Can a breastfeeding mom take stevia?

Can a Breastfeeding Mom Take Stevia?
As more mothers seek healthier alternatives to sugar, the question of whether stevia is safe during breastfeeding has gained attention. Stevia, derived from the leaves of the *Stevia rebaudiana* plant, is a popular natural sweetener known for its zero-calorie content and potential health benefits. However, the safety of its consumption while nursing is a topic that warrants careful consideration.
Safety Profile of Stevia for Breastfeeding Mothers
Current research indicates that stevia is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. According to various health sources, there are no specific foods that nursing mothers need to avoid solely due to breastfeeding, and this includes stevia. The consensus among experts is that mothers can consume stevia as part of a balanced diet without significant concerns for their infants.
The *Drugs and Lactation Database* notes that there is no data on the excretion of stevia components into breast milk, which suggests that it is unlikely to affect breastfed infants. This lack of evidence regarding adverse effects is reassuring for mothers who enjoy using stevia as a sugar substitute.
Potential Benefits and Considerations
Stevia may offer several benefits for breastfeeding mothers. It can help manage sugar intake, which is particularly beneficial for those monitoring their weight or blood sugar levels postpartum. Additionally, stevia does not contribute to dental cavities, making it a tooth-friendly option for nursing mothers.
However, while stevia is safe, moderation is key. Some studies have raised concerns about the effects of excessive consumption of artificial sweeteners, including potential impacts on metabolism and gut health. Therefore, it is advisable for breastfeeding mothers to use stevia in moderation and as part of a varied diet.
Consulting Healthcare Providers
As with any dietary change, it is always wise for breastfeeding mothers to consult with healthcare providers. They can provide personalized advice based on individual health needs and dietary preferences. This is especially important for mothers with specific health conditions or those who are unsure about incorporating new foods into their diet.
In conclusion, stevia can be a safe and beneficial sweetener for breastfeeding mothers when consumed in moderation. It allows for a sweet taste without the calories associated with traditional sugars, making it a popular choice among health-conscious individuals. As always, maintaining a balanced diet and consulting with healthcare professionals will ensure the best outcomes for both mother and child.

Who should not take stevia?

People with chronic low blood pressure and those who take blood pressure-lowering medications should speak to a doctor before adding stevia to their diet.

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.

Is stevia the safest sweetener?

Researchers have examined this sweet leaf for more than 100 years. And they mostly agree that using stevia leaf extracts as sweeteners is generally safe. Some research has also found that stevia may have some health benefits. A 2017 study says stevia is safe for people who have diabetes, obesity or high blood pressure.

Is stevia safe for pregnancy?

In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicates that whole stevia leaves and stevia extracts are not safe for pregnant people (or others), but stevia sweeteners and foods sweetened with stevia are safe. “Stevia has been given the GRAS [or generally recognized as safe] rating by the FDA,” Dr. Jones says.

What is the best sweetener for breastfeeding mothers?

Nonnutritive sweeteners (NNS), including saccharin, sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame-potassium, are commonly consumed in the general population, and all except for saccharin are considered safe for use during pregnancy and lactation.

Is stevia safe while breastfeeding?

Summary of Use during Lactation
No data exist on the excretion of any components of stevia into breastmilk or on the safety and efficacy of stevia in nursing mothers or infants. Rebaudioside A is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) as a sweetening agent for foods by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Is stevia ok for pregnancy?

Stevia is a sweetener from a plant native to South America. Stevia is safe to consume during pregnancy.

What foods make breastmilk more fatty?

Incorporate More Healthy Fats into Your Diet
They are typically found in nuts, salmon, avocados, seeds, eggs, and olive oil. These types of fats are important for both you and your baby’s diet. What you eat, your baby will also eat in some form.

Is stevia safe for babies?

Stevia has been shown to be safe for children up to the acceptable daily limit of 4mg/kg of body weight set by the European Food Safety Authority. Whilst many children eat less than this, we know that toddlers are the group most likely to eat over this amount.

Does sweeteners affect breast milk?

There is evidence that increased sweetness of breastmilk increases an infant’s risk of increased sugar intake and obesity. The sweeteners acesulfame, saccharin, and sucralose are found in breastmilk after maternal ingestion, at variable levels considered safe.