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Does quercetin pass through breast milk?

Quercetin and Breast Milk: What You Need to Know
Quercetin, a flavonoid found in various fruits and vegetables, has garnered attention for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, for breastfeeding mothers, a critical question arises: does quercetin pass through breast milk, and if so, what implications does this have for infants?
Recent studies indicate that quercetin does indeed transfer into breast milk. Research published in a scientific journal found that after mothers consumed a meal rich in quercetin, the compound was detected in human milk at nanomolar levels. Specifically, breastfed infants were estimated to receive approximately 0.01 mg of quercetin daily from their mothers’ diets. This suggests that the dietary intake of quercetin by breastfeeding mothers can lead to measurable exposure for their infants.
Safety Considerations
While the presence of quercetin in breast milk raises questions about safety, current evidence suggests that there are no significant risks associated with this exposure. Studies have indicated that quercetin appears naturally in breast milk in amounts that correlate with the mother’s dietary intake, and no toxic effects or adverse side effects have been reported in infants . This is reassuring for mothers who consume quercetin-rich foods as part of a balanced diet.
However, caution is advised regarding quercetin supplements. Health guidelines generally recommend that pregnant and breastfeeding women avoid high doses of quercetin supplements due to potential risks, including kidney damage at very high levels. The consensus among health professionals is that while dietary quercetin is likely safe, supplementation should be approached with caution.
Conclusion
In summary, quercetin does pass into breast milk, allowing infants to receive small amounts through breastfeeding. The current body of research suggests that this exposure is not harmful, provided that mothers obtain quercetin through their diet rather than supplements. As always, breastfeeding mothers should consult healthcare providers for personalized advice, especially when considering dietary changes or supplements.

What supplements are not safe during 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 immune boosters are safe while breastfeeding?

Boosting Your Immune System
Look for a high-quality supplement, such as Nordic Naturals Pro Omega, which tests for metal toxicity. Vitamin D3: Vitamin D3 supports infection-fighting cells and overall immune health. Taking 6,400 IU daily can ensure both you and your baby benefit, as 400 IU passes through breastmilk.

Does milk neutralize antioxidants?

Summary: Although research shows that milk may block some of the antioxidants in foods, it probably does not inhibit all antioxidants. Currently, there is no evidence that it reduces the overall health benefits.

Do antioxidants pass through breast milk?

Background. Antioxidant defense of the body is assured by both endogenous and exogenous factors comprising several enzymes, vitamins, protein components and derivates and oligoelements. Breast milk has been proven to have important and essential antioxidant composition to prevent and protect against diseases in infancy …

Why avoid cinnamon while breastfeeding?

Coumarin, an ingredient in some cinnamon products, can cause liver problems, but the amount you’d get is so small that it probably won’t be a problem. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, children, pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding should avoid cinnamon as a treatment.

Is quercetin safe during breastfeeding?

Very high doses of quercetin may damage the kidneys. You should take periodic breaks from taking quercetin. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and people with kidney disease should avoid quercetin. At doses greater than 1 g per day, there have been reports of damage to the kidneys.

How long does quercetin stay in your system?

Human subjects can absorb significant amounts of quercetin from food or supplements, and elimination is quite slow, with a reported half-life ranging from 11 to 28 h [38]. The average terminal half-life of quercetin is 3.5 h [39].

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.

What substances pass through breast milk?

During breastfeeding, it is important for a woman not to consume alcohol, smoke, or take drugs. These substances are known to pass through the breast milk. This information can help mothers to understand better about the consequences of smoking, using drugs, and drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

What medicine ingredients should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

  • codeine phosphate.
  • decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
  • some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
  • aspirin for pain relief.
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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