I was first introduced to collagen before my pregnancy with Lily. Gina had learned about the benefits of collagen and had been incorporating collagen into her daily routine.
She told me about the benefits for pregnancy, postpartum healing and hair loss, skin health and stretch marks, and recovery from workouts and how much it helped her, so I decided to give it a try!
At the time, she was using Vital Proteins, and we would get samples of other collagen brands. Let’s say I was not a fan.
I could only tolerate Vital Proteins and the other brands if I mixed it into a smoothie. Otherwise, it made the flavor and consistency of the drink or food inedible.
I wanted the benefits, but couldn’t stand the taste
I figured that’s how all collagen tasted.
Around the time I got pregnant with Colin, I found the company Needed. I heard raving reviews about how well their collagen mixed and how mild-tasting it was. I’ll admit, I was skeptical but curious enough to try*.
Needed’s Collagen Changed My Mind
Once I tried it in my morning cup of coffee, I was hooked. It mixed in SO easily and had no flavor!
I loved that I could add it to almost anything to get the benefits of collagen in my diet without the clumpiness or subtle flavor of collagen!
It wasn’t just how easily it dissolved and the taste that made me an immediate fan. I also really appreciate their sourcing and testing, which other brands can’t stand behind.
It’s really important to me that the products I use and recommend are thoroughly tested and come from quality sources.
Needed third-party tests all of their batches, their collagen is Clean Label Project Verified, and is sourced from pasture-raised animals.
I have been using Needed’s collagen protein daily since October/Nov 2020!
What is Collagen?
Collagen is found in our skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissue! It accounts for 30% of the protein in our body. It provides support, strength, and structure*.
Our body requires even more of the specific amino acids found in collagen when we’re pregnant and healing from labor.
Also, as we age, our collagen production decreases making this an important product to continue beyond pregnancy and postpartum.
Why is Collagen important during pregnancy and nursing?
During pregnancy and postpartum, our protein requirements increase. We need at least 75-100g per day, with higher amounts required for those who are active, breastfeeding, or healing from a cesarean.
This is a lot of protein that many of us may not be able to get in our diet.
For women who are pregnant, collagen may help support healthy blood sugar, minimizes nausea, and supports growing baby’s cells and the placenta*. It also supports mama’s joints, pelvic floor tissue, skin elasticity, and postpartum hair*.
Which Collagen Protein is Best?
I have used two different collagen brands, Needed and Vital Proteins. Let’s compare the two.
Vital Proteins
Vital Proteins has more options regarding collagen.
The most popular is their original collagen peptides that have 20g of collagen and 28g of protein, but they also offer different collagen sources, flavors, and products.
They recently had a recall due to pieces of plastic found in their containers, but they have made some changes to their product to address this. Regarding safety and potential toxins in the product, Vital Proteins has been flagged for lead and cadmium, which is concerning, especially for those of us in the perinatal period!
I also have concerns about their quality and sourcing, as they were acquired by Nestlé and are sold in mass quantities at retailers like Costco.
One tub of 9.33oz of Vital Proteins Collagen is $27-$30. One benefit is that it is easily accessible in retail locations for you to purchase when you are out and about.
Vital Proteins Collagen, for me, didn’t mix easily into foods or drinks, I found it to be clumpy unless I used a blender to mix it. I also found it to be more gelatinous if I did not drink or eat it right away, which I did not love. The unflavored collagen has a slight flavor that I could taste in my coffee.
Needed
Needed Collagen Protein is pure hydrolyzed bovine collagen and has no added flavor. This form allows for better absorption in our body! It has 15g of collagen in each scoop and no added ingredients besides hydrolyzed bovine collagen. It is rich in amino acids we need during pregnancy to support the baby’s growth and joints and tissue health in our bodies.
Needed’s Collagen Protein comes in a 16 oz container for around $50 as a one-time purchase or as low as $35 a month on subscription. It’s not currently readily available in stores, so this requires planning to make sure you have some on hand for daily use.
Needed’s Collagen Protein mixes easily into foods and drinks without having to use a blender, and it has no flavor! My favorite way to use it is to add it to my morning cup of coffee or chia seed pudding! It adds a creaminess to my food, which is especially nice for my coffee.
Needed is one of my favorite companies for supplements because of how intentional they are with the formulation and sourcing of their products.
Their collagen protein is no exception; they source it from grass-fed, pasture-raised, hormone-free bovines and is ethically sourced!
It was also awarded the Clean Label Project Purity Award. This is a pretty big deal when we are looking for a product that goes above and beyond for quality!
The Clean Label Project has performed independent testing of Needed’s Collagen Protein and granted them the Clean Label Project Purity Award and the Pesticide Free Certification. This is done IN ADDITION TO the third-party testing they do for EVERY batch to ensure safety.
My Choice
My personal choice is Needed!
I trust and use all Needed products because they are so intentional with everything they make, especially their collagen. They make their products with us in mind, and I feel safe using them for my growing family and feel confident recommending their products to the mamas in our community.
The vigorous testing of their products to ensure safety, as well as having the Clean Label Project Award, makes me feel confident recommending them.
It doesn’t add flavor to my food and drink I mix it in, and it mixes in so easily! It’s in an optimal form that is absorbed by my body and is ethically sourced! Win, win, win in my book.
The price point is on the higher end, but if you compare the price per serving of each brand, Needed is more affordable! Vital Proteins has 14 servings in its container, and Needed has 30 servings, which works out to $1.92 per serving versus $1.67 per serving!
Needed also has a subscription option to make it even more affordable and convenient for pregnancy and postpartum.
You can also use our code MAMASTEFIT for 20% off your first month!
DISCLAIMER:
This blog post is sponsored by Needed, we receive free products and monetary compensation for writing this blog.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.