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  • Plexus Weight Loss Supplement

    I was contacted by a mother wondering if Plexus safe to use while breastfeeding. I was only able to find 3 of the ingredients in Medications and Mothers Milk. One was listed in the back as L4 with no reason why, and the others were L3 on the basis of no research. What do you think? Is the whole thing L4 then? Thank you!

  • #2
    Dear Nyakanyasko,

    I would suggest not using Plexus while breastfeeding. Dr. Hale currently does not recommend the use of herbal supplements and remedies when breastfeeding. Those supplements are not evaluated by the FDA, and we do not have studies on them. We do not know how much transfers into breast milk, and some of them are not safe for the infants. A physician or herbal specialist should be consulted before beginning any herbal treatment during pregnancy or lactation.

    Tassneem Abdel Karim, MD
    InfantRisk Center

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    • #3
      Additional Plexus Question

      A mama is 4 months postpartum and is about to start doing the Plexus Slim diet drink with her doctor's approval. I have been trying to gather info on the individual ingredients but haven't gotten very far (not able to share the evernote link in this forum). The mama has been informed of risks/benefits/lack of data, even Plexus' own statement not to use while breastfeeding, etc. and is going to go ahead and try Plexus Slim but will discontinue if she notices any changes in her lil one. Not sure why her doc said it was ok and while I want to support whatever she chooses, my main concern (besides any substances that are outright dangerous for baby) is that the weight loss properties might affect the baby as well. Is that possible?

      She is also curious to see if there is any way of testing her breastmilk constituents before and after she starts taking the product to see what effects it has on her breastmilk, as its never been studied. What labs would be able to do the testing, whats the name of the test and do you know how much it would cost out of pocket? She is in the Spokane/Coeur d'alene/Moscow area.

      Amy // Doula, Childbirth Educator, Student Midwife

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      • #4
        Sisyphean:

        I don't know much about these herbal ingredients. We generally don't recommend their use if we can't find any information about them.

        Sorry, we don't recommend one to breastfeed while taking unknown herbals.

        Tom Hale Ph.d.

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        • #5
          Is there a lab test that would look at the breakdown of her breastmilk?
          Last edited by sisyphean; 04-30-2014, 10:35 AM.

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          • #6
            Dear Sisyphean,

            I double checked with Dr. Hale, and no we do not think there is a lab test that does that.

            Tassneem Abdel Karim, MD
            InfantRisk Center

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            • #7
              If Plexus isn't recommended for nursing moms what about any of the Advocare products? Example - catalyst, omega plex, meal shakes, pro-biotic restore. thanks!

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              • #8
                The same statements above also apply to Advocare. We do not recommend the use of supplements or combination herbal products in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

                -James Abbey, MD

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                • #9
                  Plexus Ingredients

                  I see what is stated above. Wanted to add the actual list of ingredients in Plexus Slim to this discussion to see if that makes any difference. There are lots of breastfeeding moms using this supplement, as evidenced by the testimonies in the Facebook group page Plexus Breastfeeding Support with 3000+ members....so, are they all in the wrong for using it, or is it in fact most likely okay?

                  Ingredients and Benefits:
                  CHLOROGENIC ACID: Found in bamboo, prunes, peaches and other plants; known to
                  aid in lowering blood pressure; may have antioxidant effects; can be used to reduce
                  bitterness in food. New info----Proprietary blend of Chlorogenic Acid (from Green
                  Coffee Caffea arabica Bean) Extract (contains less than 2% natural caffeine)

                  CITRIN K (GARCINIA CAMBOGIA): Found in a plant grown in Indonesia. It can act
                  as an appetite suppressant, may improve mood, aid in sleep, and help with emotional
                  eating. Garcinia Cambogia also helps to block fat absorption.

                  ALPHA LIPOLIC ACID: Found naturally in the human body and can be found in
                  certain foods such as spinach and rice bran. It is a powerful antioxidant. Alpha Lipolic
                  Acid may aid in blood sugar control. It may also help with brain function and age related
                  conditions.

                  OXYPREGNANE STEROIDAL GLYCOSIDE: Found naturally in the African cactus
                  Hoodia Gordonii. It is a known appetite suppressant and may reduce gastric acid.

                  CHROMIUM (as Chromium Picolinate): It is known as an essential trace element.
                  Chromium can be used for blood sugar control for people with Types 1 and 2 diabetes,
                  prediabetes, and high blood sugar due to steroids. It is also used for depression, lowering
                  bad cholesterol, and raising good cholesterol; aids in weight loss, fat loss, and muscle
                  gain; improves athletic performance and increases energy.

                  POLYDEXTROSE: A form of soluble fiber that can take the place of sugar in
                  beverages. It can be used as a thickening agent and stabilizer.

                  CITRIC ACID: A weak organic acid that acts as a natural preservative.

                  BEET ROOT EXTRACT: Used for coloring.

                  STEVIA LEAF EXTRACT AND LO HAN FRUTE EXTRACT: Both are all natural
                  sweeteners that do not spike blood sugar when eaten.

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                  • #10
                    I think that we can all agree there are significant number of unknowns in this question. Breastfeeding babies are a metabolically vulnerable population and it just makes sense not to expose them to substances for which the risks are poorly defined. Lactation is a time for simplicity and letting your body do what it does best. We are unable to make recommendations based on marketing materials or product testimonials. It is our well-considered position that breastfeeding women should limit their use of ALL herbs and medications to only those situations where the benefit to the family clearly exceeds the risk to the infant. Think carefully whether or not this is one of those circumstances.

                    -James Abbey

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                    • #11
                      I apologize for bumping with a slightly related question --

                      Does this concern about all herbal products also apply to extended breastfeeding?

                      My first breastfed until she was 3 1/2, and the 'baby' is 1 1/2 and I intend on continuing nursing as long as is mutually acceptable to us.

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                      • #12
                        Toddlers get much less milk relative to their body weights compared with infants and their ability to metabolize things approaches that of an adult. In extended breastfeeding, we really only worry about overtly toxic things (such as chemotherapy or industrial chemicals) and things that accumulate in the body (such as lead). Herbal products rarely fall into either category. Remember that kids can have allergic reactions to pretty much anything, so be on the lookout for new rashes, hives, or other otherwise unexplained skin changes.

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