Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » Is 5-HTP safe for breastfeeding?

Is 5-HTP safe for breastfeeding?

Understanding the Safety of 5-HTP for Breastfeeding Mothers
As more mothers seek natural remedies for mood enhancement and anxiety relief, the question of whether 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is safe during breastfeeding has gained attention. While 5-HTP is often marketed as a supplement that can help with depression and anxiety, its implications for nursing mothers and their infants remain a topic of concern.
What is 5-HTP?
5-HTP is a naturally occurring amino acid that the body uses to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite. Many people take 5-HTP supplements to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, the safety of these supplements during breastfeeding is not well established.
Current Research and Recommendations
The consensus among health professionals is cautious. According to various sources, 5-HTP is likely excreted into human milk, which raises concerns about its effects on infants. The specific impact on a breastfeeding child is largely unknown, leading many experts to advise against its use during this period.
A review of the available literature indicates that while 5-HTP may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mothers, the lack of comprehensive studies on its transfer to breast milk and its potential effects on an infant’s neurological development is alarming. The absence of data means that healthcare providers often recommend erring on the side of caution. As one source notes, it is always better to play it safe while pregnant or nursing, emphasizing the need for further research to understand the implications fully.
Expert Opinions
Healthcare professionals generally advise breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare provider before considering any supplement, including 5-HTP. While it may be deemed safe for most adults, the limited research specifically addressing breastfeeding mothers and their infants makes it a risky choice.
Moreover, some anecdotal reports suggest that while some mothers have used 5-HTP without apparent issues, the lack of scientific backing means that these experiences should not be taken as definitive proof of safety.
Conclusion
In summary, while 5-HTP is a popular supplement for mood enhancement, its safety during breastfeeding is not well-supported by research. The potential for it to transfer into breast milk and affect an infant’s development is a significant concern. Therefore, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to engage in discussions with their healthcare providers to explore safer alternatives for managing mood and anxiety during this sensitive period.

Is it safe to take GABA while breastfeeding?

Gabapentin and breastfeeding
It’s important to keep taking gabapentin to keep you well. Gabapentin passes into breast milk in small amounts. It has not been known to cause any side effects in breastfed babies.

Who should not take 5-HTP?

People who are taking antidepressant medications should not take 5-HTP without their provider’s supervision. These medications could combine with 5-HTP to cause serotonin syndrome, a dangerous condition involving mental changes, hot flashes, rapidly fluctuating blood pressure and heart rate, and possibly coma.

Can 5-HTP make anxiety worse?

Too much 5-HTP in your body can cause a spike in serotonin levels, resulting in side effects such as: anxiety.

What anxiety medication is safe while breastfeeding?

Safe medication in breastfeeding
They include, in no particular order: SSRI antidepressants e.g. sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine all have anti- anxiety activity. They take 4 to 6 weeks to exert full benefit. Tri-cyclic antidepressants e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine.

What is the happy hormone while breastfeeding?

The release of oxytocin, often called the “bonding hormone,” represents one of the most profound psychological benefits of breastfeeding. Oxytocin is a neurochemical released during breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact, playing a pivotal role in fostering a deep emotional connection between the mother and her baby.

Does serotonin affect breastfeeding?

Serotonin plays an important role in human breast milk volume homeostasis within the mammary gland during lactation. Previous research has demonstrated that women taking antidepressants have lower rates of breastfeeding intention and initiation, and are more likely to experience delayed secretory activation.

Can 5-HTP affect menstrual cycle?

Results. There were no significant quantitative differences in brain 5-HTP-derived activity between the groups in either of the menstrual phases for any of the 9 ROIs.

Can I take 5-HTP while pregnant?

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if 5-HTP is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Children: It is possibly safe for children to take 5-HTP by mouth at appropriate doses.

What is a natural anti anxiety while breastfeeding?

Studies show that passion flower and oat are as effective as prescription anxiety medications. Plus, oats can help boost the metabolism of fats and increase milk production for nursing mamas. Melissa (Lemon Balm). Melissa, a member of the mint family, helps ease anxiety and depression and is an effective antiviral.

Should you avoid breastfeeding if you are on antidepressants?

Antidepressants while breastfeeding
It may be safe to take antidepressant medications while breastfeeding. Although many medications pass into breast milk, most have little or no effect on milk supply or infant well-being.

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.

Leave a Comment