What dietary supplements support lactation in postpartum (post-partum) women?

From the Guidelines

Fenugreek, along with a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and probiotics, is recommended to support lactation in postpartum women. According to the most recent and highest quality study 1, a well-balanced diet that includes adequate amounts of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates is essential for supporting milk production and overall health.

Key Nutrients for Lactation

• Omega-3 fatty acids: 250 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day, with an additional 100-200 mg of preformed DHA during lactation 1
• Vitamin D: 10 mg daily supplement for the duration of breastfeeding 1
• Probiotics: may have a positive effect on infants' weight gain and body composition, but more evidence is needed 1
• Calcium: up to 2,500 mg per day from all sources (diet and supplements) is considered safe for lactating women 1
• Iron and folic acid: continue supplementation for 3 months after birth, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) 1

Additional Recommendations

• Stay well-hydrated by drinking at least 2.7 L of water per day, as recommended by the Australian dietary guidelines 1
• Ensure adequate calorie intake to support milk production, with an additional 2,000-2,100 kJ per day above the recommended daily intake for women 1
• Consider consulting a dietitian to ensure a nutritionally balanced diet, especially for women with restrictive diets such as vegan or vegetarian 1

Important Considerations

• Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially while breastfeeding
• Discontinue use if any adverse effects occur
• Be cautious of potential interactions between supplements and medications, and monitor for any signs of allergy or intolerance.

From the Research

Dietary Supplements Supporting Lactation

Dietary supplements can play a significant role in supporting lactation in postpartum women. The following supplements have been studied for their potential to enhance milk production:

• Galega officinalis: A study published in 2017 2 found that a Galega officinalis-based food supplement increased milk production in breastfeeding mothers and promoted psychological benefits.
• Fenugreek, Ginger, and Turmeric: A randomized double-blind controlled trial published in 2018 3 found that mixed herbal supplementation containing fenugreek, ginger, and turmeric increased human milk volume by 49% at week 2 and 103% at week 4.
• Galactagogues: A review of herbal and pharmaceutical galactagogues published in 2016 4 found that domperidone and metoclopramide were effective in increasing milk production, while the results for herbal galactagogues were mixed.
• Iodine, DHA, and Vitamin B12: A survey published in 2024 5 found that lactating mothers following a vegetarian or vegan diet often used dietary supplements, including iodine, DHA, and vitamin B12, to support their nutrition and milk production.

Key Findings

• Many breastfeeding mothers use dietary supplements to support lactation, with galactagogues being a popular choice 6.
• The use of dietary supplements can vary depending on the mother's dietary pattern, with vegans being more likely to use supplements 5.
• While some supplements have shown promise in increasing milk production, more research is needed to fully understand their effects and potential interactions 2, 3, 4.

Supplements and Lactation

• Herbal Supplements: Fenugreek, ginger, and turmeric have been shown to increase human milk volume 3.
• Pharmaceutical Supplements: Domperidone and metoclopramide have been found to be effective in increasing milk production 4.
• Micronutrient Supplements: Iodine, DHA, and vitamin B12 are important for lactating mothers, especially those following a vegetarian or vegan diet 5.