The Basics
What is Peanut / Arachis hypogaea?
Used in many foods and as a source of protein. Can lead to allergic reactions. Cooked, unripe peanuts are reportedly used in Africa and Asia as a galactogogue
Brand names for Peanut / Arachis hypogaea
N/A
How Peanut / Arachis hypogaea is classified
Complementary Therapies, Food, Galactogogues, Phytotherapy, Plants, Medicinal
Peanut / Arachis hypogaea During Pregnancy
Peanut / Arachis hypogaea pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Peanut / Arachis hypogaea while pregnant
N/A
Taking Peanut / Arachis hypogaea While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Peanut / Arachis hypogaea?
Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) contain carbohydrate, fat, and protein. Some of the proteins in peanuts are considered to be allergens that can lead to allergic reactions. Cooked, unripe peanuts are reportedly used in Africa and Asia as a galactogogue;[1] however, no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[2] Peanut protein allergens have been detected in breastmilk and some case reports and series have implicated maternal ingestion of peanuts during breastfeeding to peanut allergy in their breastfed infants.[3][4][5][6] Studies to determine whether maternal peanut ingestion during breastfeeding causes infant peanut allergy have come to conflicting conclusions. In the United States and United Kingdom, mothers were advised to avoid peanuts during pregnancy and breastfeeding in the late 1990s, but these recommendations have been withdrawn because of a lack of evidence of a reduction in peanut allergy.[7][8]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) contain carbohydrate, fat, and protein. Some of the proteins in peanuts are considered to be allergens that can lead to allergic reactions. Cooked, unripe peanuts are reportedly used in Africa and Asia as a galactogogue;[1] however, no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[2] Peanut protein allergens have been detected in breastmilk and some case reports and series have implicated maternal ingestion of peanuts during breastfeeding to peanut allergy in their breastfed infants.[3][4][5][6] Studies to determine whether maternal peanut ingestion during breastfeeding causes infant peanut allergy have come to conflicting conclusions. In the United States and United Kingdom, mothers were advised to avoid peanuts during pregnancy and breastfeeding in the late 1990s, but these recommendations have been withdrawn because of a lack of evidence of a reduction in peanut allergy.[7][8]
Possible effects of Peanut / Arachis hypogaea on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Peanut / Arachis hypogaea
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Scott CR, Jacobson H. A selection of international nutritional and herbal remedies for breastfeeding concerns. Midwifery Today Int Midwife. 2005;75:38-9. PMID: 16320878
2. Brodribb W. ABM Clinical Protocol #9: Use of galactogogues in initiating or augmenting maternal milk production, second revision 2018. Breastfeed Med. 2018;13:307-14. PMID: 29902083
3. Van Asperen PP, Kemp AS, Mellis CM. Immediate food hypersensitivity reactions on the first known exposure to the food. Arch Dis Child. 1983;58:253-6. PMID: 6847227
4. Gerrard JW, Perelmutter L. IgE-mediated allergy to peanut, cow’s milk and egg in children with special reference to maternal diet. Ann Allergy. 1986;56:351-4. PMID: 3754399
5. Des Roches A, Paradis L, Singer S, Seidman E. An allergic reaction to peanut in an exclusively breastfed infant. Allergy. 2005;60:266-7. Letter. PMID: 15647057
6. Martin-Munoz M, Pineda F, Bobolea I et al. Hidden allergens in breast milk. Allergy. 2009;64 (Suppl 90):479. Abstract. 1253. DOI: doi:10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02076.x
7. Kmietowicz Z. Advice to pregnant women to avoid eating peanuts should be withdrawn, says Lords committee. BMJ. 2007;335:633. PMID: 17901489
8. Greer FR, Sicherer SH, Burks AW. Effects of early nutritional interventions on the development of atopic disease in infants and children: the role of maternal dietary restriction, breastfeeding, timing of introduction of complementary foods, and hydrolyzed formulas. Pediatrics. 2008;121:183-91. PMID: 18166574
9. Vadas P, Wai Y, Burks W, Perelman B. Detection of peanut allergens in breast milk of lactating women. JAMA. 2001;285:1746-8. PMID: 11277829
10. Zeiger RS, Heller S, Mellon MH et al. Effect of combined maternal and infant food-allergen avoidance on development of atopy in early infancy: a randomized study. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1989;84:72-89. PMID: 2754147
11. DesRoches A, Infante-Rivard C, Paradis L et al. Peanut allergy: is maternal transmission of antigens during pregnancy and breastfeeding a risk factor? J Invest Allergol Clin Immunol. 2010;20:289-94. PMID: 20815306
12. Sicherer SH, Wood RA, Stablein D et al. Maternal consumption of peanut during pregnancy is associated with peanut sensitization in atopic infants. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010;126:1191-7. PMID: 21035177
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
