Lecithin While Breastfeeding for Milk Supply & Plugged Ducts

The use of lecithin in breastfeeding mothers is purported to help prevent blocked milk ducts and improve milk flow. It may work by decreasding the viscosity of breast milk and increasing the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the milk.

Lecithin is a natural dietary supplement that is taken to support cognitive function, mood balance, skin health, gallbladder health and more.

According to the Natural Medicines Database, this supplement is considered likely safe when it is in its oral form and it is used appropriately. This supplement has also been granted “Generally Recognized as Safe” status by the FDA in the United States as a food ingredient.

However, lecithin supplements may not be safe for everyone. For example, the Natural Medicines Database reports that lecithin is not recommended for mothers who are breastfeeding, as insufficient information exists to determine whether it is safe for this population.

Nonetheless, many sources still recommend lecithin supplements for breastfeeding mothers. Below is some additional information about using lecithin while breastfeeding.

Lecithin

Nutrient Supplement

Brain Health

Memory Function

Metabolism

How It Works:

• Natural source of Phosphatidyl Choline
• Provides nervous system support
• Promotes memory function & brain cell health

Dosage:

Between 1 - 35 g per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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What is Lecithin and How Does it Affect the Body?

Lecithin is a phospholipid derived from multiple food sources, including spinach, nuts, organ meats and egg yolks.

This substance contains phosphadatidyl esters, as well as choline, which is a precursor to the essential neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Studies have shown that lecithin has several effects on the body. For example, studies have shown that lecithin may inhibit the release of ACTH and cortisol during times of physical or emotional stress.

Lecithin may also improve the quality of sleep, enhance cognitive function, lower LDL cholesterol levels and improve the quality of hair and skin.

Side effects of lecithin are typically mild. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal complaints, such as nausea and stomach pain.

Lecithin Uses During Breastfeeding

Some breastfeeding women use lecithin for general purposes, such as those listed above. However, other women use this supplement for purposes specific to breastfeeding.

For example, according to Healthline, breastfeeding women sometimes use lecithin to combat plugged milk ducts.

Plugged ducts arise when breast milk thickens and causes a blockage that prevents milk from flowing out of the nipple. This is a common problem for breastfeeding mothers.

Blocked ducts can be caused by excess pressure on the breast, including from sleeping on the stomach, a tight-fitting bra or from a seatbelt pressing against the breast.

Blockages can also occur in mothers producing too much milk, when too much time passes between feedings, if the breast is not emptied during a feeding, due to a breast pump not working properly or if the baby is having trouble feeding.

Lecithin is an emulsifier, meaning that it helps to improve the solubility of fats and oils and keep them in suspension. It is commonly added to a number of common foods like salad dressings, softgel supplements and liquid solutions for this reason.

The phospholipid lecithin is both water-soluble and fat-soluble. When expressed in higher amounts in breast milk, it is thought to help milk flow better and improve the nutritional PUFA content.

Some women may not get enough lecithin in their diet to naturally support milk flow during breastfeeding. In these women, taking a supplement in the form of lecithin granules may have benefits.

Is Lecithin Safe While Breastfeeding?

Foods containing lecithin are widely consumed by pregnant and nursing mothers and generally pose a low risk of side effects. However, caution is recommended when considering dietary supplements.

The primary concern regarding the use of lecithin dietary supplements while breastfeeding involves the amount of the supplement, if any, that passes into breast milk.

If the supplement does pass into breast milk, it is also important to know how it affects the infant. According to Drugs.com, there is currently no published information available on the amount of lecithin found in the breast milk of women taking lecithin supplements.

However, the amount of lecithin found in the breast milk of a woman who isn’t taking a supplement has been studied.

These studies found that breast milk contains several components of lecithin, including phosphatidylcholine, phosphocholine and choline. Taking a supplement could increase these concentrations, but no research is available to validate or invalidate this possibility.

Milk that is rich in lecithin may theoretically have benefits for nursing infants, but more research is needed into this effect.

Although the studies described above may not indicate any clear risks associated with lecithin supplements for breastfeeding women or their babies, this does not mean that risks do not exist.

The NMCD recommends that women who are breastfeeding avoid lecithin because of the limited amount of safety information available.

This does not mean that there is evidence of a negative effect on lecithin for breastfeeding mothers. Rather, it means that there are no research studies available to evaluate the effects of this supplement while breastfeeding.

Out of an abundance of caution, NMCD suggests that women should avoid dietary supplements while breastfeeding unless instructed to take them by a qualified doctor or healthcare professional.

Lecithin Side Effects on the Baby

Drugs.com reports that there are no studies available to determine whether lecithin taken by a breastfeeding mother would cause side effects in the infant.

However, if this supplement does pass into breast milk, side effects similar to those experienced by adults may be possible. Side effects unique to infants may also occur.

Lecithin during Pregnancy

As with lecithin use while breastfeeding, lecithin use during pregnancy has not been studied extensively. It is not known whether lecithin crosses the placenta, or whether it affects the unborn baby.

For this reason, some sources recommend that pregnant women avoid using this supplement.

Soy Lecithin while Breastfeeding

Some women choose to take soy lecithin, a specific type of lecithin supplement, while nursing. This supplement contains phospholipids derived from the soybean.

When nursing mothers take soy lecithin granules or any other preparation, allergic reactions are a concern.

According to Food Allergy Research and Education, soybean allergies are one of the most common food allergies, especially among children and babies. If components of the nursing mother’s soy lecithin supplement pass into breast milk, an allergic reaction may occur in the infant.

How to Take Lecithin Supplements

If you choose to take lecithin while breastfeeding, you can elect to take the supplement in the form of a granule, powder or capsule.

No official recommended dosage of this supplement exists for breastfeeding mothers. In past research studies, dosages ranging from 400 mg to 50 g have been well tolerated.

However, because of the potential risks to the baby, you should take no more of this supplement than you need to achieve the desired effect.

According to KellyMom, a website operated by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, the recommended dosage of lecithin for breastfeeding mothers with plugged ducts is 3600-4800 mg per day in divided doses.

As with all other supplements, breastfeeding women are encouraged to consult a physician before taking lecithin products.

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