There is weak evidence supporting the use of turmeric or curcumin as an anti-inflammatory, an anti-oxidant, and an anti-coagulant. Topical curcumin is moderately more effective than placebo at reducing the symptoms of mild to moderate, non-infectious, lactational mastitis. We also know from other sources that turmeric is fairly non-toxic to healthy adults, even in high doses.
We give turmeric an intermediate safety rating in terms of its breastfeeding risk. This is largely due to a lack of quality studies in breastfeeding mothers. Depending on that you are using it for, there is probably a better-studied alternative available.
-James Abbey, MD
- The recommendations the InfantRisk Center provides are not meant to replace medical advice from your physician. The ultimate decision to breastfeed while taking medications should be based on an informed decision including available data, discussions between a mother, her physician, and the infants' pediatrician. The decision to take medications during pregnancy should be based available data and a discussion between a mother and her OB/GYN. To ask a question, Create an Account or Login.
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