The Best Supplements to Enhance Fertility

Are you a recent or soon-to-be mom and interested in supplementing with collagen? Your body goes through many changes as you enter motherhood. Learn about how your body can benefit from collagen while breastfeeding and over the course of pregnancy, and make an informed choice! First of all, what's collagen? Collagen is a protein made up primarily of the amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline (1). It is the most abundant protein in the human body, as it is a major building block of all connective and fibrous tissue, eg: hair, skin, bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and the fibrous structure of organs (2). Research shows collagen supplementation is beneficial for a variety of conditions. This includes: Joint pain Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid arthritis Brittle nails Cellulite Skin health It is possibly also useful in preventing or treating conditions such as sun-damaged skin, exercise-induced injury, hypertension, type II diabetes, and osteoporosis. New research is also exploring collagen’s possible utility in repairing the stomach and intestinal walls in cases of digestive inflammation or “leaky gut”. How does the body use collagen while breastfeeding or pregnant? Nutrition requirements change during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the needs of the fetus and newborn infants. In particular, the demand for amino acids and protein significantly increases (3). Inadequate protein intake during this period can have negative impacts on the short and long-term health of mother and child. Because studies on pregnant or breastfeeding individuals are generally not permitted, there has been no direct investigation into the use of collagen while breastfeeding and during pregnancy. However, collagen is a naturally occurring substance found in animal products, made up of amino acids, which our bodies are very familiar with utilizing. Generally, collagen supplements at reasonable doses are considered to be safe and without side effects (4,5). If you have an allergy to fish or seafood, avoid marine-sourced collagen. Instead, choose products sourced from bovine, poultry or eggshell sources (6). Shop Collagen Here's the bottom line: While we can’t say for certain how the body utilizes collagen while breastfeeding and during pregnancy, collagen is a great source of amino acids and protein. It is also very easily absorbed, even in those with challenged digestive systems. Combined with its utility in improving and maintaining health in a number of areas, this makes regular collagen supplementation a great source for additional amino acids and protein during pregnancy and breastfeeding. References Silvipriya, K., Kumar, K., Bhat, A., Kumar, B., John, A., & Lakshmanan, P. (2015). Collagen: Animal sources and biomedical application. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science,5(3), 123-127. Sibilla, S., Godfrey, M., Brewer, S., Budh-Raja, A., & Genovese, L. (2015). An overview of the beneficial effects of hydrolyzed collagen as a nutraceutical on skin properties: Scientific background and clinical studies. The Open Nutraceuticals Journal,8(1), 29-42. Elango, R., and Ball, R.O. (2016). Protein and amino acid requirements during pregnancy. Advances in Nutrition, 7(4), 839S-844S. Choi, F. D., Sung, C. T., Juhasz, M. L., & Mesinkovsk, N. A. (2019). Oral collagen supplementation: A systematic review of dermatological applications. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology,18(1), 9-16. Liu, X., Machado, G., Eyles, J., Ravi, V., & Hunter, D. (2018). Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine,52, 1-10. Ruff, K. J., Winkler, A., Jackson, R. W., Devore, D. P., & Ritz, B. W. (2009). Eggshell membrane in the treatment of pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Clinical Rheumatology,28(8), 907-914.

Although they fall behind women in longevity, men are generally more reluctant to adhere to a healthy lifestyle and tend to avoid seeking medical attention when needed. The ostrich syndrome is real! Let’s break the stigma. Healthy living is for everyone, and we want to encourage men to do what they can to create healthier habits. This begins with a balanced diet, regular exercise and listening to your body’s needs. We’ve also curated our top products to address common men’s health concerns - combine them to a healthy lifestyle for lasting benefits! Zinc Zinc is an essential trace mineral with many important roles in the body, from immunity to metabolism. In men, zinc deficiency can lead to low levels of testosterone, causing symptoms such as fatigue, reduced muscle mass and erectile dysfunction. Organika’s Chelated Zinc offers a potent yet well-tolerated dose of this vital mineral for increased absorption without stomach discomfort. Helps prevent zinc deficiency Helps maintain immune function Helps the body to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins Supports connective tissue formation Chelated for increased absorption Blood Sugar Control Blood sugar is the amount of sugar found in one’s bloodstream, and when it deviates from the normal, it can be a sign of something gone awry in the metabolism. In particular, high blood sugar is often a red flag for diabetes and related conditions, which can lead to long-term problems with the heart, kidneys, and more. Blood Sugar Control is a synergistic combination of bitter melon and chromium to support healthy blood sugar levels and help prevent the harmful effects of high blood sugar levels. Supports healthy glucose metabolism Improves fat metabolism, helping with healthy weight management Keeps energy levels constant throughout the day, leading to less fatigue Chelated Chromium for increased absorption Coenzyme Q10 Coenzymes are helper molecules that allow all sorts of chemical reactions to move forward within the body. Coenzyme Q10 is vital for energy production, supporting the healthy functioning of energy-demanding organs like the heart, liver and kidneys. It is also a powerful antioxidant, fighting free radical damage around the body. CoQ10 supplementation is especially important for the elderly and those suffering from heart disease. Supports healthy heart function Supports cellular energy production Assists metabolic function Antioxidant for the maintenance of good health Goutrin Gout is a condition caused by a buildup of uric acid, causing swelling and pain in the joints. Males are disproportionately affected by gout: out of 8.3 million adults suffering from it in the US in 2008, 6.1 million were men (National Kidney Foundation). Goutrin is a unique blend of natural ingredients that targets gout from all angles - from limiting uric acid production, to flushing the uric acid already in the body, to providing pain relief and preventing an attack. Relieves joint pain, stiffness and inflammation around joints Lowers uric acid levels Reduces symptoms during an acute flare-up of gout Source of antioxidants for the maintenance of good health

Looking for a baking project to warm you up? This maca glazed cake recipe by our friend Karolina Gnat brings cake to a whole new level of deliciousness - with energy-boosting maca and antioxidant cacao as a bonus. Truly the best of both worlds!