Is creatine safe for lactating mothers?

Understanding Creatine and Its Safety for Lactating Mothers
Creatine, a popular dietary supplement primarily used to enhance athletic performance and muscle mass, has garnered attention for its potential implications for lactating mothers. As more women engage in fitness and seek to maintain their health during breastfeeding, questions about the safety of creatine supplementation have become increasingly relevant.
Limited Research on Lactation
The consensus among experts is that the safety of creatine for lactating women is not well established. Current research on the effects of creatine supplementation during breastfeeding is limited, leaving many nursing mothers uncertain about its use. While creatine is a naturally occurring substance in the body and is also found in human milk, the implications of additional supplementation during lactation remain unclear.
Creatine Levels in Breast Milk
Interestingly, creatine is a normal component of human milk, contributing to about 9% of an infant’s daily requirements. A study indicated that maternal creatine levels in breast milk can vary, with concentrations averaging around 25.8 mg/L shortly after birth and decreasing over time. However, there is no data on how exogenous creatine supplementation affects these levels in breast milk, which raises concerns about potential impacts on infants.
Potential Benefits and Risks
While creatine is generally considered safe for healthy adults, its effects on breastfeeding mothers and their infants are not fully understood. Some studies suggest that creatine may have neuroprotective properties and could potentially benefit fetal and neonatal health in high-risk pregnancies. However, the lack of comprehensive studies specifically addressing lactation means that mothers should approach supplementation with caution.
Recommendations for Lactating Mothers
Given the current state of research, it is advisable for lactating mothers to consult with healthcare providers before starting creatine supplementation. This is particularly important as individual health circumstances can vary widely, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on a mother’s specific situation.
In summary, while creatine is a widely used supplement with a strong safety profile for most adults, its use during breastfeeding is still a topic of ongoing research. Until more definitive studies are available, lactating mothers should prioritize safety and seek professional guidance when considering creatine supplementation.

How long does creatine weight gain last?

However, studies show long-term creatine use does not lead to excessive or permanent water retention beyond increases in muscle mass. The water is stored in muscles and any initial weight gain typically levels off after a few weeks of regular supplementation.

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 creatine affect a baby?

23 Taken together, preclinical and observational clinical studies indicate that creatine may be an essential metabolite during pregnancy and that adequate levels of creatine during pregnancy may be critical for optimal fetal growth and survival.

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.

Does creatine affect your pump?

While muscle pumps don’t necessarily help you out physiologically in terms of building muscle mass, they will help with motivation levels. What creatine does is increase the water volume in your body, since glycogen binds to water when it is stored, so you get a bigger pump.

Is there a downside to creatine?

Creatine is possibly safe when taken long-term. Doses up to 10 grams daily for up to 5 years have been safely used. Side effects might include dehydration, upset stomach, and muscle cramps. When applied to the skin: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if creatine is safe.

Can a breastfeeding mom take creatine?

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 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.

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.

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.