N-17 while Breastfeeding

What is N-17 used for?

Is N-17 usage safe while breastfeeding? If a lactating mother is using it can there be any effect on growth or development of infant?

Zinc while Breastfeeding

Zinc (Zn) is an essential element for nutrition. It is present in many foods.Recommended daily allowance of Zn is 8 to 15 mg. (Moran Hall 2010). Millions of people worldwide are Zn-deficient.It is used as a treatment for Wilson's disease and Acrodermatitis Enteropathica. Zn is involved in the regulation process of lactation (Lee 2016).Pasteurization of the milk does not affect the concentration of Zn and other trace elements (Mohd Taufek-2016). The average concentration of Zn in breastmilk is 4 to 16 mg / L (Picciano 1976, Hannan 2005, Dórea 2012) which is independent of plasma levels and maternal daily intake (Krebs 1995, Chierici 1999, Hannan 2009).Intestinal absorption of zinc is almost doubled during pregnancy and lactation (Fung 1997).Zinc levels in the infant are dependent on Zinc levels in the breast milk (Dumrongwongsiri 2015)With a varied and balanced diet, an extra intake of minerals is not needed. Excessive intake of Zinc may cause gastrointestinal problems and Pancytopenia (Irving 2003).

Selenium while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 7782-49-2

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 in these sources depends on the concentration of selenium in the soil. The brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) is the food with the highest known concentrations of selenium. Selenium deficiency is very rare. With a staple diet it is not necessary to take selenium 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 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 have resulted in severe poisoning (Aldosary 2012, Senthilkumaran 2012).The potential effects of selenium on cancer prevention, cardiovascular disease, and heavy metal poisoning and toxins are not proven, so supplementation of selenium other than from normal diet is not recommended (MedlinePlus 2017). The daily needs of selenium 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 is found naturally in milk in its organic form of selenomethionine (Dorea 2002). The amount of selenium in colostrum is 80 mcg per litre and in mature milk 12-20 mcg/L, with no or very weak correlation with plasma selenium levels or daily intake of selenium (Wasowicz 2001, Bianchi 1999, Artaud 1993, Cummings 1992, Levander 1987, Higashi 1983). However, there are authors who find that selenium supplements for breastfeeding mothers increase selenium levels in milk and infants may exceed their daily needs for selenium. (Dorea 2002, Trafikowska 1996). Better plasma levels of selenium have been found in breastfed infants than in formula-fed infants (Strambi 2004, Sorvacheva 1996). There are lower plasma levels of selenium in babies born small for their gestational age (Strambi 2004).

Arginine while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 74-79-3

Amino acid which is present in meat and dairy products. It induces stimulation of Nitric Oxide production (vasodilation) and release of Insulin and Growth Hormone. Attributed benefit on health not confirmed. On latest update relevant data on breastfeeding was not found. Possibly not harmful while breastfeeding if abusive and continuous use is avoid.

Echinacea angustifolia while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 84696-11-7

Plant that is widely used even during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Because a lack of toxicity with an appropriate dose and moderate consumption it should be compatible with breastfeeding. The roots and aerial summits are used. It contains polysaccharides, essential oil, flavonoids, pyrrolizidine alkaloids among others. Unproven effects: immune stimulant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory. Indications are: common cold, bronchitis, skin lesions.Roots and aerial summits are used. It contains polysaccharides, essential oil, flavonoids, pyrrolizidine alkaloids ... Unproven effects: immune stimulant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory. Indications according to Commission E of German Ministry of Health: common cold, bronchitis, skin lesions. Contrary to the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP), the European Medication Agency does not recommend usage in younger than 12 years (allergy risk). Avoid using for longer than 8 weeks (risk for leukopenia)

Thiamine while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 59-43-8

Thiamine or Vitamin B1 is a water soluble vitamin. In addition to Thiamine, other chemical compounds with similar activity: Acetiamine, Benfotiamine, Bisbentiamine, Bisbutiamina, Cetotiamina, Cicotiamina, Cocarboxylase, Fursultiamine, Monofosfotiamina, Octotiamine, Pyrophosphotiamine, Prosultiamine and Sulbutiamine.It is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrate nutrients. Its deficiency causes severe neuromuscular and cardiac symptoms known as Beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff disease. Thiamine deficiency is common among disadvantaged populations in Southeast Asia (predominantly consumers of refined rice), other malnourished people (refugees, low socioeconomic status ...) and chronic alcohol consumption. Beriberi of childhood, both infants and children, may arise from breastfeeding by Thiamine deficient mothers. Reportedly, several severe cases have occured after feeding the babies with artificial formulas that were not supplemented with vitamin B1. Daily allowance is higher during pregnancy and lactation (1.5 mg / day) which is readily obtained through a varied diet with adequate content of whole grains, legumes, nuts, eggs and lean meat.Thiamine is excreted in breast milk and gradually increases with time, being lower in colostrum (28 ng / mL) and transitional milk than in mature milk (180 ng / mL). The concentration is lower in milk from mothers of preterm (90 ng / mL). Taking vitamin supplementation is not required if diet and nutritional status are adequate. Supplementation does not increase levels in milk of well-nourished women, but of those with a low nutritional status. The supplementation of group B vitamins and C and E vitamins to HIV positive mothers improves the weight growth of their breasted babies.There is no evidence of their effectiveness in improving athletic performance, lack of appetite, sores, stress, fatigue or aging.Toxicity linked to excessive consumption of thiamine is not known. WHO List of Essential Medicines 2002: compatible with breastfeeding.American Academy of Pediatrics: usually compatible with breastfeeding

Pyridoxine hydrochloride while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 58-56-0

Concentration of vitamin B6 in the breast milk is directly related to the amount present in diet with the possibility of a high increment by an excessive consumption through the diet. Daily allowance of vitamin B6 ranges from 2 to 3 mg. A balanced and varied diet is enough without a need for extra supplementation with this vitamin. Vitamin B6 deficiency is extremely rare since it is widely distributed in many foods. In those cases where supplementation is required, it is recommended not to exceed 40 mg a-day. There are controversial data on the capacity of a high dose of Pyridoxine to inhibit the secretion of Prolactin and suppress the milk production. The American Academy of Pediatrics rates it as usually compatible with breastfeeding.

Ascorbic acid while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 50-81-7

Vitamin C is abundantly present in food. A balanced and comprehensive diet makes vitamin supplementation useless. Any amount of vitamin C taken by the mother as a supplement does not affect significantly the concentration in breast milk of women who are on a varied and balanced diet.

Echinacea angustifolia while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 84696-11-7; 90028-20

Echinacea species (Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida) contain high molecular weight polysaccharides (e.g., heteroxylan, arabinogalactan) and lower molecular weight compounds (e.g., alkylamides, caffeoyl conjugates such as cichoric acid and echinacosides), but no single chemical is known to be responsible for echinacea's biological activity. Some products have been standardized based on echinacoside, and others on cichoric acid. Echinacea has no specific uses during breastfeeding, but is commonly used orally to treat or prevent upper respiratory infections. It is also used topically to treat skin infections. Excretion of some of the purportedly active alkamides was found in breastmilk in one mother. No data exist on the safety and efficacy of echinacea in nursing mothers or infants. In general, echinacea is well tolerated with gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea and constipation, skin rash and rarely allergic reactions reported. It may also alter the metabolism of some dugs metabolized by the P450 enzyme system. Some sources indicate that echinacea is safe in recommended doses,[1] while others recommend avoiding it during breastfeeding because of the lack of published safety data. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. More detailed information #about dietary supplements# is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site.

I already used N-17 and meanwhile I breastfed my baby should I be concerned?

I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use N-17, is it safe?

If I am using N-17, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of N-17 in breastfeeding?