Influences of Consumption of Herbal Tea Containing Galactagogue on Composition of Human Milk Macronutrients

Abstract BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the influences of herbal tea consumption containing galactagogues on the composition of human milk energy and macro nutrients. MethodsIt was a cross-sectional study conducted between March and May 2018, involving mothers having 0-4 month old infants consuming (n=43) and non-consuming (n=56) herbal tea containing galactagogue. Energy and macronutrients of human milks collected from mothers by hand expression were measured using a human milk analyzer, and retrospective 1-day food consumption records were obtained. Significance level was accepted as p <0.05. ResultsMost preferred herbal tea type consumed by mothers was fennel (58.1%); followed by herbal tea mixture (34.9%) and cumin fennel (4.7%) respectively. It was determined that the consumption of herbal tea containing galactagogues did not affect the energy and macro nutrient content of the human milk (p>0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the type of herbal tea containing galactagogue and the content of human milk (p>0.05). ConclusionIt was determined that the herbal tea containing galactagogue did not affect the content of breast milk energy and macronutrients. Also; it was proposed that the safety, efficacy and possible side effects of these teas should be assessed in larger sample groups and randomized controlled trials.