Last update: Nov. 5, 2020
Decreased level of risk
New scientific evidences have driven the Apilam staff to update the level of risk associated to this product.
Former level of risk, which was High Risk, is now set to Low Risk.
Level of risk reviewed on Nov. 5, 2020
Moderately safe. Probably compatible.
Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended.
Read the Comment.
Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM´s pediatricians and pharmacists, and are based on updated scientific publications.
It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it.
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Lucerne is also known as Alfalfa. Here it is a list of alternative known names::
Lucerne in other languages or writings:
Write to us at elactancia.org@gmail.com
e-lactancia is a resource recommended by Instituto de Salud Infantil, Grecia-Institute of Child's Health in Greece
Would you like to recommend the use of e-lactancia? Write to us at corporate mail of APILAM
It is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae. Aerial summits and seeds are used.
It contains a great deal of isoflavones, such as genistein and daidzein with estrogenic properties, and steroids, cumestans, vitamins and minerals.
Attributed effects but not clinically tested are: agonist of estrogen, antianemic and diuretic.
At latest update, relevant published data on excretion into breast milk were not found.
There is not reliable data that would support its use as galactagogue (ABM 2018, Mortel 2013, Forinash 2012, Coly 2009, Kopec 1999, Eriksson 1983).
The best galactogogue is effective support and advice during pregnancy and after childbirth to achieve breastfeeding on frequent demand and with correct technique in a mother who retains her self-confidence (Brodribb 2018, Anderson 2013, Mannion 2012, Forinash 2012, Comité 2012, ABM 2011, Jones 2011, Anderson 2007, Amir 2006).
Caravanina which is one of the components, is toxic if continuously used. Pancytopenia, Hemolytic anemia and Lupus Erythematosus have been described as induced by frequent consumption of germinated-seeds or tablets of alfalfa (Farnsworth 1995, Montanaro 1991, Malinow 1981), although the latter association has not been proven (Vasoo 2006, Akaogi 2006, Bengtsson 2002)..
Moderate, occasional and non-chronic consumption would be compatible with breastfeeding.
Precautions when taking plant preparations (Anderson 2017, Powers 2015, Posadzki 2013, Efferth 2011, Kopec 1999):
1- Make sure they are from a reliable source: poisonings have occurred due to confusion of one plant with another with toxic properties, poisonings due to heavy metals that are extracted from the soil and food poisoning due to contamination with bacteria or fungi.
2- Do not take in excess; follow recommendations from experts in phytotherapy. "Natural" products are not good in any quantity: plants contain active substances from which much of our traditional pharmacopoeia has been obtained and can cause poisoning or act as endocrine disruptors (contain phytoestrogens) if consumed in exaggerated quantity or periods of time.