Collagen Protein

WHY IS COLLAGEN IMPORTANT FOR ALL STAGES OF MOTHERHOOD?

Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the body, making up about 1/3 of all protein. It forms the connective tissue for almost all of the structures in the body, including; muscles, tendons, skin, bones, blood vessels and digestive tract. It is essentially the glue that holds your entire body together! Unfortunately, collagen levels begin to decline in your mid 20's and unless you are eating a significant amount of gelatinous meat products and connective tissue every week, you will not be getting a whole lot of collagen in your diet!

Collagen supplementation may be beneficial, not only as you age, but also during pregnancy and lactation. Collagen turnover is incredibly high in pregnancy, both for maternal and fetal demands.

In addition to this, most women do not meet their protein requirements during pregnancy and postpartum. This is because daily protein requirements increase from 46g (pre-pregnancy) toas much as 71-100g during pregnancy. The increased protein requirements are needed for baby's growth and development as well as maternal milk production.

Pregnancy while incredible, is notoriously demanding on your body, which changes in remarkable ways to support you growing life within. Collagen is in an optimal source of protein to support these requirements due to its many additional benefits listed below.

Appearance of skin

The skin stretches to support the growth of your baby during pregnancy (belly, hips, thighs, and breasts most commonly). You may notice stretch marks and cellulite appear from increased circulation and stretching. Post pregnancy, loose skin around the belly can be very common.

Did you know your skin is made up of 75% Collagen? Research suggests collagen supplementation, in combination with a well balanced diet can increase skin hydration and moisture levels, improve skin elasticity and the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation, breakouts, and texture changes to the face.

Strengthen hair & nails

Hair loss and brittle nails can come as a shock for many women and may occur during the later stages of pregnancy and up to a year postpartum. Dry and weak hair, as well as hair loss can be the result of changes to your hormones and micronutrients.

Collagen is the building block of your hair and nails.Research found that collagen supplementation:

- Increased nail growth rate by 12%

- Decreased frequency of broken nails by 42%

- Caused a significant improvement in nail integrity after 4 weeks of supplementation

Muscle tissue & recovery

You may experience pelvic floor and/or abdominal wall breakdown following the birth of your baby. To simplify this you may tear tissues and muscles of your pelvic floor and abdomen.

After birth, collagen and elastin undergo rapid breakdown. Glycine, an amino acid found in collagen, can help your perineum (space between the anus and vaginal wall opening) stretch during labour reducing your risk of tearing (or heal properly if you do tear).

Whether you are recovering from a vaginal, instrumental or caesarean birth, there is important healing that must take place.

If your body is unable to produce enough collagen, or you have a deficiency, your ability to heal may be impaired. Increased amounts of glutamine (an amino acid also found in collagen) may help with wound healing and may help to minimise joint aches and pains following the birth of your baby.

Bone density

Women reach peak bone mass around the age of 25 to 30 years. This is when the skeleton has stopped growing and bones are at their strongest and thickest. After this, we only retain or lose our bone mass. During pregnancy and lactation, women are at risk of bone reabsorption, meaning your bone density may become compromised.

In pregnancy, your baby requires increased amounts of calcium to develop its skeletal system. This need is amplified in the third trimester of pregnancy. If the mother consumes inadequate calcium, her baby will absorb what it requires from the mother’s bones. Research demonstrates that hydrolysed collagen contains properties, which support bone health through stimulation of bone-forming cells and optimal calcium absorption.

Metabolism

Weight Support: Having more lean muscle increases our metabolism because muscle burns more calories than fat. Glycine (amino acid of greatest abundance in collagen) forms muscle by converting glucose into energy. The protein content in collagen gives us a feeling of fullness for long periods of time.

Glucose levels: Research reveals that people with diabetes on average, have 26% lower glycine levels than non-diabetics. Some studies reveal that collagen supplementation induce a notable decrease in HbA1c, a marker indicative of improved diabetic glucose control. Having a well balanced diet with fats, protein and carbohydrates in each meal is important in balancing blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Please consult your preferred healthcare professional prior to taking any new supplement or medication.

Ingredients Unflavoured: Hydrolysed Collagen Protein, Organic Camu Camu, Organic Baobab

Ingredients Flavoured: Hydrolysed Collagen Protein, Organic Camu Camu, Organic Baobab, Natural Vanilla Flavour, Organic Stevia Glycoside, Organic Vanilla Bean

~ Our hydrolysed collagen is sustainably and ethically sourced from bovines in Germany & Brazil. They are fed both grass and non-GMO grains.

~ Each serving contains approximately 11-12 grams of high quality, bioavailable protein

~ Manufactured in Australia in a HACCP & ISO9001 certified facility

~ Third party microbiological tested

Maternally Happy collagen protein has been developed specifically with your prenatal to postnatal period in mind. However, it can be incorporated into any individuals diet, regardless of age or gender.

As with any new supplement or medication, please consult your healthcare professional prior to using.

Organic Baobab

Known as the ‘Tree of Life,’ baobab trees have a long and sacred association with childbirth in Africa. Baobab trees grow in dry, remote areas in over 30 African countries. Baobab fruit is rich in vitamin C, calcium, potassium, iron and soluble/insoluble fibre.

~ Baobab fruit powder contains 6x the vitamin C of an orange. Vitamin C is extremely important for, you guessed it, collagen absorption. This will allow for improved collagen uptake and absorption by our body's cells. Due to its high vitamin C content, baobab also helps the body absorb iron, which is essential for reducing fatigue and supporting immune function.

~ Baobab is almost 50% fibre (half soluble and half insoluble). A common side effect of pregnancy is constipation, mainly due to changes in our progesterone levels. Insoluble fibres are not digested by the body. Instead, they soak up water and expand, passing through the gut and helping other foods move through the digestive system. A diet rich in insoluble fibres can help increase regularity and alleviate the symptoms of constipation.

~ The soluble fibres in baobab are absorbed and provide prebiotic effects, stimulating the growth and activity of beneficial probiotic bacteria. This helps to maintain gut health and our microbiome. Prebiotics are the food for our probiotics. Without prebiotics, the population of good bacteria in our gut cannot survive.

~ Lastly, Baobab is packed with antioxidants and polyphenols, which are compounds that protect your cells from oxidative damage, reducing inflammation in our body.

Organic Camu Camu

Camu Camu is native to the Peruvian Amazon and is known for its high vitamin C content. This superfood contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties as well as other essential minerals.

As explained earlier, a diet rich in vitamin C helps maintain a strong healthy immune system, which is crucial during your prenatal to postnatal period. The vitamin C found in Camu Camu also supports normal functioning of the nervous system and psychological function. Understandably, motherhood can result in sleepless nights as well as feelings of being overwhelmed and stressed at times. Having reserves of vitamin C is crucial to support the increased demands on the immune system. Camu Camu contains a large amount of fibre and can support bowel health, digestive health and immune function similarly to Baobab.

Collagen & vitamin C, what is the connection?

Vitamin C is a key cofactor in the synthesis and maintenance of collagen. It is also imperative for fibroblast production (fibroblasts are cells that carry collagen to repair our skin). Due to its antioxidant properties, vitamin C plays a protective role by preventing free radical damage- a main source of collagen degradation and DNA damage.

Vitamin C is arguably the most important vitamin when it comes to collagen absorption and production. It also plays an essential role in immune support, skin health and the growth and repair of body tissues- all of which are essential to all seasons of motherhood.

How to use?

1 levelled scoop = 15g.

Consume 1-2 servings daily, depending on your daily dietary requirements or as advised by your healthcare professional.

Each BPA FREE container lasts approximately one month with 24 servings. We recommend starting with one serve every day.

Shelf life is currently 18+ months, however always refer to your bottles packaging.

As with any supplement or medication, please consult your healthcare professional prior to consuming.