In recent years, collagen has grown in popularity, gaining a reputation in the beauty industry as a “fountain of youth” supplement that promises glowing skin, strong nails, and shiny hair. Messaging around this dietary supplement has been so effective, in fact, that the collagen market is currently valued at $5.9 billion, and is expected to reach $14.4 billion by 2033.
However, while most collagen brands have focused heavily on promoting the supplement’s aesthetic appeal, a new narrative is emerging: collagen as a prenatal and breastfeeding super nutrient.
And before we get into some of its other benefits, yes, the right collagen supplement, when taken throughout pregnancy and recovery, can help reduce stretch marks– but that’s just the cherry on top. When choosing a collagen supplement, pregnant mothers are looking for brands that are backed by clinical studies that prove they are safe and effective to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Protiva– a hydrolyzed, porcine collagen supplement brand, developed for pregnant and breastfeeding women– is the first and only collagen brand to complete a published clinical study of pregnant and breastfeeding moms, demonstrating it to be safe and effective for 100% of study patients. Protiva’s patented collagen formulations can be an essential component of prenatal and breastfeeding nutrition, supporting both moms and babies through one of life’s most demanding stages.
Supporting Healthy Moms
Collagen is a protein that is packed with amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which are essential for building and repairing connective tissues, including skin, cartilage, and bones. But while many pregnant women strive to maintain a balanced diet, protein deficiency remains a surprisingly common issue. This shortfall can lead to fatigue, slower tissue repair, and increased discomfort during pregnancy. For expectant mothers, meeting their body’s heightened protein demands is critical—and this is where collagen supplements come into play.
The essential amino acids in collagen help mothers manage the physical demands of pregnancy by:
- Supporting tissue repair: Collagen helps repair tissues that are stretched or damaged during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Improving joint health: Pregnancy can place added strain on joints, and collagen provides the necessary support to reduce discomfort.
- Boosting protein levels: The increased protein demands of pregnancy—typically 50-70% higher than usual—can be difficult to meet through diet alone, especially when morning sickness or food aversions are present.
- Promoting hormonal balance: Glycine, an amino acid found in collagen, plays a key role in hormone production and placental function.
“Collagen’s benefits are often limited to beauty conversations, but its impact on maternal health is incredible,” says Mike Moran, co-founder of Protiva. “When we developed our supplement formulations, we set out to close nutritional gaps that mothers often don’t realize they have.”
A Building Block for Babies’ Development
In addition to supporting a mother’s health, collagen plays a critical role in a baby’s development. The amino acids found in collagen are essential for building the baby’s connective tissues, including skin, cartilage, and bones. Glycine, in particular, is vital for proper DNA synthesis and cellular growth, making it a cornerstone of fetal development.
Collagen also contributes to the formation of the placenta, which serves as the baby’s lifeline by delivering nutrients and oxygen. By ensuring optimal collagen intake, mothers can help support a healthy placenta, which is crucial for the baby’s growth and overall well-being.
“Pregnancy is one of the most demanding times for a woman’s body, and increasing your collagen and protein intake can help meet those demands,” explains Nancy Moran, RN, MSN, co-founder of Protiva. “When you’re expecting a baby, there are so many things to worry about, and prioritizing effective nutrition can be an easy way to bring some peace of mind to the process.”
A Digestible Protein Source – Even During Morning Sickness
Pregnancy often brings digestive challenges, such as nausea, food aversions, and sensitivities to certain foods. Many expectant mothers struggle to consume enough protein-rich foods due to these issues, which can make meeting increased nutritional needs even more difficult. Unlike some protein supplement sources, such as whey, soy, or plant-based proteins, (they all contain tryptophan, which can be harmful to the fetus), hydrolyzed collagen is easier to digest, contains no tryptophan, and is also less likely to trigger stomach discomfort.
Protiva’s porcine collagen, for example, closely mirrors human collagen, with a 97% source DNA match, allowing for superior absorption. Most collagen brands use Bovine, which is only a 70% source DNA match to humans. Collagen’s hydrolyzed form means the protein is broken down into smaller peptides, making it gentle on the digestive system while still delivering essential nutrients. For mothers dealing with morning sickness or reduced appetite, this easy-to-digest option can be a game-changer in maintaining balanced nutrition throughout pregnancy.
Rebranding Collagen As a Prenatal Essential
While collagen has traditionally been marketed as a beauty supplement, Protiva is redefining its benefits in maternal health.
“Our goal has always been to empower mothers with collagen solutions backed by proven science,” says Mike Moran. “By incorporating our high-quality, patented collagen formulations into their diets, moms can feel confident they are supporting both their health and their baby’s development.”
Protiva Collagen’s clinically proven benefits during pregnancy, breastfeeding and recovery, reveal its true potential as a nutritional powerhouse. From supporting maternal health to aiding in fetal development, Protiva collagen offers expectant mothers a safe, effective way to meet the physical demands of pregnancy.
