Can you eat gelatin when pregnant?

In this article, we are going to answer the question if you can eat gelatin when pregnant? We are also going to discuss what gelatin is, the benefits and side effects of eating gelatin, if you can eat sugar-free gelatin and how to add it to your diet. 

Can you eat gelatin when pregnant?

Yes, you can eat gelatin when pregnant safely. There’s no contraindication of eating gelatin when pregnant. So you can freely enjoy your favorite gelatin flavor. 

According to the FDA, it is safe to eat gelatin when pregnant.

What is gelatin?

Gelatin is made from animal collagen. It’s the product you obtain by cooking collagen. Collagen is the main substance that forms animals’ and humans’ bones, cartilage, and skin. By increasing your gelatin intake, you can increase your collagen production. 

Gelatin is flavorless and colorless, it dissolves in warm water and takes on a jelly substance. It’s about 98% to 99% protein and contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals. Here are the main amino acids in gelatin:

  • Glycine
  • Proline
  • Valine
  • Hydroxyproline
  • Glutamic Acid

Some people take gelatin for

  • fighting aging
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Brittle nails

You can find gelatin in soups, broths, sauces, gummies, candies, marshmallows, medications, and others. 

Are there side effects of eating gelatin when pregnant?

Gelatin does not cause side effects but it can cause a feeling of heaviness in your stomach and when you are pregnant you usually have less space because of the growing baby. It may also cause bloating and heartburn. 

It is important to mention that not all gelatin comes from good sources. Also, you should check the ingredients, especially fat and sugar if it’s a pre-made food. 

3 main factors affect the quality of gelatin:

  • The health of the animal gelatin comes from
  • The process of extraction
  • and The other ingredients it is combined with 

So always remember to read the labels of what you are going to eat when pregnant. 

What are the benefits of eating gelatin?

  • Healthy body tissues
  • Skin Care
  • Digestion
  • Blood sugar low
  • Bone strength 
  • Sleep
  • Hair

Healthy body tissues

Because of its high content of protein, it is an excellent protein source, the dietary guidelines of Americans 2020-2025 recommend that adults consume 46-56 g of protein each day.

A study from 2017, shows that combining vitamin C with gelatin may help repair body tissues. 

Skin Care

Eating gelatin may help boost collagen production. Several studies show that eating and taking gelatin supplements improve the appearance of hair and skin. It also shows that it can increase the moisture of the skin.

Digestion

Gelatin contains glutamic acid, which may help maintain a healthy mucosa of the small and large intestine. 

Blood sugar low

A study from 2014 may suggest that because of its protein content, it may help to keep the sugar down. 

Bone strength 

Gelatin contains a high quantity of lysine, which is crucial for bone health. 

Hair

Gelatin may promote hair growth

Is sugar-free gelatin safe during pregnancy?

It is not recommended to eat sugar substitutes when pregnant because there is not enough evidence of the effect of these no caloric sweeteners on babies. 

What’s the difference between gelatin and gelatine?

There is no difference between gelatin and gelatine. Both are a protein derived through partial hydrolysis of the collagen extracted from bones, cartilage, ligaments, and skin of animals. 

How can I add gelatin to my diet when pregnant?

There are many ways you can add gelatin to your diet when pregnant. Gelatin is present in many premade food items and can be easy to add to anything you are cooking at home 

Add it to your favorite soup
Bone broth is high in gelatin
Sprinkle in your favorite smoothie
Add it to gravies and sauces
You can have it with your hot tea
If you want more ideas, click here

Other FAQs about Gelatin that you may be interested in.

Why is gelatin not vegan?

Does gelatin melt?

Does gelatin have pork in it?

Conclusion

In this article, we answered the question if you can eat gelatin when pregnant, what is gelatin, the benefits and side effects of eating gelatin, if it’s safe to eat sugar-free gelatin and how to add it to your diet. 

Citation

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1051/gelatin

https://answeregy.com/can/can-a-pregnant-woman-eat-gelatin.php

https://www.momjunction.com/articles/jelly-during-pregnancy_00379799/

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