Moringa oleifera, often referred to as the “miracle tree,” is a plant native to parts of India and Africa. It has gained widespread global attention as a nutritional supplement due to its concentrated profile of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The leaves are consumed in various forms for their health benefits. This article investigates the specific concern among new mothers: whether using moringa can cause a decrease in breast milk supply.
Moringa’s Traditional Use in Lactation
The use of moringa by new mothers is a practice deeply rooted in traditional medicine across Asia and Africa. For centuries, the leaves have been consumed as a galactagogue—a substance believed to promote or increase the flow of milk. This historical usage directly contrasts with the modern concern that the supplement might reduce lactation.
In countries like the Philippines, moringa leaves, known locally as malunggay, are a common culinary ingredient prepared specifically for nursing mothers. They are frequently incorporated into broths and other dishes to help establish and maintain a healthy milk supply. This long history of use as a milk-booster provides the context for modern scientific inquiry into the plant’s effect on breast milk volume.
Scientific Evidence on Milk Production
When evaluating the claim that moringa could decrease milk supply, the scientific evidence consistently points in the opposite direction. Multiple clinical studies and systematic reviews have found that moringa leaf supplementation is associated with an increase in breast milk volume compared to control groups. Research has demonstrated that mothers taking moringa supplements produced significantly greater amounts of milk, sometimes noted as early as the first week postpartum.
The mechanism behind this effect is hypothesized to be related to the body’s hormonal response, specifically an influence on prolactin levels. Prolactin is the primary hormone responsible for stimulating the mammary glands to produce milk. Studies have observed a significant rise in maternal serum prolactin levels following moringa supplementation, which correlates with the increased milk output.
One systematic review indicated that moringa supplementation could increase breast milk volume by up to 400 milliliters per day. Comparative trials have shown moringa to be effective at increasing milk volume, performing better than a placebo and sometimes comparable to pharmaceutical galactagogues like metoclopramide. The overall scientific conclusion is that moringa acts as a galactagogue, supporting and enhancing milk production, rather than causing a decline.
Practical Dosage and General Precautions
For mothers considering moringa, it is most commonly consumed as a dried leaf powder or encapsulated extract. Typical dosages for powdered leaf range from 1 to 2 teaspoons (approximately 2 to 4 grams) taken daily. Capsules are often dosed between 500 mg and 1000 mg of leaf extract per day.
Moringa is generally well-tolerated, but its high fiber content can lead to mild digestive upset, such as bloating or diarrhea, especially when starting at a high dose. Individuals taking medications for blood sugar or blood pressure should use moringa cautiously, as it can affect these levels. Furthermore, moringa may affect blood clotting, requiring prudence for anyone on blood-thinning medication or with a clotting disorder.
It is important to ensure that only the leaves are consumed, as non-leaf parts of the plant, such as the root or bark, may contain harmful substances. Before adding any new supplement, including moringa, to a postpartum regimen, a mother should consult with her healthcare provider or a lactation consultant.