Question

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

Guarana extract lactation summary

Guarana extract usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Guarana extract is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Guarana extract may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Guarana extract may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Guarana extract low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Guarana extract 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 Guarana extract usage in lactation

Seeds of this climbing plant which is native from the Amazon area and has spread throughout South America are used.It contains alkaloids, xanthines (caffeine 1 to 7%, theobromine 0.01 to 0.2%, and 0.01 to 0.3% theophylline) and tannins. Unproven properties are: nervous stimulant, diuretic, bronchodilator.Indications according to Commission E of the German Health Ministry: noneIndications approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) are: states of fatigue and weakness Components appear as a part of many drinking brands, teas, capsules and tablets with energizing and slimming purposes.There are reports on many cases of seizures and cardiac arrhythmias poisoning associated to their consumption. At latest update no published data were found on excretion into breast milk, however, it is well known that xanthines are excreted in the breast milk, so consumption should not exceed an amount equivalent to 300 mg of caffeine a day during lactation. See also info on Coffee and Caffeine when used as medication.

Alternate Drugs for Phytotherapy, Systemic Use

Chasteberry(Unsafe)
Chamomile(Safe)
Echinacea(Low Risk)
Alfalfa(Unsafe)
Dong Quai(Low Risk)
Cranberry(Safe)
Licorice(Unsafe)
Rhubarb(Low Risk)
Lavender(Low Risk)
Barberry(Dangerous)
Carob(Safe)
Common Poppy(Unsafe)
Angelica(Unsafe)
Star Anise(Dangerous)
Mugwort(Unsafe)
Edible Burdock(Low Risk)
Box(Unsafe)
Boldo(Unsafe)
Calaguala(Safe)
Caralluma(Low Risk)
Carrageen(Low Risk)
Blue-Cohosh(Dangerous)
Squisandra(Low Risk)
Black-Cohosh(Unsafe)
Horsetail(Unsafe)
Colocynth Pulp(Dangerous)
Ergot Fungus(Dangerous)
Ephedra(Unsafe)
Steviol(Safe)
Eucalyptus(Unsafe)
Eyebright(Safe)
Flowers(Low Risk)
Fucus(Unsafe)
Goat´s Rue(Unsafe)
Bearberry(Unsafe)
Guarana(Low Risk)
Herniary(Low Risk)
Hyssop(Unsafe)
Syrup Of Ipecac(Low Risk)
Jin Bu Huan(Dangerous)
Kava Kava(Dangerous)
Clubmoss(Unsafe)
Maca(Safe)
Nux Vomica(Dangerous)
Papain(Low Risk)
Passion Flower(Low Risk)
African Cherry(Dangerous)
Scots Pine(Unsafe)
Pennyroyal(Unsafe)
Primrose(Safe)
Radish(Safe)
Ironwort(Low Risk)
Liquorice(Unsafe)
Rooibos(Safe)
Rose Hip(Safe)
Willow(Safe)
Soy(Low Risk)
Herbal Teas(Low Risk)
Rock Tea(Low Risk)
Tormentil(Safe)
Meadow-Sweet(Low Risk)
Sarsaparilla(Low Risk)
Sweet Flag(Unsafe)
Saw palmetto(Low Risk)
Cat's Claw(Low Risk)
Milk Vetch(Low Risk)
White Mulberry(Low Risk)
Di Huang(Low Risk)
Zi Wan(Unsafe)
Dang Shen(Low Risk)
Reishi(Low Risk)
Glycyrrhizin(Unsafe)
Carrageenan(Low Risk)
Carrageenin(Low Risk)
Passion Vine(Low Risk)
Chaste Tree(Unsafe)
Sweet Cane(Unsafe)
Sweet root(Unsafe)
Irish Moss(Low Risk)
Bromelain(Safe)
Bromelin(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.