Why cant you take L-theanine while breastfeeding?

Understanding L-Theanine and Breastfeeding
L-theanine, an amino acid primarily found in green tea, has garnered attention for its potential benefits in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. However, when it comes to breastfeeding, the conversation shifts to caution and uncertainty.
Limited Research and Precautions
The primary concern surrounding the use of L-theanine during breastfeeding stems from the limited research available on its effects in nursing mothers and their infants. While L-theanine is generally considered safe for adults, its impact on breastfeeding women and their babies has not been extensively studied. Health professionals often recommend that breastfeeding mothers avoid any supplements that are not explicitly endorsed by their healthcare providers, particularly those that lack robust safety data.
Potential Risks
Although L-theanine is known for its mild side effects, such as headaches and sleepiness, the lack of comprehensive studies raises questions about its safety profile for nursing infants. The amino acid could potentially affect breast milk composition or the infant’s development, although specific adverse effects have not been conclusively identified. This uncertainty leads many healthcare providers to err on the side of caution, advising against its use during breastfeeding.
Anecdotal Evidence and Community Concerns
In various online forums, breastfeeding mothers express mixed feelings about taking L-theanine. Some report positive experiences, noting its calming effects without the jitteriness associated with caffeine. However, others remain hesitant, citing concerns about the lack of clear guidance from healthcare professionals and the potential for unknown effects on their infants. This reflects a broader trend among nursing mothers who often feel compelled to navigate conflicting information regarding supplements and medications.
Conclusion
In summary, while L-theanine may offer benefits for anxiety and relaxation, its use during breastfeeding is fraught with uncertainty. The caution advised by health professionals stems from limited research and the potential risks to nursing infants. Mothers considering L-theanine should consult their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits against the possible unknowns, ensuring the safety and well-being of both themselves and their babies.

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 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.

Is it safe to drink tea with L-theanine while pregnant?

You should avoid L-theanine when pregnant due to insufficient research regarding the safety of the compound on fetal development. Always consult your physician before ingesting any type of herbal supplement or tea during pregnancy.

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.

Who should not take 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.

Why no ashwagandha while breastfeeding?

Although it is rare, there have been a number of cases that link liver injury to ashwagandha supplements. Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding.

Is L-theanine hard on your liver?

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

What effects does L-theanine have on hormones?

After being absorbed into the body, L-theanine can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and regulate the secretion of neurotransmitters of central nervous system cells [13] and levels of hormones such as corticosterone (CORT) and adrenaline (EPI) in the serum.

Why can’t I take L-theanine while 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.