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

Glycerin

September 19, 2016 (Low Risk)

Glycerin or glycerol is a normal component of human tissues. Involved in lipid and galactose synthesis which is metabolized to glucose or glycogen.
It is found naturally in breast milk, with a highest concentration in colostrum.

When it is used rectally as a laxative, has little or no absorption. It has been used in preterm infants.

The oral or intravenous administration is rarely used (extracellular edema, intracranial hypertension, diagnosis of Meniere's disease). A short half-life span makes it compatible with breastfeeding in these rare cases.
It also compatible with intraocular administration.

It has been used in creams and gels to treat pain and cracks of nipple during lactation without clear results on effectiveness. In those cases it should be cleaned thoroughly with water before the next breast suckling to prevent it could be swallowed by the infant, since a high intestinal absorption may induce an increased plasma osmolality that can result in dehydration of the infant.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Glycerin.

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

  • Glycerol

Writings

  • Γλυκερίνη (Greek)
  • Γλυκερόλη (Greek)
  • غليسيرول (Arabic)
  • Глицерол (Cyrillic)
  • 甘油 (Chinese)
  • グリセリン (Japanese)
  • C3H8O3 (Molecular formula)

Drug trade names

References

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  2. Mohammad MA, Maningat P, Sunehag AL, Haymond MW. Precursors of hexoneogenesis within the human mammary gland. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2015Abstract
  3. Mohammad MA, Sunehag AL, Haymond MW. De novo synthesis of milk triglycerides in humans. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2014Abstract
  4. Dennis CL, Jackson K, Watson J. Interventions for treating painful nipples among breastfeeding women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014Abstract
  5. Mena N P, León Del P J, Sandino P D, Ralmolfo B P, Sabatelli D, Llanos M A, Milet L B. [Meconium evacuation to improve feeding tolerance in very low birth weight preterm infants (Emita Protocol)]. Rev Chil Pediatr. 2014Abstract
  6. Jóźwik M, Jóźwik M, Teng C, Jóźwik M, Battaglia FC. Human breast milk sugars and polyols over the first 10 puerperium days. Am J Hum Biol. 2013Abstract
  7. Morland-Schultz K, Hill PD. Prevention of and therapies for nipple pain: a systematic review. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 2005Abstract
  8. Cadwell K, Turner-Maffei C, Blair A, Brimdyr K, Maja McInerney Z. Pain reduction and treatment of sore nipples in nursing mothers. J Perinat Educ. 2004Abstract
  9. Sunehag AL, Louie K, Bier JL, Tigas S, Haymond MW. Hexoneogenesis in the human breast during lactation. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2002Abstract
  10. Nice FJ, Snyder JL, Kotansky BC. Breastfeeding and over-the-counter medications. J Hum Lact. 2000Abstract