Is maca root safe for breastfeeding mothers to consume?

Safety of Maca Root During Breastfeeding

Maca root is not recommended for use during breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and potential risks to the infant.

Background on Maca Root

Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) is a plant native to the Andes that has been traditionally used for fertility enhancement and as a tonic 1. In recent decades, it has gained global popularity for claims related to reproductive health, libido enhancement, and treatment of menopausal symptoms. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims remains limited and inconclusive 1.

Safety Concerns During Breastfeeding

Lack of Safety Data

• No specific guidelines or recommendations exist regarding maca root use during breastfeeding in any of the major medical guidelines
• There is an absence of clinical studies evaluating the safety of maca root specifically in breastfeeding women
• The transfer of maca's bioactive compounds into breast milk has not been adequately studied

Potential Risks

• Maca contains unique compounds called "macamides" and glucosinolates whose effects on infants are unknown 1
• The cultivation practices for commercially available maca have shifted to mass production with fertilizers and pesticides, potentially affecting its phytochemistry and safety profile 1

General Principles for Herbal Supplements During Breastfeeding

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends consulting reliable databases like LactMed for medication safety during breastfeeding 2. However, most herbal supplements, including maca root, lack high-quality clinical trials supporting their safety during lactation 3.

Research shows that:

• 73% of women incorrectly believe herbal supplements are equally safe or safer than conventional medications during breastfeeding 4
• 65% of women admit to having no scientific information about the potential risks of complementary and alternative medicines during breastfeeding 4
• Many breastfeeding women cannot correctly identify the types of herbal supplements they are using 4

Decision-Making Framework

When considering any supplement during breastfeeding:

1. Evaluate necessity: Determine if the potential benefits outweigh the unknown risks
2. Consult healthcare providers: Discuss all supplement use with healthcare providers before starting
3. Consider alternatives: For issues maca is commonly used for (energy, libido, hormonal balance), consider evidence-based alternatives
4. Monitor the infant: If use is deemed necessary, watch for any unusual symptoms or changes in the infant

Recommendations for Healthcare Providers

Healthcare providers should:

• Actively inquire about herbal supplement use, as many women do not voluntarily disclose this information 5
• Provide evidence-based counseling on the lack of safety data for maca during breastfeeding
• Discuss the patient's reasons for seeking maca and suggest safer alternatives when appropriate
• Emphasize that the absence of safety data does not mean the supplement is safe

Conclusion

Given the lack of safety data and the potential for unknown risks to the breastfeeding infant, maca root should be avoided during breastfeeding. The benefits of continued breastfeeding are well-established 2, and introducing substances with unknown safety profiles unnecessarily puts these benefits at risk.