The preconception time frame is incredibly exciting. During this time, which is typically defined as the 3-6 months prior to conceiving (though I believe focusing on preconception health can never start too early!) you have the opportunity to support egg quality and reproductive health, build nutrient stores, and prepare your body for pregnancy and baby. Creating a nourishing and healthy foundation prior to
conception is important to consider if you’re hoping for a healthy baby and pregnancy, but for reasons even beyond that, as we know that what happens before and during pregnancy can influence the long-term health of your future child! Preparing for a baby can bring forth many emotions, from excitement to overwhelm. There are so many factors to consider when it comes to nutrition and lifestyle, and supporting preconception health, that it may seem difficult to know where you should focus your attention! Although there are many factors to consider, I wanted to provide you with information about how collagen may support you on your preconception journey, as it’s one of the nutritional topics I feel doesn’t get enough attention! Let’s dive in.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, providing structure to connective tissue and supporting the health of skin, ligaments, tendons, and bones. As you may have guessed, collagen is pretty important for human health! If we are thinking about ways to prepare our bodies for future pregnancy, dietary collagen consumption is something to consider. Collagen is naturally found in foods including bone-in, skin on animal proteins and bone broth. Another option to obtain collagen is through a collagen supplement such as Svete which contains 11 grams of hydrolyzed multi-collagen per serving, including type I, II, III, V, and X collagen derived from grass-fed beef, wild-caught Alaskan pollock , chicken bone broth and eggshell membranes. As always, please consult with your doctor prior to starting any new supplements!
How collagen can support preconception health
If you’re interested in learning more about how collagen can support preconception health, keep
reading!
- As discussed above, collagen is supportive of connective tissue and structural health which is important for skin stretching and elasticity, and preparing the body for the growth of your future baby. In other words, collagen is important for supporting structural health and connective tissue in both mom and baby.
- Collagen is composed of glycine, an important amino acid for pregnancy, particularly late
pregnancy. Glycine is considered a “conditionally essential” amino acid, meaning it’s considered “essential” under certain circumstances. During pregnancy, glycine needs go up as the developing baby has an increased requirement for glycine, so it’s important to consider ways you are getting this important amino acid in your diet even prior to pregnancy. - In addition to the above factors, collagen also supports hormone health given it contains glycine. While glycine is important for pregnancy, it’s also important for hormone health as it’s involved in detoxification, glutathione production (the body’s master antioxidant!), and methylation, each of which are important for fertility and healthy hormones. Thus, collagen is something to consider when aiming to support hormone health preconception!
The key takeaway
Many factors can have a powerful influence on preconception health, including a whole foods-based eating pattern, movement, and stress reduction to name a few. Collagen is a type of amino acid that’s vital to human health, and is especially important in supporting the health of mom and her future baby. Although a collagen supplement such as Svete can be a convenient and easy way to get more collagen in your diet during the preconception timeframe, always consult your doctor to determine if it’s right for you!
Are you looking for personalized support on your journey to baby?
I created the Nutritionally Right Baby Program to serve as your guiding light, so you can confidently nourish your body on your journey to motherhood. I’d love to connect and discuss how I can support you on your journey! You can learn more about my Nutritionally Right Baby Program here, and book a no-cost, no-obligation, no-pressure phone call for us to learn if we’re a good fit to work together.
