Glutathione and Breastfeeding

Before taking glutathione, women who are breastfeeding should consult their healthcare provider about the benefits and possible risks. There has not been any research done on glutathione and breastfeeding, so it is not known if glutathione could cause any problems in a nursing infant. However, due to the potential risks, it is probably a good idea for women to avoid glutathione supplements while breastfeeding (unless their healthcare provider specifically recommends them for a medical reason).

 

An Overview of Glutathione and Breastfeeding

Glutathione is a dietary supplement used for a variety of different purposes. Currently, it is not known if it is safe for breastfeeding women to take glutathione. Do not take glutathione while breastfeeding without the approval and supervision of your healthcare provider.
 

What Does the Research Say About Glutathione and Breastfeeding?

There is no reason to believe that glutathione is safe (or unsafe) for breastfeeding women. It has never been studied in women who were breastfeeding, and it is not known if it could cause any problems in a breastfed infant. Research seems to suggest that glutathione is not significantly absorbed when taken orally, which suggests that glutathione probably would not affect a breastfed infant. However, until this has been conclusively shown to be the case, it is a good idea to avoid glutathione while breastfeeding.
 
Because glutathione is a compound made naturally by the human body, it seems reasonable to assume that glutathione supplementation would be quite safe. However, because supplements have the potential to contain contaminants (or provide much more glutathione than is necessary), it is probably best to avoid glutathione supplements while breastfeeding (unless your healthcare provider specifically suggests that you do so for a specific medical reason). Also, some naturally occurring human substances are dangerous during breastfeeding; it cannot be assumed that a substance is safe just because it is naturally produced in humans.
 
(Glutathione and Breastfeeding Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;