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Glucosamine and Breastfeeding
At this time, it is not known whether glucosamine and breastfeeding is a safe combination. The risks of using the supplement when nursing a child are not entirely known, so it is probably best to avoid glucosamine until breastfeeding has ceased.
Glucosamine is a dietary supplement that is popular as a treatment for osteoarthritis. At this time, it is not known if such supplementation is safe for use in breastfeeding women. Until more information is available, it is probably a good idea to avoid glucosamine if you are breastfeeding and not take it until breastfeeding has ceased.
It is important to understand that it cannot be assumed that all natural products are safe for breastfeeding women. In fact, many poisons and toxins are "natural." Just because glucosamine is a natural product does not necessarily mean that it is safe for use when nursing a child.
You should talk with your healthcare provider about glucosamine and breastfeeding. Each woman's situation is different, and you and your healthcare provider understand your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, the two of you can make a shared decision about breastfeeding and glucosamine that is right for you.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD