Is elderberry safe when breastfeeding?

Is Elderberry Safe When Breastfeeding?
Elderberry, derived from the fruit of the Sambucus nigra plant, has gained popularity for its purported immune-boosting properties, particularly during cold and flu season. However, when it comes to breastfeeding, the safety of elderberry consumption remains a topic of debate among healthcare professionals.
Lack of Comprehensive Research
One of the primary concerns regarding elderberry use during breastfeeding is the lack of solid scientific evidence confirming its safety. While elderberry berries themselves are generally considered safe when cooked, the leaves, bark, and roots contain sambunigrin, a compound that can release cyanide and is potentially toxic. This raises questions about the overall safety of elderberry products, especially since many available forms, such as syrups, may not specify the source of the elderberry used.
Medical Advice and Caution
Most medical professionals advise caution, suggesting that breastfeeding mothers should refrain from using elderberry syrup due to the absence of definitive research on its effects on lactation and breastfed infants. Although there have been no reported adverse effects from elderberry consumption during breastfeeding, the consensus is that without robust studies to back its safety, it is prudent to avoid it.
Healthcare providers often recommend that mothers consult with their doctors before introducing any herbal supplements, including elderberry, into their diets while breastfeeding. This is particularly important as individual health circumstances can vary widely.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While elderberry syrup is marketed for its health benefits, the uncertainty surrounding its safety during breastfeeding cannot be overlooked. The general guideline in herbal medicine is to label substances as “not safe” for breastfeeding unless proven otherwise. This precautionary principle is especially relevant for nursing mothers, as the effects of various compounds on infants can be unpredictable.
Moreover, some experts suggest that while elderberry may not be outright harmful, the potential for unknown interactions or effects on a breastfeeding infant warrants a cautious approach.
Conclusion
In summary, while elderberry is celebrated for its health benefits, its use during breastfeeding is not universally endorsed due to the lack of conclusive research and potential risks associated with its consumption. Mothers are encouraged to prioritize safety by consulting healthcare professionals before making decisions about elderberry or any herbal supplements while nursing.

Will my baby catch my cold if I breastfeed?

With most common illnesses like a cold or flu, it is safe to continue breastfeeding your baby as long as you take proper hygiene precautions like handwashing. Continuing to breastfeed will help you to maintain your milk supply and will provide your baby with protection against the illness you are experiencing.

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.

What vitamins decrease milk supply?

If you haven’t nursed your infant yet, high doses of vitamins B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin) may work to suppress lactation. One older study from the 1970s suggested that high doses B6, B1, and B12 suppressed lactation for 96% of the participants, with no unpleasant side 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 not to take 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.

Is elderberry safe for breastfeeding?

Elderberry, winter colds & flu, & pregnancy: MANY of you have asked me about the safety of elderberry syrup for winter health — there is no known contraindication to using the syrup on a daily basis during pregnancy (and while breastfeeding).

What can I take for a cold while breastfeeding?

You can use lozenges, pastilles and throat sprays (e.g. Strepsils®, Ultra-Chloraseptic throat spray®, Difflam®) when you are breastfeeding, to relieve your symptoms. There is very little data on whether these products affect breastfed infants, but they have been used extensively without reports of problems.

Can you take Emergen C elderberry while breastfeeding?

So you can continue to take Emergen-C to support your immune system while breastfeeding, but remember not to exceed the recommended dosage. It’s always advisable to consult with your healthcare provider when making any dietary or supplemental changes during this time.

Can I take emergen C while breastfeeding?

Yes, you can take Emergen-C while breastfeeding, but it’s important to not exceed the recommended dosage. Emergen-C is a supplement rich in vitamin C, often used for boosting immune health. However, while vitamin C is crucial for both you and your baby, consuming it in large amounts can cause digestive upset.

Is it safe to take elderberry while pregnant?

Due to lack of evidence of efficacy and safety, health care personnel should not advice pregnant women to use echinacea or elderberry against upper respiratory tract infection.