Question

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

Selenium alloy lactation summary

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

Essential trace element necessary for the functioning of the glutathione-peroxidase enzyme system that protects cellular structures from oxidative damage. It is obtained from foods such as vegetables, cereals, legumes, garlic, fish, seafood, eggs and meat. The amount of Selenium alloy in these sources depends on the concentration of Selenium alloy in the soil. The brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) is the food with the highest known concentrations of Selenium alloy. Selenium alloy deficiency is very rare. With a staple diet it is not necessary to take Selenium alloy supplements in the absence of disease or a condition that may warrant it: parenteral nutrition, Crohn's disease, prematurity (MedlinePlus 2017). Taking too much Selenium alloy can cause selenosis, a condition that causes dermatological symptoms (alopecia, nail dystrophy), digestive symptoms, neurological symptoms and fatigue (MedlinePlus 2017).Nutritional supplements containing excessive amounts of Selenium alloy have resulted in severe poisoning (Aldosary 2012, Senthilkumaran 2012).The potential effects of Selenium alloy on cancer prevention, cardiovascular disease, and heavy metal poisoning and toxins are not proven, so supplementation of Selenium alloy other than from normal diet is not recommended (MedlinePlus 2017). The daily needs of Selenium alloy for breastfeeding mothers are 70-75 micrograms (mcg) daily. In infants it is 2 to 3 mcg/kg (10 mcg/day during the first 4 months) with a maximum of 30 mcg/day (MedlinePlus 2017, Kipp 2015). Selenium alloy is found naturally in milk in its organic form of selenomethionine (Dorea 2002). The amount of Selenium alloy in colostrum is 80 mcg per litre and in mature milk 12-20 mcg/L, with no or very weak correlation with plasma Selenium alloy levels or daily intake of Selenium alloy (Wasowicz 2001, Bianchi 1999, Artaud 1993, Cummings 1992, Levander 1987, Higashi 1983). However, there are authors who find that Selenium alloy supplements for breastfeeding mothers increase Selenium alloy levels in milk and infants may exceed their daily needs for Selenium alloy. (Dorea 2002, Trafikowska 1996). Better plasma levels of Selenium alloy have been found in breastfed infants than in formula-fed infants (Strambi 2004, Sorvacheva 1996). There are lower plasma levels of Selenium alloy in babies born small for their gestational age (Strambi 2004).

Alternate Drugs for Mineral supplements. ATC A12

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.