Broth and Glycine for Pregnancy and Postpartum
Pregnancy is a time defined by incredible growth and development, which requires plentiful protein as well as specific nutrients. The heightened requirements continue for recovering postpartum mothers and for breastfeeding mothers in order to repair and to meet the dietary needs of a growing baby.
Glycine is one nutrient that is needed in abundance. It is a non-essential amino acid that plays several important roles in the body and during pregnancy, its significance becomes even more pronounced. While the body can usually synthesise glycine, during pregnancy, the demand can outpace production, making it conditionally essential for the mother and developing baby.
Key Roles of Glycine in Pregnancy include.
1. Foetal Growth and Development
Glycine is a major component of collagen, which is vital for the growth of foetal connective tissues, skin, joints, and organs.
It supports the formation of DNA and RNA, crucial for cell division and development.
2. Placental Function
The placenta relies on glycine for cell signalling, blood vessel formation, and nutrient transport.
3. Detoxification and Liver Support
Glycine is a key part of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that supports detoxification and protects both mother and baby from oxidative stress.
4. Nervous System Development
It acts as a neurotransmitter and supports neurological development of the foetus.
5. Uterine Elasticity and Skin Health
As a component of collagen, glycine supports uterine expansion, skin elasticity, and may help prevent stretch marks and reduce the risk of pelvic floor issues postpartum.
A wonderful safe way to get enough glycine in your diet is long-simmered bone broths. The release of collagen from the bones breaks down into gelatine, which is a rich source of various beneficial amino acids, including glycine. Bone broth is a good natural source especially when it has been slow simmer for longer than 12 hours and with the inclusion of various types of bones. At MFM we include a variety of bones and simmer our broths for around 18hours minimum. Making our drop rich in all the beneficial nutrients this traditional cup of golden liquid can offer.
References.
Jackson, A. A., et al. (2016). Glycine metabolism and its alterations in pregnancy, The Journal of Nutrition https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.115.229799
Rees, W. D., et al. (2006). Protein and amino acid metabolism in the fetus, The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society https://doi.org/10.1079/PNS2006513
Ducker, G. S., & Rabinowitz, J. D. (2017). One-Carbon Metabolism in Health and Disease, Cell Metabolism https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2017.05.006
Brosnan, M. E., & Brosnan, J. T. (2006). The sulfur-containing amino acids: an overview, The Journal of Nutrition https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/136.6.1636S
Wu, G., et al. (2013). Functional amino acids in nutrition and health, Amino Acids https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-012-1333-5
Zhao, Y., et al. (2019). Glycine supplementation during gestation improves fetal growth and development in undernourished sows, Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology https://doi.org/10.1186/s40104-019-0326-6
