Is Flaxseed compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Flaxseed?

Flaxseed

July 21, 2017 (Low Risk)

The dried seeds of this herb are used.
It contains 25% insoluble fiber, 40% oil and triglycerides (α-linolenic acid), polysaccharides (mucilage), cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids and lignans (phytoestrogens).
Attributed properties: laxative, lipid-lowering, topical anti-inflammatory on the skin.
Indication based on the German Commission E Ministry of Health and the European Medicines Agency (EMA): constipation.

The consumption of flaxseed increases the concentration of α-linolenic acid in human milk, a precursor of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which could improve the concentration of infant DHA.
Fat and linoleic acid concentration in milk bank may be decreased due to pasteurization and freezing.

Although devoid of toxicity, its estrogenic effects make its use during lactation should be moderate, avoiding prolonged use.


See below the information of this related product:

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Flaxseed.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Flax
  • Linseed

Writings

  • Lini semen (Latin, botanical name)
  • Linum usitatissimum (Latin, botanical name)
  • Σπέρματα λιναριού - λίνου σπέρμα (Greek)
  • Льняное Семя (Cyrillic)

Drug trade names

References

  1. EMA. European Union herbal monograph on Linum usitatissimum L., semen EMA/HMPC/377675/2014 2015 Full text (in our servers)
  2. Goyal A, Sharma V, Upadhyay N, Gill S, Sihag M. Flax and flaxseed oil: an ancient medicine & modern functional food. J Food Sci Technol. 2014Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Vázquez-Román S, Alonso-Díaz C, García-Lara NR, Escuder-Vieco D, Pallás-Alonso CR. Medida por crematocrito del contenido calórico de la leche materna donada congelada. [Effect of freezing on the "creamatocrit" measurement of the lipid content of human donor milk]. An Pediatr (Barc). 2014Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  4. Vázquez-Román S, Alonso-Díaz C, García-Lara NR, Escuder-Vieco D, Pallás-Alonso CR. [Effect of freezing on the "creamatocrit" measurement of the lipid content of human donor milk]. An Pediatr (Barc). 2014Abstract
  5. García-Lara NR, Vieco DE, De la Cruz-Bértolo J, Lora-Pablos D, Velasco NU, Pallás-Alonso CR. Effect of Holder pasteurization and frozen storage on macronutrients and energy content of breast milk. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2013Abstract
  6. Boucher BA, Cotterchio M, Curca IA, Kreiger N, Harris SA, Kirsh VA, Goodwin PJ. Intake of phytoestrogen foods and supplements among women recently diagnosed with breast cancer in Ontario, Canada. Nutr Cancer. 2012Abstract
  7. García-Lara NR, Escuder-Vieco D, García-Algar O, De la Cruz J, Lora D, Pallás-Alonso C. Effect of freezing time on macronutrients and energy content of breastmilk. Breastfeed Med. 2012Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. Brenna JT, Salem N Jr, Sinclair AJ, Cunnane SC; International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids, ISSFAL. alpha-Linolenic acid supplementation and conversion to n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in humans. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2009Abstract
  9. Bourre JM. Dietary omega-3 fatty acids for women. Biomed Pharmacother. 2007Abstract
  10. Basch E, Bent S, Collins J, Dacey C, Hammerness P, Harrison M, Smith M, Szapary P, Ulbricht C, Vora M, Weissner W; Natural Standard Resource Collaboration. Flax and flaxseed oil (Linum usitatissimum): a review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Soc Integr Oncol. 2007Abstract
  11. Thompson LU, Boucher BA, Liu Z, Cotterchio M, Kreiger N. Phytoestrogen content of foods consumed in Canada, including isoflavones, lignans, and coumestan. Nutr Cancer. 2006Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  12. Udell T, Gibson RA, Makrides M; PUFA Study Group. The effect of alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid on the growth and development of formula-fed infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Lipids. 2005Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  13. Francois CA, Connor SL, Bolewicz LC, Connor WE. Supplementing lactating women with flaxseed oil does not increase docosahexaenoic acid in their milk. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  14. Fletcher RJ. Food sources of phyto-oestrogens and their precursors in Europe. Br J Nutr. 2003Abstract
  15. Stark A, Madar Z. Phytoestrogens: a review of recent findings. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2002Abstract
  16. Hutchins AM, Martini MC, Olson BA, Thomas W, Slavin JL. Flaxseed consumption influences endogenous hormone concentrations in postmenopausal women. Nutr Cancer. 2001Abstract