From the FDA Drug Label
Nursing Mothers Levocarnitine supplementation in nursing mothers has not been specifically studied. Studies in dairy cows indicate that the concentration of levocarnitine in milk is increased following exogenous administration of levocarnitine In nursing mothers receiving levocarnitine, any risks to the child of excess carnitine intake need to be weighed against the benefits of levocarnitine supplementation to the mother. Consideration may be given to discontinuation of nursing or of levocarnitine treatment.
The use of L-carnitine while breastfeeding has not been specifically studied, but it is known that the concentration of L-carnitine in milk increases with exogenous administration.
- There is no information about Taurine in the provided drug label.
- The decision to use L-carnitine while breastfeeding should be made by weighing the potential risks to the child against the benefits to the mother, and consideration may be given to discontinuing nursing or L-carnitine treatment 1.
From the Research
Taurine and L-carnitine supplements are generally considered safe while breastfeeding, but they are not routinely recommended unless there is a specific deficiency. Both compounds naturally occur in breast milk and are important for infant development. Taurine supports neurological and eye development, while L-carnitine helps with fat metabolism 2. Most breastfeeding mothers produce adequate amounts of both substances through a balanced diet. If you're considering supplementation, typical dosages are 500-2000mg daily for taurine and 500-1000mg daily for L-carnitine, but it's best to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any supplements.
Some key points to consider:
- Premature infants may have higher needs for these nutrients, as they would have accumulated more during the third trimester of pregnancy.
- A diet rich in meat, fish, and dairy products naturally provides both compounds, making supplementation unnecessary for most women.
- Any supplement taken while breastfeeding should be approached with caution, as safety data specifically for lactation is limited 3, 4, 5.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth, and continued breastfeeding along with complementary foods until at least 2 years of age 4.
- Breastfeeding has numerous benefits for both mothers and infants, including decreased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes mellitus in mothers, and decreased risk of atopic dermatitis and gastroenteritis in infants 3.
It's essential to prioritize a balanced diet and consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplements while breastfeeding. The most recent and highest quality study on the topic of taurine and L-carnitine supplementation during breastfeeding is from 2024, which discusses the importance of these nutrients in infant development, but does not provide specific recommendations for supplementation during breastfeeding 6. However, a 2022 study on taurine highlights its essential role in offspring development and the importance of maternally derived taurine during the perinatal period 2.