Question

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

Green Algae lactation summary

Green Algae usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Green Algae is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Green Algae may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Green Algae may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Green Algae low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Green Algae We suggest monitoring child for possible reactions. It is also important to understand that side effects vary largely based on age of breastfed child and time of medication in addition to 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 Green Algae usage in lactation

Unicellular seaweed rich in proteins (45%), fats (20%), carbohydrates (20%), fibre (5%), minerals and vitamins.Although proposed around 1940 as an important source of food for humanity, due to the difficulties and high cost of its cultivation, it is currently used as a dietary supplement and as a biofuel. The consumption of chlorella supplements during pregnancy causes the levels of carotenoids - lutein, zeaxanthin and β-carotene - to be doubled in breast milk (Nagayama 2014), and the concentration of dioxins to decrease and that of immunoglobulin A, IgA to increase (Nakano 2007). Research into its supposed properties (Panahi 2016) in relation to multiple aspects of health (lipid-lowering, hypoglycaemic, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, liver protector, anti-hypertensive, immunity enhancer, anti-depressant, useful in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, fibromyalgia, ulcerative colitis...) is promising, but for now the scientific evidence is insufficient and needs to be confirmed (Noguchi 2014, American Cancer Society 2011, Halperin 2003, Merchant 2001). It must be ensured that it comes from a reliable source and there are quality controls to avoid contamination with heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, copper, chromium, lead) and liver toxins such as microcystins (Desideri 2016, Kumar 2013, Heussner 2012). Dietary supplements of algae such as spirulina or chlorella are the food group with the highest concentration of arsenic (EFSA 2014). There have been reports of psychosis possibly induced by the abuse of chlorella alone or associated with other alternative dietary supplements (Yadav 2016, Selvaraj 2013). Moderate consumption from reliable sources would be low risk during breastfeeding, although it is absolutely non-essential.
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.