Is Zinc Oxide Safe in Breastfeeding
Question
I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Zinc Oxide? Is Zinc Oxide safe for nursing mother and child? Does Zinc Oxide extracts into breast milk? Does Zinc Oxide has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Zinc Oxide influence milk supply or can Zinc Oxide decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?
Zinc Oxide lactation summary
- DrLact safety Score for Zinc Oxide is 1 out of 8 which is considered Safe as per our analyses.
- A safety Score of 1 indicates that usage of Zinc Oxide is mostly safe during lactation for breastfed baby.
- Our study of different scientific research also indicates that Zinc Oxide does not cause any serious side effects in breastfeeding mothers.
- Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Zinc Oxide 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 Zinc Oxide usage in lactation
It is used topically as an astringent and skin protector, very often together with small amounts of Ferric Oxide to form Calamine (see specific info). It is a product compatible with breastfeeding according to WHO Essential Medicine’s List - 2002.It is also used in dental hygiene products and cosmetics. Widely used for skin protection of the diaper area in infants. Because of the small dose used and poor absorption into plasma of most topical dermatological preparations, excretion into breastmilk in significant amount appears to be unlikely. Do not apply on the breast to prevent infant ingestion; otherwise, wash it off thoroughly with water before the next breast feed.
Alternate Drugs for Emollients and Protectives for dermatological use. ATC D02
Aminobenzoic Acid(Low Risk)
Sunscreen(Low Risk)
Lactic Acid(Safe)
Urea(Safe)
Zinc Carbonate(Safe)
Carbamide(Safe)
Flowers of Zinc(Safe)