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Curcumin and breastfeeding: any thoughts?

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Posted 6/14/2015 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

I would like to start taking a curcumin supplement, but I am breastfeeding my 4-month-old. I haven't been able to find anything conclusive about whether or not that would be safe. I've found some sources that say it's not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, but it sounds like a blanket statement not based on any studies or research.

I could wait until he's weaned, but I am trying to control a flare now, and anticipate I will breastfeed him for maybe another year (I breastfed my first until he was two) so it would be a long way away.

Do you have thoughts or advice on the matter?

Many thanks,
Camille.
Posted 6/14/2015 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
It is rated as not harmful even in high doses. Plenty of people eat it and breast feed probably. I would not worry about taking it while breast feeding.
Posted 6/14/2015 5:29 PM (GMT 0)
It is a widely used spice in foods so I also vote for it being safe while breastfeeding. I would think if it were dangerous you would easily find info on it.
Posted 6/14/2015 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
Does kellymom have anything to say about it? I always found that to be a great resource for info on bf-ing. I can't imagine it would be harmful given that people eat it daily. You could always ask your baby's pediatrician if you wanted a medical response.
Posted 6/14/2015 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
My suggestion is to ask your pediatrician. Yes turmeric is consumed by many Asian women who breastfeed but the supplement is many times stronger than the amount consumed with cooking. Just because it's natural does not mean it's safe for babies who would get it through their mothers milk.

I'd hate for anything to compromise good bacteria in babies colons and turmeric has that capability.
Posted 6/15/2015 9:08 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your help and suggestions!

I'll talk to his doctor about it but I'm not expecting much as it's a pretty specialized question and French doctors (I live in France) aren't super savvy when it comes to breastfeeding *or* alternative treatments.

I've looked at Kellymom's site and although she doesn't address that specific question she lists resources that might.
Posted 6/17/2015 11:42 AM (GMT 0)
Call the Infant Risk center and talk to a nurse. They are worlds of help. It's free! It's associated with Texas Tech University and Dr Hale, leading doctor who wrote the Mother's Milk & Medicafions reference book that most doctors use oversees the Infant Risk Center. They can help you with any medicine and how it affects breast milk.
Posted 6/18/2015 2:24 AM (GMT 0)
If anything it'll be helpful. It is a powerful herb for inflammation (kind of like ginger.)
Be sure to take it with healthy fats and some pepper to absorb it better. And I have taken it before and stopped because i was just taking to many supplements, and can tell you it might alter your stool color (so don't freak out when it looks yellow or Orange xD)
Posted 6/18/2015 6:09 AM (GMT 0)
La la leche is also a really good source for breastfeeding information
And if your stool is colored from the turmeric it can mean you are taking too much of it
Just because it's natural doesn't mean that it is healthy- marajuana is Natural too
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