Although the fruit of an orange is rich in nutrients, the extract from the orange peel also has been used to treat certain medical conditions. While the compounds found in orange peel extract have medicinal value, ingestion of orange peel extract might not be safe for pregnant women. Consult with your medical adviser prior to consuming orange peel extract.
Medication and Supplements
Pregnancy is an especially fragile time in a woman's life. Food products, medication and supplements all can impact the health and development of the fetus by crossing into the placenta and exposing the baby to potentially harmful substances. Orange peel extract is no exception. Although the peel is natural, it is unknown what the effects might be on the fetus. For this reason, the American Pregnancy Association advises that supplements should be ingested only on a health care provider's recommendation.
Background Information
Orange peel extract usually is derived from the peel of the bitter orange variety. It is a common addition to weight loss products and has even replaced ephedra in many commercial weight loss supplements, according to Drugs.com. It also might have a therapeutic effect on heartburn. Orange peel extract can be found in food products, such as juice, baked goods and ice cream, and its health benefits might be attributed to the fact that it is nutritious and extremely potent in calcium. According to the Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Department of Purdue University, orange peel contains 161 mg of calcium compared with 100 g in the edible orange fruit. Orange peel also contains protein, potassium, riboflavin and beta-carotene, which gives the fruit its orange pigment. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A and provides the body with many health benefits. The American Pregnancy Association notes that vitamin A maintains healthy bones and teeth, while the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that beta-carotene also serves as an antioxidant that protects the body against harmful free radicals.
Orange Peel During Pregnancy
While the fruit is perfectly safe for ingestion in recommended amounts, pregnant or lactating women should avoid consumption of orange peel extract. Drugs.com states that there is a lack of clinical evidence supporting the use of orange peel extract during pregnancy. Lactating women also should avoid orange peel extract because the mother passes on nutrients to her nursing child through breast milk and this might result in health complications.
Considerations
Consult with your medical adviser if you currently use orange peel extract, either as a weight loss aid or in culinary recipes. Weight loss should not be a primary concern, as a certain amount of calories is necessary to ensure proper health and development of the fetus. Speak with your health care provider regarding nutrition during pregnancy. Also, if you have previously used orange peel extract to treat heartburn or other health complications, your health care provider might be able to recommend an alternative treatment that is safe for you and the baby.
