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

Nutmeg

April 17, 2016 (Low Risk)

The seeds are used.
The essential oil contains miristicine, safrole, eugenol and isoeugenol among other products.

Indications according to German Commission E Ministry of Health: none, since intended properties have not been shown.
Many poisonings have been reported by abuse after taking high doses for recreational purposes, originating a clinical picture consistent with anticholinergic-like effects seizures as narcosis and hallucinations.

At latest update no published data were found on excretion into breast milk.

Not contraindications as a culinary spice for which it is widely used. Given the lack of toxicity at normal doses, a moderate consumption during lactation does not represent any risk at all.

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

  • Mace

Writings

  • Myristica fragrans (Latin, botanical name)
  • Мускатный Орех (Cyrillic)
  • ニクズク (Japanese)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Roeters van Lennep JE, Schuit SC, van Bruchem-Visser RL, Özcan B. Unintentional nutmeg autointoxication. Neth J Med. 2015Abstract
  2. Flam B, Bendz E, Jonsson Fagerlund M, Höjer J. Seizures associated with intentional severe nutmeg intoxication. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2015Abstract
  3. Cuong TD, Hung TM, Han HY, Roh HS, Seok JH, Lee JK, Jeong JY, Choi JS, Kim JA, Min BS. Potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitory compounds from Myristica fragrans. Nat Prod Commun. 2014Abstract
  4. Sivathanu S, Sampath S, David HS, Rajavelu KK. Myristicin and phenytoin toxicity in an infant. BMJ Case Rep. 2014Abstract
  5. Ostabal Artigas MI. [Serious powdered nutmeg intoxication]. Med Intensiva. 2014Abstract
  6. Carstairs SD, Cantrell FL. The spice of life: an analysis of nutmeg exposures in California. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2011Abstract
  7. Pastrana Delgado J, Beunza Nuin JJ, Ramírez Medina S, Orduna Martínez J. [Nutmeg poisoning]. Med Clin (Barc). 2008Abstract
  8. Forrester MB. Nutmeg intoxication in Texas, 1998-2004. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2005Abstract
  9. Lavy G. Nutmeg intoxication in pregnancy. A case report. J Reprod Med. 1987Abstract