Research-backed
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), also known as lucerne, is a plant of the Fabaceae family (1). Its leaves and roots are used to prepare herbal supplements in traditional medicine, whereas its seeds are used as food. Several mothers use alfalfa during breastfeeding as the plant possesses galactagogue effects (2). But is alfalfa safe for nursing mothers and their babies?
Can consuming alfalfa help increase breast milk supply? Read on as we give you an insight into the safety of alfalfa for lactating women, its possible health benefits, and its side effects. Understanding these details is necessary before you add alfalfa to your lactation diet.
Is Alfalfa Safe When Breastfeeding?
Alfalfa is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration (3). However, there is inadequate data on the safety and efficacy of its use by nursing mothers. For this reason, alfalfa consumption in lactation should be done only under expert guidance.
Possible Health Benefits Of Alfalfa During Lactation
In some cultures, breastfeeding mothers use alfalfa to increase their breast milk supply. The following are some of the possible benefits of consuming alfalfa for breastfeeding women.
- Galactagogue: Anecdotal evidence suggests alfalfa herb is a galactagogue (4). Several breastfeeding supplements contain a mix of fenugreek seeds with alfalfa to enhance breast milk secretion (5).However, there is insufficient scientific data to support the use of alfalfa supplements for lactation support (3).
- Cardiovascular health: Regular consumption of alfalfa seeds might reduce triglyceride and LDL (bad cholesterol) levels (6). Saponins in the seeds help reduce intestinal absorption and support the removal of cholesterol (2) (7). However, these cardiovascular benefits need further research.
- Blood sugar management: Alfalfa leaves are traditionally used to manage low blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion (6). Moreover, antioxidants found in alfalfa may help reduce complications, such as kidney problems,caused by high blood sugar levels (7).
- Digestive health: The use of young alfalfa leaves to treat digestive concerns has been well-documented in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine (3). Animal studies show that the dietary fiber and saponins present in alfalfa leaf could be responsible for its beneficial effects on digestive health.
Discuss the alleged nutritional benefits of alfalfa with your doctor before consumption.
Probable Side Effects Of Alfalfa When Breastfeeding
Consider these possible side effects before consuming alfalfa when breastfeeding.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Consuming the herb in large quantities may cause an upset stomach, digestive problems, and diarrhea in infants.
- Breast milk oversupply: Excess alfalfa consumption may cause an oversupply of breast milk. If you notice breast engorgement, then stop consuming the herb and see a doctor. If breast milk production drops below normal, then you can gradually add alfalfa to your diet under medical guidance.
- Possible drug interaction: Alfalfa consumption can also interfere with blood thinner medicines due to the herb’s vitamin K content.
- Infection: Consume cooked alfalfa sprouts during lactation. Raw or undercooked alfalfa might lead to complications arising from salmonella infection (8).
- Photosensitivity: Large doses of alfalfa might also increase your sensitivity to sunlight. If you are already sensitive and taking medicine for the same, then alfalfa can aggravate the possibility of sunburn or rashes.
- Autoimmune disorders: Alfalfa can cause immune system stimulation, which increases the risk of developing autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis (9). If you have an autoimmune disorder, then avoid alfalfa unless recommended by a doctor.
- Hormonal disorders: Estrogenic isoflavonoids present in alfalfa might have the same effects as the estrogen, a female hormone. Therefore, the use of the herb should be avoided if you have hormonal disorders or conditions, such as cancer.
If your doctor gives you the go-ahead to consume alfalfa, then you can consider exploring all the ways in which you can add the herb in your diet.
Ways To Consume Alfalfa When Breastfeeding
Alfalfa leaves and sprouts contain saponins, phytoestrogens, estrogenic isoflavonoids like daidzein and genistein, vitamin K, and the essential amino acids (4) (7). The following are some ways to eat alfalfa while breastfeeding.
- You can make concoctions or alfalfa tea from its dried leaves.
- Use cooked alfalfa sprouts in salads or fresh leaves for soups, salads, and other food preparations.
- Add small amounts of alfalfa sprouts to gravies prepared from green leafy vegetables.
- You may also try alfalfa supplements under medical guidance.
You can also consume alfalfa in the form of alfalfa tablets or as part of herbal tea.
Precautions To Take While Consuming Alfalfa
Follow these precautions to be on the safe side (10):
- Buy alfalfa products such as dried leaves, seeds, sprouts, and supplements from a reputable store to be sure of its quality.
- Consume alfalfa as per the recommended dosage only. To know the right dosage, you may consult a nutritionist or a certified lactation consultant.
- Follow the duration of consumption as per professional instructions. Long-term consumption may not be safe.
- If you take hypoglycemic drugs when breastfeeding, then do not have any alfalfa product without first consulting the doctor.
- Avoid consuming alfalfa if you are on immunosuppressants or birth control pills.
Alfalfa during breastfeeding should be consumed only under expert guidance due to inadequate evidence of its safety and efficacy in nursing moms. It is a galactagogue, helping to increase breastmilk production. Alfalfa is also known to promote digestive and cardiovascular health and control blood sugar levels. However, overuse can result in side effects such as overmilk supply, photosensitivity, gastrointestinal troubles, and drug interactions. You may use dried alfalfa to make tea concoctions or cook alfalfas in salads, soups, and other recipes. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked alfalfa since it may contain salmonella.
References:
2. Alfalfa; Kaiser Permanente
3. Alfalfa; Drug and Lactation Database; National Center For Biotechnology Information
4. Katarzyna Budzynska et al.; Complementary, Holistic, and Integrative Medicine: Advice for Clinicians on Herbs and Breastfeeding; National Center For Biotechnology Information
5. Galactagogues – Boosting Your Milk Supply; American Pregnancy Association
6. Esmaiel Amraie et al.; The effects of aqueous extract of alfalfa on blood glucose and lipids in alloxan-induced diabetic rats; National Center For Biotechnology Information
7. Masomeh Khosravi Farsani et al.; Effects of aqueous extract of alfalfa on hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats; National Center For Biotechnology Information
8. Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- Infections Linked to Alfalfa Sprouts (FINAL Update); CDC
9. Maria-Magdalena Constant in et al.; Significance and impact of dietary factors on systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis; National Center For Biotechnology Information
10. Alfalfa; Medline Plus; US National Library of Medicine
Swati Patwal
