Is protein powder safe for pregnancy? Since protein powder during pregnancy has an effect on both the mother’s and the unborn child’s health, it is given further consideration. Protein is especially important because it helps both your and your child’s bodies build and repair cells and organs as they grow.
While the majority of people do not have trouble getting enough protein, pregnant women may find it difficult to satisfy these greater needs since their personal protein requirements rise during pregnancy.
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So, the amount of protein that a pregnant woman needs increases significantly. Your need for protein will rise while you are pregnant, and you can satisfy that need by eating a variety of foods, both plant-based and animal-based. However, you must take protein powder into account if you are a vegan or do not consume meat.
A good source of protein and other essential nutrients is protein powder. However, some of the powder’s components, like artificial sweeteners and preservatives, raise concerns about its safety, particularly when used during pregnancy.
Is protein powder safe for pregnancy?
Some studies indicate that a well-balanced supplement with up to 20% of calories from protein is the best approach to incorporating protein supplements into a prenatal diet.
It is crucial to combine protein powder with additional substances that contain fat and carbohydrates in order to achieve this using protein powder, which is frequently 70% to almost 100% protein.
Use protein powder to make a protein shake or smoothie with milk, yoghurt, banana, blueberries, oats, avocado, and peanut butter as the main ingredients.
Sick of protein shakes? You may also mix your protein powder into oatmeal, yoghurt parfaits, or homemade soups. You can also use it as an ingredient in homemade sweets or soups.
How Much Protein Does a Pregnant Woman Need?
A pregnant woman’s need for protein grows over the course of the pregnancy and is highest in the second and third trimesters when the baby is growing rapidly.
The optimal body weight for a woman’s height is taken into consideration when determining her protein needs, not her actual weight. This formula can be used to determine the appropriate body weight for women: 105 x Height (in centimetres)equals the ideal body weight (in kgs).
For instance, if a woman weighs 70 kg but the WHO considers 55 kg to be her ideal body weight, her protein needs would be adjusted to 55 kg.
Is protein powder bad for pregnancy?
Since protein powder supplements often contain added sugars like sucralose, it is impossible to conclude that they are entirely safe for new moms. It cannot be claimed that these artificial sweeteners are safe for a pregnant woman and her new baby, even though they may be FDA-approved or regarded as safe (GRAS).
Considering that they are artificial rather than natural, their safety is in doubt. Also, some protein powders may have ingredients like caffeine and creatine that could hurt the development of the embryo.
It is suggested that you consult with your doctor if you wish to use protein powder as a supplement during pregnancy. This will help you to determine whether you need it and, if so, which type.
Women who are sensitive to dairy products can switch to alternative organic protein powders that are suitable for intake during pregnancy. It is because the majority of powders are made out of proteins like whey, casein, and soy.
Protein from food may be more beneficial
You may meet your body’s increased protein needs during pregnancy by eating foods like chicken, meat, eggs, dairy, soy, fish, nuts, seeds, and whole grain products. Consuming protein in its natural state also benefits other essential food elements, including fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
If you can get all the protein you need from meals, we don’t advise using protein powder. If your diet already has enough protein, taking a high-protein supplement could hurt your baby by making him or her have a low birth weight, be born early, or not grow well.
Before Purchasing Protein Powder, Consider the Following:
Protein powder with caffeine
Many brands of protein powder that say they are vegan or good for your diet also add vitamins and caffeine.
You shouldn’t buy these brands because you shouldn’t take in too many vitamins or caffeine when you’re pregnant.
Protein powder flavoring
Fillers are chemicals that are added to protein powders to give protein shakes more volume. Additionally, they give the drink a smoothness and consistency that improves its flavor.
Without providing any real advantages, they can increase your caloric intake and make you feel fuller. Flavoring agents are sometimes not as natural as they promise to be, and they are often lacking in nutrients. So stay away from powders that have flavoring and filler additives.
Protein powder without artificial sweetener
The danger posed by protein powders including xylitol, sucralose, and maltitol is also questionable.
However, stevia is considered to be the best alternative among sweeteners because it is a plant and grows in nature. It is recommended that you refrain from using powders that contain these components. Also, to be safe, it’s best to stay away from protein powders that contain artificial sweeteners.
Protein shake ingredients
Nowadays, many products have warning labels if they include ingredients that are unsafe for children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers.
This also applies to protein powders. These powders typically include ingredients like creatine, glutamate, caffeine, beta-alanine, acetyl L-carnitine HCL, and a percentage of vitamins that is higher than recommended by your doctor. You can choose healthy powders owing to these labels. Therefore, it is important to always check the ingredients to identify any inappropriate ones.
Protein Powder Source
Any food you consume while expecting will, in some way, also be consumed by the baby. As a result, it is important to consider your protein powder’s sources.
Verify the powder’s producer and manufacturing processes to see whether the product is free of pesticides, chemicals, and hormones. It will be beneficial to do some research on the production processes used and the components used.
9 Best Protein Powders for Pregnancy
Ritual Essential Protein
Ritual Essential protein powder for expecting mothers is a complete protein powder made from pea protein that has the amino acid L-methionine added to make it vegan. It can assist vegan mothers to make up for important dietary deficits in both protein and choline. Ritual also has the Informed-Sport Certification, which shows that they test their products independently for toxins, especially those that are banned in sports.
This is complete in all nine of the key amino acids after the methionine is added. As a result, it is not only the editor’s best protein powder but also the best vegan protein powder on our list!
Pros:
- There are no additional sweeteners in this protein powder.
- It has choline in it.
- It provides a supply of complete protein profiles for pregnant women.
- Pea protein is the main source of protein.
- It has a fantastic flavor.
Cons:
- It’s a pricey protein powder.
Needed Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein Powder
The Needed Collagen Protein Powder is a protein powder that is made mostly of collagen and has no taste.
For many reasons, collagen is essential both during and after pregnancy because of its many advantages to our skeleton and pelvic health. It is a type of protein that is different from proteins found in animals and plants.
Pros:
- It’s scientifically formulated for a healthy pregnancy.
- It’s a collagen-type protein.
- It may boost hair and nail health.
- Bone health may benefit.
- It blends easily into soups, dinners, smoothies, and protein drinks.
Cons:
- For vegans, it might not be perfect.
- Tryptophan, an important amino acid, is lacking.
PlantFusion Complete Protein
PlantFusion is committed to using only the most nutrient-dense and easily digestible plant sources. The company sells the most allergen-free organic protein powder available.
Every 30-gram scoop of this protein powder has 21 grams of protein but only 2 grams of carbs.
Pros:
- It is a protein powder that is hypoallergenic.
- It has a healthy amino acid profile.
- It includes more digesting enzymes.
Cons:
- Due to a few synthetic components, it is not entirely organic.
- Ora So Lean & So Clean
Ora So Lean and So Clean Protein
All of the necessary and optional amino acids, according to the product’s creators, are present for your body to produce both tissues and hormones. They also made it simple to mix and drink.
The tasty protein powder is easy to mix and blend and is suitable for use at any time of day. However, the manufacturers advise taking it in the early to mid-morning.
Pros:
- 3 flavours: vanilla, vanilla chai, and chocolate.
- There are 20 superfoods in it.
- Per dosage – 2 servings of greens.
- Pregnant women get a full protein profile.
- Made with non-GMO, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free ingredients.
Cons:
- The flavour can be too strong for some expectant mothers.
Drink Wholesome Protein Powder
Both vegan and non-vegan lifestyles are supported by the brand. They have two options, one of which uses a formula with animal protein as its main source of protein and the other of which uses a formula with plant-based protein.
Non-vegans will value egg white protein powders because they contain all nine essential amino acids needed for a healthy pregnancy and effective recovery.
Pros:
- It’s great for lactose-intolerant pregnant women because it’s dairy-free.
- The protein powder’s bottle lists its contents.
- It’s one of the few vegan and non-vegan prenatal protein supplements.
- Mocha and PB flavour (peanut butter) coconut
Cons:
- The brand lacks USDA or other third-party certifications.
Vega Protein & Greens
This plant-based protein powder is perfect for vegetarians because it is totally plant-based. Per two scoops of greens, there are 20 g of protein. 120 calories are in it. The flavors are all-natural and gluten-free, there is no added sugar; and they are non-GMO.
Vega Protein & Greens is an important part of a healthy, well-balanced breakfast or a useful protein supplement to take with you on the go.
Pros:
- Making a protein shake mix is simple.
- It has flavors that taste good.
- It contains no extra sugar.
- It is both non-GMO and gluten-free.
Cons:
- a little costly in comparison to other brands.
Boobie Body Superfood Protein Shake
The flavor of Chocolate Bliss is quite mild and somewhat bland. There is absolutely no sweetness. All it has is a very slight chocolate flavor. It has no sugar per serving, in contrast to many protein powders on the market.
Additionally, Boobie Body offers probiotics that may be beneficial if you’ve suffered from gastrointestinal issues. Probiotics should not be taken daily, though, as doing so for a year or more can generate an overabundance of microorganisms in your body.
Pros:
- This protein shake is chocolatey.
- Each dish has 0g sugar and organic herbs and greens.
- High in probiotics, this protein drink helps to breastfeed moms generate more milk.
Cons:
- Fenugreek, a lactation aid, is not present.
- Sweeten with honey, sugar, or stevia if you like.
Klean Athlete Klean Isolate
Athlete Whey protein isolate is the protein source in Klean Isolate, which aims to deliver a high concentration of lactose-free milk protein. With a third-party certification from NSF Certified for Sport, which may be the most strict certification, it meets one of our highest standards.
This means that it has been checked to make sure it has what it says it has and is free of harmful toxins. It also means that it does not contain any compounds or drugs that athletes are not allowed to take.
Whey protein isolate’s lactose concentration might vary, but it is often significantly lower than that of regular dairy. As a result, people who have a sensitivity to lactose may be able to handle a whey-based powder. For people who are allergic to or sensitive to dairy, this is not a good option. The whey protein source also has calcium and potassium, which are two important nutrients for pregnant women.
Pros:
- NSF Sport certification
- No-flavour selection
- A high-quality protein source
Cons:
- Greater expense
- Incompatible with dairy allergies.
Hemp Yeah! Protein + Fiber in Balance
Hemp Yeah! Balanced Protein + Fiber is manufactured exclusively from hemp seeds, which have a number of nutritional advantages and are also vegan. It is typically regarded as a complete protein source, and one meal offers an incredible 8 grams of fibre in addition to omega-3 fatty acids derived from plants.
Numerous health advantages of fiber include supporting digestion, providing long-lasting satiety, and nourishing good microorganisms in the gut. Most lifestyle-related chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, are more likely to happen if you don’t eat enough fiber.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- No additional sweeteners.
- 8 grams of fiber.
Cons:
- Earthy taste
Conclusion
Proteins and other nutrients are essential to the well-being of the mother and the growing child throughout pregnancy and are advantageous for the newborn during nursing. Even though healthy meals contain most of the essential nutrients, doctors often recommend protein powders and other dietary supplements for a healthy pregnancy.
To ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery, it becomes vital to choose only the best protein powders available for pregnant women. There should be no short cuts at all; picking the best protein powders is an essential step in the process.
FAQS
- What kind of protein powder should I avoid during pregnancy?
Quality counts. Avoid powders that haven’t been tested by a third party to make sure they are pure, that are made with herbs whose safety during pregnancy hasn’t been proven, or that have unwanted ingredients.
- Can I continue using protein powder while I am breastfeeding?
Yes, dietary demands continue to increase during nursing and after recovery. While breastfeeding, the same factors to take into account as during pregnancy apply.
- What is the best time of day to use protein powder?
The best time to do something is when it is most convenient and possible for you. There is no scientific consensus on when the best time is to take a protein supplement.
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