Is Spirulina Safe To Consume During Breastfeeding?

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Spirulina is an edible blue-green alga known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Many women consume spirulina while breastfeeding due to its high nutritional value and potential to increase breast milk volume. However, studies express a mixed opinion about its safety in lactating women.

This superfood is available in different forms, and the safety mostly depends on the source and dosage. Hence, even though it confers many maternal health benefits, it should only be taken after a doctor’s consultation. Read on to know more about spirulina and its use during breastfeeding.

Why Spirulina During Breastfeeding?

The spirulina microalgae are rich in protein and antioxidants, the two essentials in the immediate post-pregnancy period. Vitamin B is another of its principal constituents. The color green testifies its chlorophyll content. Here are a few benefits of having spirulina during breastfeeding:

• The content of spirulina, if split, reveals 65% protein in it. It combines GLA or Gamma Linolenic AcidⁱAn omega-6 essential fatty acid that plays an important function in brain function, and normal growth and development and essential amino acids, all of which have anti-inflammatory effects.

• Chlorophyll in this microalgae takes care of the toxins in the blood. It also plays up the immune system performance in the body.

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• A reserve of bioavailable iron, it aids in fighting anemia, a commonly diagnosed condition among new mothers, without constipating the patients.

Dr. Laila Kaikavoosi, a UK-based general practitioner and hormone specialist, says, “Spirulina is a nutrient-rich algae that provides a natural boost of essential vitamins and minerals, combating fatigue commonly experienced by breastfeeding mothers. Spirulina is a distinctive and valuable addition to a breastfeeding mother’s diet, contributing to a more energized and balanced postpartum experience.”

• Other nutrients in spirulina are thiamine, nicotinamideⁱA form of Vitamin B3 found in seafood, poultry, nuts, and legumes, used for the treatment of skin conditions , riboflavinⁱVitamin B2 essential for healthy skin, eyes, and nervous system , folic acid, pyridoxineⁱA form of vitamin B6, essential for the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids in the body , and C, D, E and A vitamins. Traces of copper, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, chromium, manganese, sodium, and more mineral content is detected in bioavailable forms.

• Protein released from spirulina can be utilized in the body.

• Heavy metals and toxic elements are expunged from the body once they combine with spirulina.

• When taken in conjunction with a workout regime, the product accelerates fat burn, which most women aim at during the postpartum phase.

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• A series of studies suggest that spirulina coalesces itself with radioactive isotopes in the body. It could have positive outcomes in cases of radiation therapies and similar such exposures.

What’s In It for Lactating Women?

• The US National Institutes of Health says: “Not enough is known about the use of blue-green algae during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.” (1)

• However, there are also certain quarters that recommend spirulina for breastfeeding women, particularly because of its high protein and natural iron. It also contains a wealth of essential amino acids.

• Another nutrient worth mentioning is B-12, though the form of its existence is debatable to date. The nutrients it supplies to the body are acceptable particularly during pregnancy and after. It works up the defense system helping the consumers fight against communicable diseases that the system falls prey to easily, at the time of nursing when the body is just recovering from the pain of birth.

• Tooth mineralization has been noted as another property of spirulina.

Spirulina Could Be Harmful

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Most moms wonder if they can take spirulina while breastfeeding. Do not begin taking spirulina before you consult a doctor, as it could be unsafe under the below circumstances (2):

• Though high doses of spirulina are known to be safe, its contamination could prove to be toxic.

• The microalgae is not suitable for people with phenylketonuria (PKU) metabolic condition as they cannot metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine, which spirulina has in high quantities.

• Spirulina is also harmful for people who have autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosisⁱA disorder of the central nervous system that causes problems of speech, coordination, and vision, numbness, and walking difficulties , rheumatoid arthritisⁱAn autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of joints , or lupusⁱA disease in which the immune system attacks its tissues and organs, causing inflammation .

• If grown in unclean water bodies, spirulina can accumulate toxins and metals such as mercury.

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• Powdered spirulina can be mixed in vegetable smoothies.

Directions Of Consumption

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A doctor is the best person to advise you on the usage of spirulina. If he suggests you consume it, pick an organic product that is free of nitrate compounds.

The Edible Algae

Protein powders, health sprouts, and nutritive shakes recommended to new mothers are all assorted nutrients combined in a structure that is easily absorbable in blood. Spirulina is no different, except that its chief component is a cyanobacterium or blue-green algae (3).

Infographic: Precautions For Consuming Spirulina While Breastfeeding

Enriched with several essential nutrients and antioxidants, spirulina is a blue-green alga that is commonly used to make dietary supplements. However, there are several concerns regarding its consumption. Check out the infographic below for some precautions when consuming spirulina during breastfeeding.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Jessica MaddenMD, FAAP, IBCLC

Jessica Madden is a pediatrician, neonatologist, lactation consultant, and mother of four, who has been taking care of newborns for more than 19 years now. She works as a neonatologist in the NICU at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, and founded Primrose Newborn Care, a newborn medicine and “4th trimester” home-visiting and telemedicine practice, in 2018.

Read full bio of Dr. Jessica Madden

• 
  Dr. Ila DayanandaMD, MPH Dr. Ila Dayananda, a board-certified obstetrician & gynecologist, most recently served as the chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York. She studied medicine and master's in Public Health at Northwestern University Medical School and then pursued an OB/GYN residency at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA. Dr. Dayananda holds a Family Planning Fellowship at Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA.
  
  Dr. Ila Dayananda, a board-certified obstetrician & gynecologist, most recently served as the chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York. She studied medicine and master's in Public Health at Northwestern University Medical School and then pursued an OB/GYN residency at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA. Dr. Dayananda holds a Family Planning Fellowship at Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA.
• 
  Dr. Laila KaikavoosiMBBS, GP Dr. Laila Kaikavoosi graduated from King's College London Medical School in 1999. She completed her General Practice training in London and gained membership in the Royal College of General Practitioners in 2007. Dr. Kaikavoosi is a Diplomat of the Faculty of Reproductive and Sexual Health. She practiced and trained in teaching hospitals in the UK and USA.
  
  Dr. Laila Kaikavoosi graduated from King's College London Medical School in 1999. She completed her General Practice training in London and gained membership in the Royal College of General Practitioners in 2007. Dr. Kaikavoosi is a Diplomat of the Faculty of Reproductive and Sexual Health. She practiced and trained in teaching hospitals in the UK and USA.

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