Can Phenylalanine Travel Through Breast Milk?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Evidence strongly suggests that elevated phenylalanine levels in the mother’s bloodstream produce proportionately elevated levels in the breastmilk . However, this does not seem to produce elevated levels in the baby’s blood.

Is it OK to have artificial sweeteners while breastfeeding?

Nonnutritive sweeteners (NNS), including saccharin, sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame-potassium, are commonly consumed in the general population, and all except for saccharin are considered safe for use during pregnancy and lactation .

Can babies with phenylketonuria breastfeed?

Can I breastfeed my baby if I have PKU? Yes you can breastfeed ! Breastfeeding is possible for women who have normal babies and who have phe levels in the safe range.

Can anything be passed through breast milk?

Three viruses (CMV, HIV, and HTLV-I) frequently cause infection or disease as a result of breast-milk transmission . Reasonable guidelines have been pro-posed for when and how to avoid breast milk in the case of maternal infection.

What is phenylalanine made from?

Phenylalanine is an amino acid found in mother’s milk and a number of foods, including meat, poultry, fish, cottage cheese, lentils, peanuts, and sesame seeds .

Is phenylephrine safe while breastfeeding?

Phenylephrine, an ingredient in pediatric cough and cold preparations, is considered safe . While excretion into breast milk is unknown, it is unlikely to be excreted into breast milk in large quantities due to its poor bioavailability.

Why is breastfeeding contraindicated in phenylketonuria?

Conclusions: PKU is treated with phenylalanine (Phe) restriction. Breastfeeding infants with PKU is challenging in part because Phe intake is difficult to determine precisely .

How common is PKU in infants?

In the United States, about 1 in 10,000 to 15,000 babies is born with PKU each year . The illness happens in all ethnic groups.

Can babies with galactosemia be breastfed?

Babies with DG may have some issues processing galactose but a recent showed that changing the diet change may not be necessary and most babies do fine continuing breastfeeding or continuing formula with galactose .. Babies with type II or type III also will have fewer issues than babies with classic galactosemia.

Do sugar alcohols pass into breast milk?

The sugar alcohols, including sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol, can cause diarrhea when consumed, but so far we don’t have evidence that they are detectable in breastmilk .

Does aspartame enter breast milk?

Drug Levels and Effects

Aspartame is not detectable in breastmilk after maternal ingestion because it is rapidly broken down in the mother’s body. An extremely large intake of aspartame (equivalent to 17 cans of soda or 100 packets of Equal Sweetener) can slightly increase the amount of phenylalanine in breastmilk.

Does stevia pass through breast milk?

No data exist on the excretion of any components of stevia into breastmilk or on the safety and efficacy of stevia in nursing mothers or infants. Rebaudioside A is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) as a sweetening agent for foods by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Can Covid be passed through breast milk?

Coronavirus has not been found in breast milk . It’s safe to breastfeed if you have COVID-19. But new moms with COVID-19 could spread the virus to their infant through tiny droplets that spread when they talk, cough, or sneeze.

At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?

Health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with a gradual introduction of appropriate foods in the second 6 months and ongoing breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond . Babies show they are ready to start solids when they: start showing interest when others are eating.

How many years can a woman produce breast milk?

After the introduction of foods at six months of age, recommendations include continued breastfeeding until one to two years of age or more . Globally, about 38% of infants are exclusively breastfed during their first six months of life.

What are the dangers of phenylalanine?

Phenylalanine can cause intellectual disabilities, brain damage, seizures and other problems in people with PKU . Phenylalanine occurs naturally in many protein-rich foods, such as milk, eggs and meat.

Why phenylalanine is toxic?

This enzyme converts the amino acid phenylalanine to other important compounds in the body. If gene mutations reduce the activity of phenylalanine hydroxylase, phenylalanine from the diet is not processed effectively . As a result, this amino acid can build up to toxic levels in the blood and other tissues.

Is phenylalanine safe for pregnancy?

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: L-phenylalanine is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in amounts commonly found in foods by pregnant patients who have normal phenylalanine levels . But having too much phenylalanine during pregnancy can increase the chances of birth defects.

Can I take a decongestant while breastfeeding?

It is recommended that breastfeeding women AVOID decongestant tablets, powders or drinks . Decongestant nasal sprays containing xylometazoline, oxymetazoline are effective in relieving nasal congestion but do not produce wakefulness nor reduce milk supply.

Does phenylephrine dry up breastmilk?

Summary of Use during Lactation

The oral bioavailability of phenylephrine is only about 40%,[1] so the drug is unlikely to reach the infant in large amounts. However, intravenous or oral administration of phenylephrine might decrease milk production .

What decongestant is safe to take while breastfeeding?

Afrin (oxymetazoline) nasal spray is a nasal decongestant that can be used safely while breastfeeding.

What is maternal PKU?

Phenylketonuria (also called PKU) is a condition in which your body can’t break down an amino acid called phenylalanine. Amino acids help build protein in your body. Without treatment, phenylalanine builds up in the blood and causes health problems. Maternal PKU means that a woman who has PKU is pregnant .

Is sucralose safe during breastfeeding?

The United States FDA considers sucralose to be safe for use in breastfeeding women .

Is PKU tested for in Australia?

Every newborn baby in Australia is offered a test for rare, but serious, medical conditions . The conditions tested for are phenylketonuria, hypothyroidism and cystic fibrosis. You can choose whether you want your baby to have this test. A midwife will take a blood sample by pricking your baby’s heel.

Can you grow out of PKU?

A person with PKU does not outgrow it and must stay on the diet for life.

What enzyme breaks down phenylalanine?

Babies with PKU are missing an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase . It is needed to break down the essential amino acid phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is found in foods that contain protein. Without the enzyme, levels of phenylalanine build up in the body.

Can babies with PKU live a normal life?

If PKU is confirmed, treatment will be given straight away to reduce the risk of serious complications. Treatment includes a special diet and regular blood tests. With early diagnosis and the correct treatment, most children with PKU are able to live healthy lives . About 1 in 10,000 babies born in the UK has PKU.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.