Poppy seeds are a common culinary ingredient, but their consumption while breastfeeding raises concerns due to their connection to opioid compounds. Moderate use of commercially processed seeds is generally acceptable, but specific precautions regarding quantity and the source must be taken. This caution is necessary because natural opioid alkaloids can be present on the seeds, potentially transferring to the mother and the nursing infant. Understanding the specific risks is paramount.
The Opioid Chemical Connection
Poppy seeds themselves do not naturally contain narcotic alkaloids. The issue arises because the seeds are harvested from the Papaver somniferum plant. Opioid compounds like morphine and codeine are contained within the milky latex of the plant’s capsule, not the seed itself.
During harvesting and processing, this latex can contaminate the seed’s outer surface, leading to varying levels of opioid residue. Culinary-grade seeds are typically washed and heat-treated, which significantly reduces the alkaloid concentration. Unwashed seeds or seeds from high-alkaloid cultivars, sometimes sold for non-food purposes, retain much higher contamination levels and pose the greatest risk.
Transfer Risk to Breast Milk and Infant Safety
The opioid alkaloids absorbed by the mother can transfer into breast milk. Morphine can sometimes reach a higher concentration in breast milk than in the mother’s bloodstream. While the amount transferred from typical food consumption is minimal, high exposure from large quantities or concentrated preparations, such as poppy seed tea, can result in clinically relevant doses for an infant.
A newborn is particularly sensitive to these compounds because their ability to metabolize and clear them is not fully developed. High levels of exposure can result in central nervous system depression. Parents should monitor for signs like increased drowsiness, lethargy, or poor feeding. More severe signs of opiate intoxication, requiring immediate medical attention, include hypotonia (limpness), impaired consciousness, and respiratory depression.
Practical Consumption Guidelines and Drug Testing Concerns
A breastfeeding mother should stick to consuming only commercially packaged, washed poppy seeds. Occasional consumption of items like a bagel or muffin is generally safe, but consuming large volumes or concentrated products is strongly advised against. This includes avoiding poppy seed extract, paste, or homemade tea, as the alkaloid concentration in these preparations is unpredictable and extremely high.
There is also the risk of a false-positive drug test. Even moderate consumption of poppy seeds can lead to detectable levels of morphine and codeine in urine for up to 48 hours. These levels can trigger a positive result for opiates on standard drug screenings, which is a concern for mothers subject to workplace or medical testing. While specialized laboratory testing can sometimes differentiate poppy seed consumption from illicit drug use, the initial false positive remains a possibility.