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

Papain

January 20, 2015 (Low Risk)

Proteolytic enzyme from Carica papaya. It is used in food industry as a meat softener. Doubtfully effective as anti-inflammatory and GI tract medication.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Papain.

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

  • パパイン
  • Carica papaya
  • Папаин

Drug trade names

References

  1. Rosenthal AP, Blønd MB. [The enzyme papain in industry and food causes allergic sensitization]. Ugeskr Laeger. 2008Abstract
  2. Lee J, Anderson R. Best evidence topic report. Proteolytic enzymes for oesophageal meat impaction. Emerg Med J. 2005Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Ncube TN, Greiner T, Malaba LC, Gebre-Medhin M. Supplementing lactating women with puréed papaya and grated carrots improved vitamin A status in a placebo-controlled trial. J Nutr. 2001Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. Kinlay JR, O'Connell DL, Kinlay S. Risk factors for mastitis in breastfeeding women: results of a prospective cohort study. Aust N Z J Public Health. 2001Abstract
  5. Maini S, Rudralingam M, Zeitoun H, Osbourne JE. Aspiration pneumonitis following papain enzyme treatment for oesophageal meat impaction. J Laryngol Otol. 2001Abstract
  6. Bourdy G, Walter A. Maternity and medicinal plants in Vanuatu. I. The cycle of reproduction. J Ethnopharmacol. 1992Abstract