Goji Berries and Pregnancy
Goji berries, often used in traditional Chinese medicine, are small, red, edible fruit from a shrub native to China also known as Lycium barbarum. Goji berries are usually dried, eaten raw or cooked. They have recently been touted as a “superfood” for their exceptional health benefits. Goji berries are not proven safe in pregnancy. Do not eat goji berries while pregnant without your doctor's permission.
Purpose
Lycium bark or berries are used by alternative medical practitioners to treat a variety of conditions, including morning sickness in pregnancy. However, studies on the benefits of goji berries for any medical condition are lacking, according to MedlinePlus. Other possible benefits of goji berries include lowering blood pressure and decreasing blood glucose levels in diabetes. If you already have low blood pressure or low blood sugar levels, goji could worsen symptoms.
- Lycium bark or berries are used by alternative medical practitioners to treat a variety of conditions, including morning sickness in pregnancy.
- Other possible benefits of goji berries include lowering blood pressure and decreasing blood glucose levels in diabetes.
Ingredients
Dandelion & Breastfeeding
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Goji berries contain betaine that lowers homocysteine levels. High levels of homocysteine, an amino acid, may contribute to heart disease and stroke by increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and peripheral vascular disease. However, betaine is one of the ingredients that may be harmful in pregnancy since it may reduce kidney function and other body systems.
Warnings
Betaine may cause miscarriage, according to MedlinePlus. Known as an abortifacient, lycium may increase uterine contractions. In at least one case, goji berries increased bleeding in a woman taking warfarin, an anticoagulant. Pregnant women who take anticoagulants to prevent blood clots should only take goji berries under a physician’s supervision.
- Betaine may cause miscarriage, according to MedlinePlus.
- In at least one case, goji berries increased bleeding in a woman taking warfarin, an anticoagulant.
Considerations
Recommended Daily Dose of Goji Berry
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Goji berry, like many herbal and alternative medicines, is readily available on the Internet. Some sites warn that goji berry should not be used in pregnancy while others do not. Since there are few actual clinical studies on goji berries or juice, the best practice when you’re pregnant is to avoid any substances that might present harmful effects.
Related Articles
References
- Health Castle; Is Goji Berry Worth the Hype?; Sofia Layarda, R.D; March 2009.
- eMedTV; Goji and Pregnancy; Kristi Monson, Pharm.D; October 2008
- Drugs.com: Goji Berries
- [Historical Record] Goji berries. FoodData Central. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published April 1, 2019.
- Goji berries, dried. FoodData Central. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published April 1, 2019.
- Vitamin C: Fact Sheets for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Updated February 27, 2020.
- Ma ZF, Zhang H, Teh SS, et al. Goji berries as a potential natural antioxidant medicine: An insight into their molecular mechanisms of action. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019;2019:2437397. doi:10.1155/2019/2437397
- Li S, Liu N, Lin L, et al. Macular pigment and serum zeaxanthin levels with Goji berry supplement in early age-related macular degeneration.International Journal of Ophthalmology. 2018;11(6):970-975. doi:10.18240/ijo.2018.06.12
- Cai H, Liu F, Zuo P, et al. Practical application of antidiabetic efficacy of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide in patients with type 2 diabetes. Med Chem. 2015;11(4):383-90. doi:10.2174/1573406410666141110153858
- Heart Healthy Eating to Help Lower Cholesterol Levels. Cleveland Clinic. Updated 2018.
- Larramendi CH, García-abujeta JL, Vicario S, et al. Goji berries (Lycium barbarum): risk of allergic reactions in individuals with food allergy. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2012;22(5):345-50.
- Ma ZF, Zhang H, Teh SS, et al. Goji berries as a potential natural antioxidant medicine: An insight into their molecular mechanisms of action. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019;2019:2437397. doi:10.1155/2019/2437397
- Goji Berry Culture. PennState Extension. Updated 2016.
- Albertson A L. Goji berries and pomegranates at extension plant sale. NC Cooperative Extension. Updated 2019.
Writer Bio
A registered nurse with more than 25 years of experience in oncology, labor/delivery, neonatal intensive care, infertility and ophthalmology, Sharon Perkins has also coauthored and edited numerous health books for the Wiley "Dummies" series. Perkins also has extensive experience working in home health with medically fragile pediatric patients.