Beer and Breastfeeding

Abstract

Traditional wisdom claims that moderate beer consumption may be beneficial for initiation of breastfeeding and enhancement of breastfeeding success. Here we review the question whether or not there is any scientific basis for this popular belief. There are clear indications that beer can stimulate prolactin secretion which may enhance lactogenesis both in non-lactating humans and in experimental animals. The component in beer responsible for the effect on prolactin secretion is not the alcohol content but apparently a polysaccharide from barley, which explains that the effect on prolactin can also be induced by non-alcoholic beer. No systematic studies are available to evaluate the clinical effects of beer on induction of lactogenesis, and short term studies have shown a reduced breast milk intake by infants after moderate alcohol consumption of their mothers. It is conceivable that relaxing effects of both alcohol and components of hop might also have beneficial effects on lactogenesis is some women, but there is no hard evidence for causal effects. It appears prudent not to generally advocate the regular use of alcoholic drinks during lactation but to rather refer mothers to non-alcoholic beer, even though no adverse effects of an occasional alcoholic drink during lactation have been documented.

Diet Supplementation During Early Lactation with Non-alcoholic Beer Increases the Antioxidant Properties of Breastmilk and Decreases the Oxidative Damage in Breastfeeding Mothers

“…Previous studies have reported the effects of maternal diet and vitamin intake on human milk, showing that a higher intake of certain antioxidant nutrients results in a higher concentration of antioxidants in milk. 9,10 Beer is a popular drink that can stimulate prolactin secretion, thus enhancing lactogenesis, 11 and traditionally it has been recommended for breastfeeding mothers with the goal of increasing the milk production. Although beer has been demonstrated to be a rich source of antioxidants, mainly polyphenols and B vitamins, 12 its alcohol content, although low, precludes its inclusion in the diet of lactating women.…”

Use of galactogogues in breastfeeding management: integrative literature review

“…It is conceivable that the relaxing effects of alcohol and the components of hops may also have beneficial effects on lactogenesis in some women, but there is no concrete evidence of causal effects. 18,31 The intake of ethanol in the amount from 1.5 to 1.9g/kg body weight may reduce significantly the milk ejection reflex by lowering by 20% the intake of milk by the infant.…”

Complementary and alternative therapies: supporting the woman with inadquate milk production

“…In the early 20th century, beer was marketed to postpartum women as an appetite stimulant, a tonic for restoring strength after childbirth, and as a method of enhancing milk production (Koletzko & Lehner, 2002). Some proponents have theorized that the relaxing effect of alcohol may facilitate lactation, others have hypothesized that beer may increase prolactin levels.…”

“…Hops are a component of beer, although Libster indicates that there is no evidence that the active ingredients in hops survive the brewing process. A review by Koletzko and Lehner (2002), describes a number of studies where the effects of beer intake on prolactin levels have been studied. Both beer and non-alcoholic beer were shown to increase prolactin levels in men and non-lactating women.…”

“…Barley extracts and malt extracts in animal appear to increase prolactin levels in animal studies. Koletzko and Lehner (2002) hypothesize that a polysaccharide contained in barley is responsible for the prolactin response.…”