Most mothers enjoy drinking cranberry juice when breastfeeding. Cranberry juice is a delicious, tart-sweet drink often used to make mixed drinks. It has several nutrients and health-promoting compounds. However, it has no specific lactation-related uses. If you too love drinking cranberry juice, knowing about its safety for nursing mothers and their babies is vital to avert any health issues. Scroll down to read more about cranberry juice’s possible health benefits and side effects for lactating women.
Is It Safe To Consume Cranberry Juice When Breastfeeding?
According to the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), consuming cranberry juice is said to be safe (1). However, its consumption in large amounts can cause gastrointestinal issues and, over time, may increase the risk of kidney stones. The use of cranberry juice for therapeutic purposes needs caution since its safety and efficacy for breastfeeding mothers and their babies is not established. 100% cranberry juice is too acidic and unpalatable, even with added sweeteners. Commercial cranberry juice is often prepared with real cranberry juice or concentrate mixed with water, sweeteners, and ascorbic acid, to produce a clear, bright red liquid (2). Therefore, the amount of intake per day is crucial as added sweeteners, such as high fructose corn syrup, in cranberry juice are a source of extra calories.
Potential Benefits Of Cranberry Juice
Unsweetened cranberry juice contains vitamins C, E, K, copper (3), and bioactive compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, phenols, and anthocyanins (4). Here are some health benefits of regular consumption of unsweetened cranberry juice. Regular consumption of unsweetened cranberry juice may help improve heart health and oral health. If you are consuming cranberry juice with pulp, then it may also support your gut health.
Possible Side Effects of Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice, when consumed as a part of a healthy diet, is well-tolerated. However, there are some general side effects of cranberry juice that must be noted while breastfeeding, too.
Precautions To Take While Consuming Cranberry Juice
Here are a few precautions you may take while drinking cranberry juice. Cranberry juice can be a good choice when consumed as a part of a well-balanced diet. You may consume the juice or use it to prepare some delectable recipes. However, its use for therapeutic purposes in the form of cranberry capsules, tonics, or herbal remedies during the lactation phase must be discussed with a healthcare professional. References:
