increase a woman’s metabolism, according to studies. After weaning your child, however, the metabolism can slow. Studies show collagen is essential for a healthy metabolism at any age or state.

Although there are only a few studies on the impact of collagen and hair loss, early research is positive. Other studies show collagen may help decrease premature graying of hair.

Collagen is important to gut health. Some early studies show that collagen peptides (supplements) may support improving the gut lining, which can then help you avoid leaky gut issues.

Collagen supplementation varies, but moms whose doctors agree that they should take it will find it boasts a host of health benefits. Like all dietary supplements, you need to continue to eat a healthy and balanced diet.

The right collagen protein powder will include nutrients, but your body also needs vegetables, fruits, and healthy foods. That ensures the human body has every nutrient it needs. And by combining a healthy diet with a collagen supplement, you can be sure your body is getting the most important nutrients, minerals, and vitamins.