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Is L-theanine safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding L-Theanine and Breastfeeding Safety
L-theanine, an amino acid primarily found in green tea, is often praised for its potential benefits, including anxiety and stress relief without inducing sedative effects. However, when it comes to its safety during breastfeeding, the conversation becomes more nuanced.
Limited Research and Caution Advised
Currently, there is limited scientific evidence regarding the safety of L-theanine for breastfeeding mothers. While some anecdotal reports suggest that it may be relatively safe, health professionals generally advise caution. According to various sources, including health forums and expert opinions, there is no definitive research confirming the safety of L-theanine during lactation. This lack of data means that healthcare providers often recommend avoiding its use unless absolutely necessary.
Expert Opinions
Experts have expressed concerns about the absence of studies specifically addressing L-theanine’s effects on breastfeeding. For instance, one source notes that while L-theanine is classified as “generally recognized as safe” by the FDA, this classification does not extend to pregnant or breastfeeding women. Another source emphasizes that due to the limited research available, breastfeeding mothers should be cautious when considering L-theanine supplements.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While L-theanine is generally well-tolerated and side effects are uncommon, the potential for interactions with other medications, particularly antihypertensives and stimulants, raises additional concerns. Moreover, the effects of any supplement on breast milk composition and the infant’s health remain largely unknown, which is a critical consideration for nursing mothers.
Conclusion
In summary, while L-theanine may offer various benefits, its safety during breastfeeding is not well-established. The consensus among health professionals leans towards caution, advising mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before incorporating L-theanine into their regimen. Given the current lack of comprehensive research, it is prudent for breastfeeding mothers to prioritize safety and consider alternative methods for managing stress and anxiety.

Is L-theanine hard on your liver?

L- Theanine prevents alcoholic liver injury through enhancing the antioxidant capability of hepatocytes.

Who should not use L-theanine?

The side effects of L-theanine are usually mild and uncommon. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should be cautious when taking L-theanine, due to the limited research available for these groups.

Is it safe to take L-theanine while pregnant?

No guidelines about effective dosage ranges have been established. Theanine supplements are usually well tolerated and no adverse effects have been reported thus far. However, pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid using the supplement.

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.

Why do I feel weird after taking L-theanine?

L-theanine may affect the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. These include serotonin and dopamine, which influence mood, sleep, and emotion, and cortisol, which helps the body deal with stress. A change in the balance of these chemicals can change a person’s mood or stress levels.

What supplements can I take for anxiety while breastfeeding?

B-vitamins and Vitamin D. Vitamin D and B-vitamins can help with energy levels, enhance immunity, reduce fatigue, decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and support adequate sleep. If you’re breastfeeding, I especially recommend mamas to supplement with these vitamins to help support their and baby’s needs.

What are the best supplements for anxiety while breastfeeding?

B-vitamins and Vitamin D. Vitamin D and B-vitamins can help with energy levels, enhance immunity, reduce fatigue, decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and support adequate sleep. If you’re breastfeeding, I especially recommend mamas to supplement with these vitamins to help support their and baby’s needs.

Can I take L-theanine if breastfeeding?

It isn’t clear if L-theanine is safe to use for longer periods of time. It might cause mild side effects, such as headache or sleepiness. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if theanine is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

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 are the negative side effects of L-theanine?

Possible Adverse Effects of L-Theanine

  • Lowering blood pressure (which may be beneficial to some people).
  • Appetite loss.
  • Diarrhea.>
  • Difficulty in concentration.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea.
  • Extreme high doses (29mg/kg/day) can cause liver toxicity.
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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