Can I Take Collagen While Pregnant?
Can I take collagen while pregnant?
Collagen is a protein made up of amino acids - the same building blocks found in any high-protein food. In principle, taking a hydrolysed marine collagen supplement during pregnancy is not inherently unsafe. However, pregnancy is a time to be cautious about anything new you introduce to your body, and the honest answer is that robust clinical trials specifically studying collagen supplementation in pregnant women are limited. Here is what you need to know before making any decision.
What is collagen and is it safe in principle?
Marine collagen supplements are hydrolysed proteins - essentially broken-down fish protein. The core ingredients are amino acids: glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and others that the body uses to build its own collagen structure. These amino acids are also found in bone broth, fish, meat and other dietary proteins that are routinely consumed safely during pregnancy.
There are no known toxic compounds introduced by hydrolysed marine collagen at standard doses. A 10,000mg collagen sachet contributes approximately 9.5g of protein - equivalent to eating a small portion of fish. From a purely nutritional standpoint, this is not alarming.
Why pregnant women ask about collagen
Pregnancy places significant demands on the body's collagen systems. The skin stretches to accommodate a growing bump - and collagen is the primary structural protein determining skin elasticity and resilience. Many women hope that supplementing collagen during pregnancy may reduce stretch marks or support skin recovery afterwards.
Additionally, joints become more lax during pregnancy due to the hormone relaxin, which loosens connective tissue. Some women experience joint discomfort as a result. The amino acids in collagen support connective tissue throughout the body, including the joints and ligaments affected by these hormonal changes.
Are there any specific concerns?
Heavy metals and contaminants
The main concern with marine collagen during pregnancy is the quality and purity of the source. Fish can accumulate heavy metals including mercury, and while marine collagen is derived from fish skin and scales (not the fatty flesh where mercury concentrates), the quality of manufacture matters enormously. Always choose a collagen supplement that is independently tested and certified - such as Informed Choice certified products that are screened for over 250 potentially harmful substances.
High vitamin A content
Some collagen supplements - particularly those containing added vitamin A - should be avoided in pregnancy. High doses of vitamin A are associated with birth defects. Kollo Premium Liquid Marine Collagen does not contain vitamin A. It contains vitamins B1, B5, B6, B12 and C - all of which are considered safe and beneficial during pregnancy at the levels present.
Fish allergies
Marine collagen is derived from fish and is not suitable for anyone with a fish allergy. This applies equally during pregnancy.
Daily Powder Sachets
Premium Marine Collagen Powder Sachets
10,000mg of clinically studied marine collagen in convenient daily sachets. Perfect for travel and on-the-go — just mix into water, juice or your favourite drink.
Shop Powder Sachets →What do healthcare professionals generally say?
Most healthcare professionals take a cautious approach to all supplements during pregnancy beyond those specifically recommended - folic acid, vitamin D and iron being the standard UK recommendations. This caution is not because collagen is considered dangerous, but because the research base for any supplement in pregnancy is limited and pregnancy is not the time to experiment.
The general guidance is: if you were already taking a high-quality, independently tested marine collagen supplement before becoming pregnant and wish to continue, discuss it with your midwife or GP. If you are considering starting for the first time during pregnancy, it is reasonable to wait until after delivery and breastfeeding.
Collagen after pregnancy - the clearer case
The evidence for collagen supplementation is strongest in the postnatal period, when skin is recovering from the stretching of pregnancy, joints are restabilising and the body is repairing. Many women find this the ideal time to begin or resume a collagen routine. For information on collagen during breastfeeding specifically, read our guide to taking collagen while breastfeeding.
- Always consult your midwife or GP before taking collagen during pregnancy
- If you choose to take collagen, select a product that is independently tested and free from vitamin A and heavy metals
- Avoid any collagen product that does not disclose full ingredient testing
- The postnatal period is an excellent time to start collagen supplementation for skin recovery - read our complete guide to liquid marine collagen and try Kollo Premium Liquid Marine Collagen - 10,000mg Naticol marine collagen per daily sachet
Kollo Health was co-founded by Jenni Falconer - TV presenter, Smooth Radio breakfast host, ten-time London Marathon runner and host of the RunPod podcast. Read her story and why she created Kollo.
