Why cant you take berberine while breastfeeding?

Understanding Berberine and Breastfeeding
Berberine, a compound found in various plants such as goldenseal and Oregon grape, has garnered attention for its potential health benefits, including its ability to help manage blood pressure and inflammation. However, when it comes to breastfeeding, the conversation shifts significantly, raising concerns about the safety of this supplement for nursing mothers and their infants.
Risks Associated with Berberine During Breastfeeding
The primary concern regarding berberine use while breastfeeding revolves around its potential effects on infants. Research indicates that berberine can be transferred to breast milk, which poses risks to newborns. One of the most alarming possibilities is that exposure to berberine through breast milk could lead to elevated levels of bilirubin in infants. High bilirubin levels can result in jaundice, and in severe cases, it may cause bilirubin-induced brain dysfunction, which can lead to serious neurological issues .
Experts strongly advise against the use of berberine during breastfeeding due to these risks. The compound’s ability to accumulate in an infant’s system raises significant concerns, particularly for newborns whose liver functions are still developing and may not effectively process substances like berberine.
Emerging Perspectives
While some recent studies have begun to challenge the notion that berberine is entirely unsafe for breastfeeding mothers, the prevailing consensus among health professionals remains cautious. The potential for serious side effects, particularly concerning bilirubin levels, means that many healthcare providers recommend avoiding berberine altogether during this sensitive period.
Conclusion
In summary, while berberine may offer various health benefits for adults, its use during breastfeeding is fraught with risks that could adversely affect an infant’s health. The potential for bilirubin buildup and the associated dangers underscore the importance of erring on the side of caution. Nursing mothers are encouraged to consult with healthcare professionals before considering any supplements, including berberine, to ensure the safety of both themselves and their babies.

Is berberine safe for babies?

You are taking CYP2D6, 2C9, or 3A4 substrate drugs: Berberine may decrease their effectiveness. You are pregnant or breastfeeding: Berberine may worsen jaundice in infants or cause a more severe condition that can lead to brain disorders.

How quickly do you lose weight with berberine?

How long does it take for berberine to work for weight loss? As with all dietary supplements, how quickly berberine works and how much weight you lose depends on how your body reacts to it and how you change your life otherwise. One study showed that subjects had a five-pound weight loss over the course of 12 weeks.

When should you avoid berberine?

We recommend the following groups avoid berberine in any form:

1. Women of childbearing age, pregnant or breastfeeding. Berberine can cross the placenta and may cause harm to the fetus.
2. Newborns and children.
3. Those on prescription medication.

What is the danger of taking berberine?

Some side effects of berberine have been reported in research studies, primarily gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Berberine may interact with medicines.

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.

Why avoid cinnamon while breastfeeding?

Coumarin, an ingredient in some cinnamon products, can cause liver problems, but the amount you’d get is so small that it probably won’t be a problem. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, children, pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding should avoid cinnamon as a treatment.

Why is berberine not safe during pregnancy?

Pregnancy: It’s likely unsafe to take berberine by mouth if you are pregnant. Berberine can cross the placenta and might cause harm to the fetus. Kernicterus, a type of brain damage, has developed in newborn infants exposed to berberine. Breast-feeding: It’s likely unsafe to take berberine if you are breast-feeding.

Are there any herbs to avoid while breastfeeding?

But some herbs may affect how much milk your body makes. For instance, eating a lot of parsley could curb lactation. And too much sage and peppermint may cut your milk supply. For some nursing moms, even peppermint-flavored toothpaste and candies are a problem.

Is berberine safe while breastfeeding?

Breast-feeding: It’s likely unsafe to take berberine if you are breast-feeding. Berberine can be transferred to the infant through breast milk, and it might cause harm. Children: It’s likely unsafe to give berberine to newborns.

Is berberine safe in pregnancy?

Pregnancy: It’s likely unsafe to take berberine by mouth if you are pregnant. Berberine can cross the placenta and might cause harm to the fetus. Kernicterus, a type of brain damage, has developed in newborn infants exposed to berberine. Breast-feeding: It’s likely unsafe to take berberine if you are breast-feeding.