Is Quercetin Safe While Breastfeeding?
At this time, it is unknown if
quercetin supplementation is safe for breastfeeding women. Therefore, do not take this supplement while breastfeeding without first checking with your healthcare provider.
Quercetin is a flavonoid found in various plants. It is also used in
dietary supplements claimed to be useful for a variety of different purposes, such as for treating
allergies or
preventing heart disease. A normal dietary intake of quercetin through a healthy and well-balanced diet is considered to be safe for breastfeeding women and their infants. However, it is not known if quercetin supplementation is equally safe.
Breastfeeding often limits the prescription and non-prescription drugs that are available for a woman to take. As a result, women often seek safe alternatives, sometimes assuming that dietary supplements are always safe. This is simply not the case. Dietary supplements can be marketed in the United States without any evidence that they are safe (or even effective) for anyone, including breastfeeding women. It should never be assumed that natural products are automatically safe for breastfeeding women.
Talking With Your Healthcare Provider
You should talk with your healthcare provider about breastfeeding and quercetin.
Each woman's situation is different, and you and your healthcare provider understand your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, you and your healthcare provider can make a shared decision that is right for you.
