Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Sesame? Is Sesame safe for nursing mother and child? Does Sesame extracts into breast milk? Does Sesame has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Sesame influence milk supply or can Sesame decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Sesame lactation summary

Sesame is safe in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Sesame is 1 out of 8 which is considered Safe as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 1 indicates that usage of Sesame is mostly safe during lactation for breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research also indicates that Sesame does not cause any serious side effects in breastfeeding mothers.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Sesame safe in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Sesame usage in lactation

Seed widely used in the cuisine of many cultures since ancient times. Seeds and oil are used for consumption.The seeds are very rich in calories, proteins, unsaturated fats and calcium. It contains large amounts of phytoestrogens and sesamin that transforms into enterolactone.Sesame oil is used as solvent-excipient (carrier) in numerous injectable drugs. It has no proven effect as galactogogue although in some cultures it is traditionally used to increase milk production. Sesame allergy is rare. They have been described contact dermatitis and sesame sensitizations through antenatal consumption by the mother. At latest update no published data on excretion into breast milk was found. Given its lack of toxicity, moderate consumption during lactation would have little or no risk.When sesame oil is topically used, do not apply it on the chest, otherwise clean it up before nursing the baby to prevent ingestion or appearance of allergic reactions in the infant.

Alternate Drugs for Condiments, spices and food additives

Aspartame(Safe)
Saccharin(Safe)
Fenugreek(Safe)
Ginger(Safe)
Caraway(Safe)
Coriander(Safe)
Sage(Low Risk)
Basil(Unsafe)
Hops(Low Risk)
Nutmeg(Low Risk)
Oregano(Low Risk)
Cumin(Safe)
Chicory(Safe)
Cinnamon(Safe)
Laurel(Safe)
Lycopene(Safe)
Rosemary(Low Risk)
Elder(Low Risk)
Sorbitol(Safe)
Thyme(Safe)
Tarragon(Unsafe)
Aniseed(Low Risk)
Cilantro(Safe)
Balm(Safe)
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.