Can you take a NAC supplement while breastfeeding?

Can You Take a NAC Supplement While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether nursing mothers can safely take N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) supplements is one that has garnered attention, particularly as more women seek to manage their health during breastfeeding. NAC is a derivative of the amino acid cysteine and is commonly used for its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits.
Safety Profile of NAC During Breastfeeding
Current evidence suggests that NAC is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. According to various sources, including health professionals and pharmacological databases, NAC does not appear to significantly transfer into breast milk. This means that the risk of exposure to infants through breastfeeding is minimal. For instance, a report from the E-lactation database indicates that NAC is a “toxicity-free drug” with low oral absorption, making it unlikely to pose problems for breastfeeding mothers.
Moreover, a review from the LactMed database supports this view, stating that while there is no specific information on NAC’s use during breastfeeding, the drug is minimally absorbed after inhalation, allowing mothers to continue breastfeeding without interruption.
Recommendations for Use
While NAC is deemed safe, some healthcare professionals recommend precautionary measures. For instance, if a mother needs to take NAC, it may be advisable to pump and discard breast milk for a period—typically around 30 hours—after administration to further minimize any potential exposure to the infant. This approach allows mothers to manage their supplementation while ensuring their baby’s safety.
Additionally, anecdotal evidence from discussions among breastfeeding mothers suggests that taking NAC right after breastfeeding and then using formula for the next feeding can be a practical strategy. This method allows mothers to maintain their supplementation while ensuring that their infants are not exposed to the supplement during critical feeding times.
Conclusion
In summary, NAC supplements can be taken by breastfeeding mothers with a low risk of affecting their infants. The consensus among health professionals is that NAC is safe, but mothers should consider strategies to minimize any potential exposure, such as timing their doses around breastfeeding schedules. As always, it is advisable for nursing mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any new supplement to ensure it aligns with their individual health needs and circumstances.

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.

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.

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.

Is it safe to take NAC during pregnancy?

NAC is a safe and well-tolerated drug during pregnancy and has been previously used for treatment of acute acetaminophene toxicity during pregnancy (Riggs et al., 1989). The side effects reported in this study were mild and did not necessitate discontinuation of treatment.

Why avoid 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.

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.

Can I take NAC while breastfeeding?

Acetylcysteine Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
To avoid infant exposure, nursing mothers may consider pumping and discarding their milk for 30 hours after administration. Acetylcysteine is very minimally absorbed after inhalation, so breastfeeding can be continued and no special precautions are required.

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.

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 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.