Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use 5-ALA? Is 5-ALA safe for nursing mother and child? Does 5-ALA extracts into breast milk? Does 5-ALA has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can 5-ALA influence milk supply or can 5-ALA decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

5-ALA lactation summary

5-ALA usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for 5-ALA is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of 5-ALA may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that 5-ALA may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of 5-ALA low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using 5-ALA 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 5-ALA usage in lactation

It is locally used together with photo-dynamic therapy (especial blue light) as a treatment of Actinic Dermatitis and Basocelular Carcinoma. At latest update, relevant information on excretion into breast milk was not found. Absorption through the skin is very low (0.26 % of administered dose), hence, a low or non-significant level in the mother's plasma should be expected. In case that a complete elimination of drug would be desired, a time period equivalent to ten times a half-life (Mean time) should be observed after drug administration to resume breastfeeding. In this case it would be equal to 8-10 hours. In the mean while, pump-and-dump regularly to maintain milk production. Do not apply it on the breast or cleanse it thoroughly to keep the baby from swallowing.

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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.