Is Protein Powder Safe For Nursing?

Your body needs additional nutrients when you are nursing, just as it did when you were pregnant. Your protein requirements during this time are elevated, compared to how much you need when you are not breastfeeding, and protein powders may seem like an expedient way to add this nutrient to your diet. However, protein powders offer disadvantages as well as advantages, and may compromise the safety of both you and your baby. Seek the advice of a dietitian or your health-care provider before adding protein powder to your nursing diet.

Background

Protein powders can originate from whey, casein, egg or soy. These sources of protein are all complete or high quality; in other words, they contain the full complement of amino acids your body cannot manufacture and therefore requires in your diet. As a nursing mother, your dietary protein intake should approximate 71 g each day, according to the Ohio State University Extension. Protein powders can help you meet this nutritional need; however, consider whether the risks outweigh the benefits prior to relying on them as a protein source.

Pros

The convenience of protein powders may be appealing when you are a new mother. They require little preparation and are easy to pack along when you are on the move. They are useful for boosting the protein content of foods you prepare, such as cereals, soups or stews, mashed potatoes and baked goods. They come in a variety of flavors for making shakes or smoothies. Also, because they contain all your essential amino acids, you can be confident you are supplying your breast milk with the protein building blocks your baby needs.

Cons

Adding protein powder to your diet when you are breastfeeding may add unwanted calories to your post-pregnancy nutrition plan. Protein powders do not supply your diet with other nutrients found in whole-food proteins, such as iron in beef or calcium in milk products. Additionally, protein powders may add toxic elements to your diet. The July 2010 issue of "Consumer Reports" states that at least one sample from all brands of protein drinks it tested contained one or more toxic heavy metals. Although they tested protein drinks and not powders, some protein powders could conceivably be contaminated, as well.

Other Considerations

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate dietary supplements, including protein powders. Therefore, you cannot be certain that ingredients listed on the label are actually in the container. Conversely, the product may contain contaminants or other products not listed that may not be safe to consume while nursing. Purchase protein powders from a reputable manufacturer to minimize these risks. Finally, consider whether you need to add extra protein to your diet at all, as most Western diets provide more than adequate high-quality protein.