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Can you take creatine supplements while breastfeeding?

Understanding Creatine and Breastfeeding
Creatine is a popular supplement among athletes and fitness enthusiasts, known for its ability to enhance muscle strength and improve recovery times. However, for breastfeeding mothers, the question of whether to take creatine supplements is complex and requires careful consideration.
Limited Research on Safety
Currently, there is little research on the effects of creatine supplementation in lactating women. The existing studies do not provide conclusive evidence regarding the benefits or drawbacks of creatine for breastfeeding mothers. While creatine is a naturally occurring substance in the body, its supplementation during breastfeeding remains a topic of concern among healthcare professionals.
Potential Risks and Recommendations
Experts suggest that while creatine is generally considered safe for most individuals, its use during breastfeeding should be approached with caution. There are concerns that creatine supplementation could potentially increase the levels of creatine in breast milk, which may affect the infant. Until more definitive data is available, many healthcare providers recommend avoiding creatine supplementation unless it is specifically prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Nutritional Needs During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers experience significant changes in their nutritional needs and bodily functions. While creatine may offer benefits such as improved muscle growth and exercise performance, these advantages must be weighed against the potential risks to the infant. The consensus among some experts is that, although there are no documented adverse effects of creatine on breastfeeding, the lack of comprehensive studies means that caution is warranted.
Conclusion
In summary, while creatine is a widely used supplement with various benefits, its safety during breastfeeding is not well established. Mothers considering creatine supplementation should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss their individual circumstances and make an informed decision. Until more research is conducted, it is prudent to err on the side of caution and prioritize the health and safety of both mother and child.

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.”

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.

What supplements are not safe during pregnancy?

Supplements to avoid during pregnancy

  • Vitamin A. You’ll often find vitamin A in your prenatal vitamins since it’s so important.
  • Vitamin E.
  • Black cohosh.
  • Goldenseal.
  • Dong quai.
  • Yohimbe.
  • Other herbal supplements considered unsafe during pregnancy.

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.

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.

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.

Does creatine affect babies?

Some research has shown that supplementing the mother’s diet during pregnancy improved the likelihood of having a healthy baby at birth, suggesting that a creatine nutritional supplement could be beneficial for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

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.

Is creatine OK for babies?

Creatine 0.1-0.4 grams/kg daily for up to 6 months has been taken safely in both infants and children. Bipolar disorder: Creatine might make mania worse in people with bipolar disorder. Kidney disease: Creatine might make kidney disease worse in people who already have kidney disease.

Is it safe to take creatine while pregnant?

An oral creatine supplement is a safe, low-cost treatment with the potential to reduce pregnancy complications associated with low or lack of oxygen, from mother to baby, during pregnancy.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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