BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding is the best way to accomplish optimal growth and health in infants. Low milk volume is a major problem that leads to nonexclusive breastfeeding. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effects of mixed herbal supplementation, including fenugreek, ginger, and turmeric on human milk volume and nutrient content. METHODS: The study design was a randomized double-blind controlled trial. Fifty exclusively breastfeeding mothers were randomly divided into two groups. The herbal group (n = 25) received mixed herbal supplementation containing fenugreek, ginger, and turmeric, three capsules three times daily for 4 weeks. The control group (n = 25) took a placebo. Anthropometric and dietary data, blood pressure, heart rate, and blood and milk samples were collected at baseline and 4 weeks after the intervention. Milk volume was measured using a manual breast pump and recorded for 2 days at baseline, week 2, and week 4. RESULTS:Breastfeeding mothers receivingherbal supplementation had a 49% increase in milk volume at week 2 and a 103% increase at week 4. These increases were greater than mothers in the placebo group (p < 0.05). There was no difference in milk nutrient content for both groups. Moreover, there were no differences in adverse effects observed in the placebo and herbal groups. CONCLUSION:Mixed herbal supplementation that contained fenugreek, ginger, and turmeric can increase human milk volume without adverse effects.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding is the best way to accomplish optimal growth and health in infants. Low milk volume is a major problem that leads to nonexclusive breastfeeding. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effects of mixed herbal supplementation, including fenugreek, ginger, and turmeric on human milk volume and nutrient content. METHODS: The study design was a randomized double-blind controlled trial. Fifty exclusively breastfeeding mothers were randomly divided into two groups. The herbal group (n = 25) received mixed herbal supplementation containing fenugreek, ginger, and turmeric, three capsules three times daily for 4 weeks. The control group (n = 25) took a placebo. Anthropometric and dietary data, blood pressure, heart rate, and blood and milk samples were collected at baseline and 4 weeks after the intervention. Milk volume was measured using a manual breast pump and recorded for 2 days at baseline, week 2, and week 4. RESULTS: Breastfeeding mothers receiving herbal supplementation had a 49% increase in milk volume at week 2 and a 103% increase at week 4. These increases were greater than mothers in the placebo group (p < 0.05). There was no difference in milk nutrient content for both groups. Moreover, there were no differences in adverse effects observed in the placebo and herbal groups. CONCLUSION: Mixed herbal supplementation that contained fenugreek, ginger, and turmeric can increase human milk volume without adverse effects.
Authors: David Reyes-Camacho; Ester Vinyeta; Jose Francisco Pérez; Tobias Aumiller; Lourdes Criado; Laurentiu Mihai Palade; Ionelia Taranu; Josep M Folch; M Angels Calvo; Jan Dirk Van der Klis; David Solà-Oriol Journal: J Anim Sci Date: 2020-01-01 Impact factor: 3.159
Authors: Laia Blavi; David Solà-Oriol; Pol Llonch; Sergi López-Vergé; Susana María Martín-Orúe; José Francisco Pérez Journal: Animals (Basel) Date: 2021-01-25 Impact factor: 2.752
Authors: Allison I Daniel; Sara Shama; Samantha Ismail; Celine Bourdon; Alex Kiss; Martha Mwangome; Robert H J Bandsma; Deborah L O'Connor Journal: Am J Clin Nutr Date: 2021-04-06 Impact factor: 7.045