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Is GABA supplement safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding GABA Supplements and Breastfeeding Safety
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating brain activity. As a dietary supplement, it is often marketed for its potential benefits in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. However, when it comes to breastfeeding, the safety of GABA supplementation raises significant concerns.
Lack of Research on GABA and Breastfeeding
Currently, there is a notable absence of comprehensive studies specifically examining the effects of GABA supplements on breastfeeding mothers and their infants. While GABA is produced naturally in the body and is generally considered safe for the general population, the implications of supplementation during lactation remain unclear. Experts emphasize that there is insufficient research to definitively conclude that GABA supplements are safe for breastfeeding mothers .
Expert Opinions and Recommendations
Medical professionals have expressed caution regarding the use of GABA while breastfeeding. An OBGYN noted that GABA acts as a neuro-inhibitor, which could potentially be harmful to developing infants. This perspective aligns with broader medical advice that suggests avoiding GABA supplements during breastfeeding due to the lack of safety data.
Furthermore, the general consensus among health experts is to err on the side of caution. The risks associated with GABA supplementation during breastfeeding are not well-documented, leading many to recommend against its use until more definitive research is available.
Potential Risks and Considerations
The primary concern with GABA supplementation during breastfeeding is the potential for adverse effects on the infant. Since GABA is a neuro-inhibitor, there is a theoretical risk that it could affect the infant’s developing nervous system. Additionally, the transfer of GABA into breast milk has not been adequately studied, leaving a gap in knowledge regarding its safety for nursing infants.
Given these uncertainties, health professionals typically advise breastfeeding mothers to avoid GABA supplements. This caution is particularly relevant for those who may be considering GABA for anxiety relief or other health benefits, as the potential risks to the infant may outweigh the benefits for the mother.
Conclusion
In summary, while GABA supplements are widely available and marketed for various health benefits, their safety during breastfeeding is not established. The lack of research, combined with expert recommendations against their use, suggests that breastfeeding mothers should refrain from taking GABA supplements. As always, it is advisable for nursing mothers to consult with healthcare providers before starting any new supplement to ensure the safety of both themselves and their infants.

Does GABA increase cortisol?

A chemical compound that affects the hormonal control of cortisol is γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA reduces the secretion of corticoliberin (corticotropin-releasing hormone, CRH), which triggers a series of consecutive hormonal changes, leading to secretion of cortisol by the adrenal cortex [44, 45].

What is the downside of taking GABA?

It’s unclear why this happens, but it may be related to changes in neurotransmitter levels or individual sensitivities. Some people may also experience gastrointestinal issues when taking GABA supplements. These can include stomach cramps, nausea, or diarrhea.

Is L-theanine safe while breastfeeding?

Health experts have not yet established the safety of L-theanine for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, people who consume more than 300 milligrams of caffeine per day during pregnancy have a higher risk of poor pregnancy outcomes.

How does GABA affect fertility?

Enhanced GABA activity in the brain and a hyperactive hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis are associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common form of anovulatory infertility.

What does GABA do to hormones?

The action of GABA directly on the pituitary was evaluated in vitro. The results indicate that intraventricular GABA can stimulate LH, growth hormone (GH) and, at high doses, prolactin (Prl) release, whereas low doses inhibit Prl and all doses inhibit TSH release.

Is it safe to take GABA while pregnant?

Our results suggest that exposure to certain GABA concentrations, during early pregnancy, can impair preimplantation embryo development via its B-type receptor, and endometrial receptivity, which greatly disturbs early embryo implantation in mice.

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 can I take for anxiety 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.

Can I have GABA while breastfeeding?

There are also no clinical trials on GABA’s effects and safety in nursing infants. For this reason, take GABA with caution. 7 Speak with your healthcare provider to help you weigh the benefits and risks of GABA while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Who should not take GABA supplements?

For this reason, it’s best to play it safe and not use GABA if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Interactions. Not enough is known about how GABA may interact with drugs, foods, or other herbs and supplements, but use with caution if taking with blood pressure medications.

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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