Lead in Herbal Remedies and Breast Milk
2006
Lead in Herbal Remedies and Breast Milk
Sample size: 16
publication
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): Bor-Cheng Han
Hypothesis
Do traditional Chinese herbal remedies contain lead that can be passed to infants through breast milk?
Conclusion
The study found that traditional Chinese herbs used by mothers contained lead, which can be transferred to infants through breast milk.
Supporting Evidence
- All tested herbal samples contained lead, with the highest levels found in Shy-Wuh-Tang.
- The mean lead concentration in breast milk of herb users was 9.94 μg/L in colostrum.
- Lead levels in breast milk decreased over time for both herb users and non-users.
Takeaway
Some herbal medicines can have lead in them, which can get into mothers' milk and affect babies.
Methodology
The study involved 16 pregnant women who provided breast milk samples and reported their use of traditional Chinese herbs.
Limitations
The small sample size of only 16 mothers limits the ability to draw broad conclusions.
Participant Demographics
Pregnant women in Taiwan, with some using traditional Chinese herbs and others not.
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