Can you take a NAC supplement when breastfeeding?

Understanding NAC Supplementation During Breastfeeding
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a supplement known for its antioxidant properties and is often used to support respiratory health and detoxification. However, for breastfeeding mothers, the question of whether it is safe to take NAC can be a concern.
Safety Profile of NAC for Nursing Mothers
Current evidence suggests that NAC is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. According to various sources, including healthcare professionals and pharmacological databases, NAC does not appear to significantly transfer into breast milk. This means that the risk of exposure to the nursing infant is minimal. For instance, a pharmacist from the University of Washington indicated that taking NAC while breastfeeding is not problematic, reinforcing the notion that it is safe for mothers to use this supplement.
Moreover, the Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) notes that if a mother requires NAC, it should not necessitate the discontinuation of breastfeeding. However, to further minimize any potential exposure, it is recommended that mothers pump and discard their milk for about 30 hours after taking the supplement . This precautionary measure can help ensure that any residual NAC in the milk does not reach the infant.
Practical Recommendations
For mothers considering NAC supplementation, timing can be an important factor. Some healthcare professionals suggest taking NAC right after breastfeeding, followed by formula feeding for the next session, allowing the mother to return to breastfeeding afterward. This approach can help manage any concerns about infant exposure while still allowing the mother to benefit from the supplement.
Conclusion
In summary, NAC is largely regarded as safe for breastfeeding mothers, with minimal risk of transferring to breast milk. While some precautions, such as timing and possibly discarding milk after taking the supplement, can be taken to ensure safety, the overall consensus is that NAC can be a beneficial addition to a nursing mother’s regimen without significant risk to her infant. As always, it is advisable for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any new supplement to ensure it aligns with their individual health needs and circumstances.

Is it safe to take NAC while pregnant?

Further, the use of NAC during pregnancy shows no fetal or maternal harm. NAC supplementation has been investigated heavily in women with PCOS undergoing fertility treatments.

Can you take NAC while pregnant?

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug safely administered to pregnant women with acetaminophen toxicity.

Who should not take the NAC supplement?

People with cystinuria, a kidney condition in which too much cysteine is lost in the urine, should not take cysteine supplements. When inhaled into the lungs, NAC may cause tightness in the chest, numbness of the mouth, runny nose, and drowsiness. It may make asthma symptoms worse.

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.

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.

Why no ashwagandha while breastfeeding?

Although it is rare, there have been a number of cases that link liver injury to ashwagandha supplements. Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding.

What are the cons of taking NAC?

The most common side effects of NAC include:

• Upset stomach.
• Nausea or throwing up.
• Diarrhea.
• Fatigue.
• Eye irritation.
• Itching or rash.
• Skin swelling.
• Wheezing.

Can you take a NAC supplement while breastfeeding?

Supplementation of anti-oxidant NAC to mothers during lactation may have a neuroprotective effect on dams learning ability and decrease offspringLs basic inflammatory state.

Can you take CoQ10 while breastfeeding?

The safety of use of CoQ10 during pregnancy and breast-feeding hasn’t been established. Don’t use CoQ10 if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding without your doctor’s approval.

Is NAC safe for babies?

Conclusions. In this cohort of newborns exposed to chorioamnionitis, antenatal and postnatal NAC was safe, preserved cerebrovascular regulation, and increased an anti-inflammatory neuroprotective protein.