Can a breastfeeding mom take creatine?

Can a Breastfeeding Mom Take Creatine?
The question of whether breastfeeding mothers can safely take creatine is one that has garnered attention, particularly among fitness enthusiasts and new moms looking to maintain their health and energy levels. Creatine, a popular dietary supplement known for its benefits in enhancing athletic performance and muscle recovery, raises concerns regarding its effects on both the mother and the nursing infant.
Current Research and Findings
Research on the safety of creatine supplementation during breastfeeding is limited. A few studies have measured creatine levels in breast milk, revealing that the concentration of creatine can vary significantly postpartum. For instance, one study indicated that the average concentration of creatine in breast milk was approximately 25.8 mg/L in mothers just a few days after giving birth, decreasing to 18.7 mg/L within two weeks, and further dropping to 11.5 mg/L in mothers beyond 15 days postpartum . This suggests that while creatine does pass into breast milk, the levels are relatively low.
Despite the presence of creatine in breast milk, the implications for the nursing infant remain unclear. Experts note that there has been little research specifically addressing the effects of creatine supplementation in lactating women. Consequently, it is difficult to ascertain whether there are any significant benefits or drawbacks to taking creatine while breastfeeding .
Safety Considerations
The general consensus among health professionals is that creatine is likely safe for breastfeeding mothers when taken at typical dosages. A review of existing literature suggests that there are no adverse effects reported from creatine supplementation during breastfeeding. However, it is crucial for mothers to consider their individual health circumstances and consult with healthcare providers before starting any new supplement regimen.
Moreover, some experts emphasize the importance of monitoring the infant’s health, particularly if the mother chooses to supplement with creatine. If the baby has good kidney function, it is generally believed that they should tolerate the presence of creatine in breast milk without issues.
Conclusion
In summary, while there is no definitive evidence to suggest that creatine supplementation poses a risk to breastfeeding mothers or their infants, the lack of extensive research means that caution is warranted. Mothers should engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers to weigh the potential benefits against any uncertainties. Ultimately, the decision to take creatine while breastfeeding should be made on an individual basis, considering both the mother’s health goals and the well-being of the child.

Does creatine cause weight gain?

Research has thoroughly documented that creatine supplements cause a quick increase in body weight. This weight gain, however, is due to an increase in water weight, not fat.

Why is creatine high in pregnancy?

There is evidence that creatine metabolism is up-regulated in the myometrium during pregnancy [51,53,54,55,56]. Phosphocreatine levels are increased in the human pregnant myometrium at term compared to non-pregnant tissue [55]. This likely acts as an increased energy reserve for the uterus during labor [57].

What supplements should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Dietary Supplements and Herbs to Avoid When Breastfeeding

• Answer: Certain herbals, high dose vitamins, and other dietary supplements can be dangerous to breastfed babies through breast milk.
• Aloe latex.
• Ashwagandha.
• Berberine/goldenseal.
• Bilberry.
• Black cohosh.
• Butterbur.
• Dong quai.

Does creatine react with milk?

Taking creatine with milk does not interfere with the beneficial aspects of creatine, making it a great choice for those who prefer not to take creatine with water alone. When you mix creatine with milk, the protein in milk does not obstruct creatine absorption. In fact, it might provide an added benefit.

Is creatine safe for breastfeeding?

Both Citrulline and Creatine are advised against during pregnancy and breastfeeding*. There isn’t enough information out there to know whether or not it’s safe, and high doses passing through breastmilk could potentially have adverse effects.

Who should not take creatine?

Mayo Clinic(1) says, “Don’t take creatine if you have a history of kidney disease or you have conditions such as diabetes that increase the risk of kidney problems. There also is some concern that creatine might increase mania in people who have bipolar disorder.”

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

Medical Contraindications for Breastfeeding
There are a few medical contraindications to breastfeeding, and these include: An infant who has the metabolic disorder of classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency). A mother living with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I or type II.

Is it safe to take protein powder while breastfeeding?

Bottom line – yes, protein powders are an extremely convenient way to meet elevated protein body needs during lactation. Just make sure you choose a blend with a high-quality protein base and read all labels in order to avoid dodgy ingredients. We suggest you pass on any protein that contains more than 5.

Can I take protein powder while breastfeeding?

Bottom line – yes, protein powders are an extremely convenient way to meet elevated protein body needs during lactation. Just make sure you choose a blend with a high-quality protein base and read all labels in order to avoid dodgy ingredients. We suggest you pass on any protein that contains more than 5.

Can creatine affect a baby?

23 Taken together, preclinical and observational clinical studies indicate that creatine may be an essential metabolite during pregnancy and that adequate levels of creatine during pregnancy may be critical for optimal fetal growth and survival.