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Breastfeeding & Glucosamine
Breastfeeding moms must always consider how what they eat could affect their infants. The same is true for medications and supplements. While some supplements are considered safe when breastfeeding, the effects of many others are simply not known. This includes the popular arthritis supplement glucosamine, which has limited research regarding its effects on children.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Medications and Breast Milk
While breastfeeding moms have more dietary options than they did when they were pregnant, they must still be mindful of what goes into their bodies. What they eat, drink and take in medication form ends up in their breast milk, which goes right to their infant. Most drugs and supplements do wind up in breast milk, according to the folks at AskDrSears.com. However, the strength of medications and supplements in the breast milk is often far less than the original form. Even small amounts of some medications, however, may be harmful to an infant. The concern goes for both prescribed and over-the-counter medications as well as natural supplements.
- While breastfeeding moms have more dietary options than they did when they were pregnant, they must still be mindful of what goes into their bodies.
- However, the strength of medications and supplements in the breast milk is often far less than the original form.
What is Glucosamine?
What Is Glucosamine HCI?
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Glucosamine is a supplement that many people take for arthritis or other joint pain conditions. Glucosamine occurs naturally in the body’s joints and plays a role in the production and maintenance of healthy cartilage. As a supplement, it has the potential to keep cartilage healthier for longer, making it especially appealing for people with osteoarthritis. While the anecdotal evidence for glucosamine outweighs the actual research, it remains a popular supplement for many people with joint pain. While it is available over the counter, though, it may not be safe for everyone.
- Glucosamine is a supplement that many people take for arthritis or other joint pain conditions.
- While the anecdotal evidence for glucosamine outweighs the actual research, it remains a popular supplement for many people with joint pain.
Glucosamine in Children
Glucosamine use in children is even less thoroughly researched than that for adults. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that it is not recommended for use in children for this very reason. Little is known about the safety of glucosamine when it comes to kids. In addition, there is little research regarding its effects on breastfed infants. The amount of glucosamine that passes through mom’s breast milk is thought to be minimal; however, there is little evidence regarding whether or not any amount of glucosamine is safe for nursing infants.
- Glucosamine use in children is even less thoroughly researched than that for adults.
- The amount of glucosamine that passes through mom’s breast milk is thought to be minimal; however, there is little evidence regarding whether or not any amount of glucosamine is safe for nursing infants.
Warnings for Breastfeeding Moms
Side Effects of Glucosamine on Blood Pressure
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If the benefits do not outweigh the risks, the venture is not sound. The same is true for taking medications while breastfeeding 1. Do the potential benefits of glucosamine outweigh the potential risks to your baby, which are unknown? Or, can you get by without glucosamine until it is time to wean? Bottom line: Never take any supplement while breastfeeding without first consulting your obstetrician or your child’s pediatrician. A medical professional can talk you through the decision-making process when it comes to the potential risks to your child. In addition, new research comes out all of the time. Your doctor may be aware of something regarding glucosamine that you are not. If in doubt, ask the expert.
- If the benefits do not outweigh the risks, the venture is not sound.
- Do the potential benefits of glucosamine outweigh the potential risks to your baby, which are unknown?
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References
- AskDrSears.com: Taking Medications Safely While Breastfeeding
- Mehta, K., Gala, J., Bhasale, S., & Naik, S. (2008). Comparison Of Glucosamine Sulfate And A Polyherbal Supplement For The Relief Of Osteoarthritis Of The Knee: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Alternative Medicine Review, 13(1), 80-81.
- Qato, D. M., Alexander, G. C., Conti, R. M., Johnson, M., Schumm, P., & Lindau, S. T. (2008). Use Of Prescription And Over-The-Counter Medications And Dietary Supplements Among Older Adults In The United States. Jama, 300(24), 2867-2878.
- Pavelká, K., Gatterová, J., Olejarová, M., Machacek, S., Giacovelli, G., & Rovati, L. C. (2002). Glucosamine Sulfate Use And Delay Of Progression Of Knee Osteoarthritis: A 3-Year, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study. Archives Of Internal Medicine, 162(18), 2113-2123.
- Reginster, J. Y., Deroisy, R., Rovati, L. C., Lee, R. L., Lejeune, E., Bruyere, O., ... & Gossett, C. (2001). Long-term effects of glucosamine sulphate on osteoarthritis progression: a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The Lancet, 357(9252), 251-256.
- Hathcock, J. N., & Shao, A. (2007). Risk Assessment For Glucosamine And Chondroitin Sulfate. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 47(1), 78-83.
- Adebowale, A. O., Cox, D. S., Liang, Z., & Eddington, N. D. (2000). Analysis Of Glucosamine And Chondroitin Sulfate Content In Marketed Products And The Caco-2 Permeability Of Chondroitin Sulfate Raw Materials. Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association, 3(1), 37-44.
- Black, C., Clar, C., Henderson, R., MacEachern, C., McNamee, P., Quayyum, Z., ... & Thomas, S. (2009). The Clinical Effectiveness Of Glucosamine And Chondroitin Supplements In Slowing Or Arresting Progression Of Osteoarthritis Of The Knee: A Systematic Review And Economic Evaluation.
- Muniyappa, R., Karne, R. J., Hall, G., Crandon, S. K., Bronstein, J. A., Ver, M. R., ... & Quon, M. J. (2006). Oral Glucosamine For 6 Weeks At Standard Doses Does Not Cause Or Worsen Insulin Resistance Or Endothelial Dysfunction In Lean Or Obese Subjects. Diabetes, 55(11), 3142-3150.
- Biggee, B. A., Blinn, C. M., Nuite, M., Silbert, J. E., & McAlindon, T. E. (2007). Effects Of Oral Glucosamine Sulphate On Serum Glucose And Insulin During An Oral Glucose Tolerance Test Of Subjects With Osteoarthritis. Annals Of The Rheumatic Diseases, 66(2), 260-262.
Writer Bio
Erica Jacques is an occupational therapist and freelance writer with more than 15 years of combined experience. Jacques has been published on Mybackpaininfo.com and various other websites, and in "Hope Digest." She earned an occupational therapy degree from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland, giving her a truly global view of health and wellness.