Question

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

Icelandic kelp lactation summary

Icelandic kelp is unsafe in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Icelandic kelp is 5 out of 8 which is considered Unsafe as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 5 indicates that usage of Icelandic kelp may cause serious side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Icelandic kelp may cause moderate to high side effects or may affect milk supply in lactating mother.
  • Our suggestion is to use safer alternate options rather than using Icelandic kelp .
  • It is recommended to evaluate the advantage of not breastfeeding while using Icelandic kelp Vs not using Icelandic kelp And continue breastfeeding.
  • While using Icelandic kelp Its must to monitor 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 Icelandic kelp usage in lactation

Seaweeds contain large amounts of mucilage and minerals, including iodine which appears in variable amounts that can be significant, in such a way that it may be a cause a hyperthyroidism-like disease (anxiety, insomnia, tachycardia, palpitations).It may also contain heavy metals, being a species of seaweed with a high ability of contamination by toxic products. Seaweed consumption increases levels of iodine in plasma and breast milk.There have been reports of hypothyroidism in infants whose mothers have included in their diet important quantities of seaweed. There is no evidence of effectiveness on increasing milk production. The most effective method to increase milk production should be done by strengthening maternal self-confidence, evaluate and correct problems along with an effective support to breastfeeding mothers. It is recommended to obtain information on the composition of any particular algae and avoid it or use it in very moderate amount in case of iodine content would be important.
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