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

Tea

January 19, 2017 (Low Risk)

Leaves are used. Components are xanthines like caffeine (50 a 80 mg per cup of black tea, half this amount for green tea and less for white tea), theophylline, theobromine; tannins, flavonoids (quercetin)

Attributed properties: Psycho-stimulant, vasoconstrictor, diuretic, bronchodilator.

At latest update, relevant published data on excretion into breast milk were not found. Data on excretion in the milk is available since caffeine and quercetin were measured into the breast milk after consumption of tea.

There is not scientific proof on its effectiveness as a galactagogue ( increment of milk production) nor any anti-oxidant property was found in the milk. The use of tea bags was not found to be more effective for nipple pain relief than other methods for local use (hot compresses, breast milk, creams)

Because a high caffeine consumption as that of 4 to 5 cups of tea a day (> 300 mg of caffeine) may induce nervousness and irritability in the infant.

It is recommended a minimal consumption of tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding since contamination with lead has frequently been found, as well as other toxins like cadmium, aluminum, magnesium and brominated substances (PBDE), along with liver failure after consumption of green tea with slimming purposes..

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

  • Black Tea
  • Green Tea
  • Matcha (ground green tea)
  • White Tea

Writings

  • Camellia Sinensis (Latin, botanical name)
  • Τσάι (Greek)
  • شاي (Arabic)
  • Чай (Cyrillic)
  • 茶 (Chinese)
  • 茶 (Japanese)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Bunchorntavakul C, Reddy KR. Review article: herbal and dietary supplement hepatotoxicity. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. Patel SS, Beer S, Kearney DL, Phillips G, Carter BA. Green tea extract: a potential cause of acute liver failure. World J Gastroenterol. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Schwalfenberg G, Genuis SJ, Rodushkin I. The benefits and risks of consuming brewed tea: beware of toxic element contamination. J Toxicol. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. Kayiran SM, Ince DA, Aldemir D, Gurakan B. Investigating the effect of black tea consumption during pregnancy on the oxidant/antioxidant status of breastmilk. Breastfeed Med. 2013Abstract
  5. López-Regueiro S, Ramos Sáiz EM, López-Picado A, Burgos-Alonso N, Arana-Salaberría, A. Fitoterapia como coadyuvante en el tratamiento de la obesidad. Farmacéuticos Comunitarios 2012; 4(4): 166-174 2012
  6. Bolle F, Brian W, Petit D, Boutakhrit K, Feraille G, Van Loco J. Tea brewed in traditional metallic teapots as a significant source of lead, nickel and other chemical elements. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess. 2011Abstract
  7. Kim UJ, Lee IS, Kim HS, Oh JE. Monitoring of PBDEs concentration in umbilical cord blood and breast milk from Korean population and estimating the effects of various parameters on accumulation in humans. Chemosphere. 2011Abstract
  8. Zhang AL, Story DF, Lin V, Vitetta L, Xue CC. A population survey on the use of 24 common medicinal herbs in Australia. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2008Abstract
  9. Kirchgatterer A, Rammer M, Knoflach P. [Weight loss, abdominal pain and anemia after a holiday abroad--case report of lead poisoning]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2005Abstract
  10. Jin CW, He YF, Zhang K, Zhou GD, Shi JL, Zheng SJ. Lead contamination in tea leaves and non-edaphic factors affecting it. Chemosphere. 2005Abstract
  11. Morland-Schultz K, Hill PD. Prevention of and therapies for nipple pain: a systematic review. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 2005Abstract
  12. Arts IC, van De Putte B, Hollman PC. Catechin contents of foods commonly consumed in The Netherlands. 2. Tea, wine, fruit juices, and chocolate milk. J Agric Food Chem. 2000Abstract
  13. Lavergne NA. Does application of tea bags to sore nipples while breastfeeding provide effective relief? J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 1997Abstract
  14. Serafini M, Ghiselli A, Ferro-Luzzi A. In vivo antioxidant effect of green and black tea in man. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1996Abstract
  15. Buchko BL, Pugh LC, Bishop BA, Cochran JF, Smith LR, Lerew DJ. Comfort measures in breastfeeding, primiparous women. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 1994Abstract
  16. Starska K. [Aluminum in food]. Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 1993Abstract
  17. Schrob M. Tea bags and sore nipples. J Hum Lact. 1992Abstract
  18. Opinya GN, Bwibo N, Valderhaug J, Birkeland JM, Lökken P. Intake of fluoride and excretion in mothers' milk in a high fluoride (9 ppm) area in Kenya. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1991Abstract