Is melatonin excreted in breast milk?

Melatonin in Breast Milk: A Natural Component with Circadian Rhythms
Melatonin, a hormone primarily produced by the pineal gland, is well-known for its role in regulating sleep and circadian rhythms. Interestingly, this hormone is not only vital for adults but also plays a significant role in infant development, particularly through breast milk. Recent studies have confirmed that melatonin is indeed excreted in breast milk, with its concentration varying throughout the day and night.
The Presence of Melatonin in Breast Milk
Research indicates that melatonin is a natural component of human breast milk, with levels peaking during nighttime hours. Specifically, the highest concentrations are observed around 3 AM, aligning with the body’s natural circadian rhythms. This diurnal variation suggests that breast milk serves as a biological signal for infants, helping to regulate their sleep-wake cycles from an early age.
Breast milk’s melatonin content is not static; it changes according to various factors, including the time of day and the stage of lactation. For instance, studies have shown that night milk—milk produced during the evening and nighttime—contains significantly higher levels of melatonin compared to milk produced in the morning, which is richer in cortisol. This distinction is crucial, as it implies that the timing of breastfeeding can influence an infant’s sleep patterns.
Implications for Infant Health
The presence of melatonin in breast milk is believed to have several beneficial effects on infants. It may aid in establishing a healthy circadian rhythm, which is essential for sleep regulation and overall development. Furthermore, melatonin’s antioxidant properties could contribute to the health benefits associated with breastfeeding, potentially impacting long-term health outcomes for infants.
Interestingly, the dynamics of melatonin levels in breast milk can also vary based on gestational age and the specific stage of lactation, indicating that the milk is tailored to meet the evolving needs of the growing infant. This adaptability underscores the complexity and uniqueness of breast milk compared to formula, which lacks these natural chrononutritive components.
Considerations for Breastfeeding
For breastfeeding mothers, understanding the timing of milk expression and feeding is essential. If a mother pumps milk in the morning and feeds it to her baby at night, the infant may miss out on the beneficial effects of the higher melatonin levels present in night milk. This misalignment could potentially disrupt the infant’s sleep patterns, highlighting the importance of synchronizing feeding times with the natural rhythms of breast milk production.
In conclusion, melatonin is a vital component of breast milk, contributing to the regulation of sleep and circadian rhythms in infants. Its presence not only reflects the intricate biological processes at play but also emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding in supporting healthy development during the early stages of life.

Which is not excreted in breast milk?

Insulin is not excreted into breast milk and is considered safe for use during breast-feeding.

Is there something in breast milk that helps babies sleep?

Breast milk naturally contains melatonin, a hormone associated with sleep. Infants cannot produce this hormone on their own and rely on the secretion in breast milk to help regulate their circadian rhythms.

What drugs don’t go into breast milk?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

Does melatonin mess with female hormones?

Because melatonin is a hormone, it’s possible that melatonin supplements could affect hormonal development, including puberty, menstrual cycles, and overproduction of the hormone prolactin, but we don’t know for sure.

Does melatonin affect the breast?

Melatonin exhibits several oncostatic actions, including effects on estrogen and fat metabolism, which may impact the risk of breast and endometrial cancer in women.

Which breast milk has the most melatonin?

Conclusion. This study has shown that melatonin has a clear circadian rhythm in both preterm and term breast milk across varying lactation stages. The peak HMM level was highest in colostrum, and then in transitional milk, and in mature milk, decreasing considerably during the first month after birth.

What drugs are excreted in breast milk?

• analgesics and antipyretics: short courses of paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen;
• antibiotics: ampicillin, amoxicillin, cloxacillin and other penicillins, erythromycin.
• bronchodilators (e.g. salbutamol), corticosteroids, antihistamines, antacids.

When do newborns produce melatonin?

Melatonin is produced and controlled by the pineal gland, a tiny pea-sized gland. Babies are not good producers of melatonin, but production starts to regulate around 3-4 months of age.

What can breastfeeding moms take for sleep aid?

However, the ‘z- drugs’ (zolpidem and zopiclone) are preferred for the short-term management of insomnia during breastfeeding, as they have shorter half-lives than the benzodiazepines and appear to pass into breast milk in small amounts. Melatonin can also be used in breastfeeding with caution.

Does melatonin come out in breast milk?

Breast milk naturally contains melatonin, but when you take manufactured melatonin, it is not known how much of it passes into breast milk. It’s thought to be a small amount that is unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby. However, if taken for longer periods of time, it might make your baby sleepy.