Does Fenugreek Support Milk Supply... Yes or No? A Lactation Consultant's Answers
Fenugreek is one of the world’s most popular galactagogues. A galactagogue is any food, herb or drug that increases a mother’s milk supply. Not every mom will need galactagogues, but if your milk supply drops, it is useful to be familiar with safe and effective ways to give yourself a boost in supply. Globally, there is limited data on galactagogues. For centuries, different cultures have been using a variety of foods and herbs as galactagogues.
What is Fenugreek?
Fenugreek is native to India, China and North Africa and has a variety of uses beyond increasing milk production[1]. It has recently found its way into the Western world. Fenugreek has many uses, the most popular include: a digestive aid, hypoglycemic, anti-hyper-lipidemic, perspirant, liver support, improving metabolism, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, anti-coagulant, labor induction/abortifacient as well as galactagogue.[2][3] It is also thought to increase prolactin levels which might explain its galactagogue properties.[4]
Allergy Warning:
Fenugreek belongs to the legume family[5]. Therefore, if someone has an allergy or sensitivity to peanuts or chickpeas, they should stay away from fenugreek.
Nutrition Information:
This legume provides a high source of iron as well as magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
1 tbsp of fenugreek, provides the following vitamins and nutrients:
Calories: 36
Protein: 2.55 grams
Fat: 0.71 grams
Carbohydrate 6.48 grams
Fiber 2.7 grams
Iron: 3.72 milligrams (41% of RDA*)
Magnesium: 21 milligrams (7% of RDA*)
Potassium: 85 milligrams (2% of RDA*)[6]
Calcium: 20 milligrams (2% of RDA*)
Thus far, fenugreek seems like a solid herbal. So, what’s not to love? While the potential to increase your milk supply is very attractive, there are a few critical points to be aware of before you try it.
Fenugreek has the potential for a variety of side effects.
In one study, 85 moms using fenugreek were surveyed and 45% had negative side effects.[7] These side effects include increased gassiness in mom or baby, the body emitting a maple syrup smell and an oversupply of milk. Some mothers also have stomach pain and diarrhea when using the tea form.[8]
Other side effects include asthma exacerbation in those taking fenugreek in capsule form.[9] In one study, fenugreek was found to impair sensorimotor development and the operation of the spinal cord networks in mice.[10]
For moms with diabetes and/or thyroid disease, fenugreek should be avoided.
With its hypoglycemic properties it can affect women with Type 1 or 2 diabetes. It is unclear if fenugreek lowers the baby’s blood sugar but this could be a potential risk. Thomas Hale categorizes fenugreek as an L3 drug. This means there is not enough data to truly know if it is transferred into breastmilk.[11] There are no documented cases where adverse effects are reported, but the lack of research is a concern.
There is a potential increased risk of bleeding in infants after being introduced to fenugreek via breastmilk.
The is due to fenugreek’s anticoagulant properties. There is one documented case of gastrointestinal bleeding in a premature infant after the mom started fenugreek as a galactagogue.[12] There is limited research regarding the risk of bleeding in infants due to fenugreek, but it is another concern.
Fenugreek was found to lower T3 levels in a study on mice and rats.
The study suggests that fenugreek could affect women who have thyroid disease.[13] In another study focusing on the Teratogenic properties of fenugreek, congenital malformations as well as death were reported in human, rodent, rabbit, and chick populations. The study also showed anti-fertility effects in both men and women. The authors of this study write, “Accumulating evidence suggest also that fenugreek may have neurodevelopmental, neurobehavioral and neuropathological side effects.”[14] Fenugreek has impaired the development of sensorimotor and coordination in neonate mice, causing greater concern as to how it effects human infants.[15] Fenugreek should not be taken during pregnancy as it can cause uterine contractions which can lead to premature labor and/or miscarriage as well as interfere with the healthy development of an unborn child.[16]
Fenugreek may decrease breastmilk supply in some women, according to reports.
One low-supply parent went from pumping 4oz a day to just drops after taking fenugreek for several days. It took her a week after stopping fenugreek to regain her supply.[17] The exact reasons are unknown, however there may be a linkage to hypothyroidism and these adverse effects of fenugreek.
What’s the Bottom Line on Whether or Not Fenugreek is Good For Your Milk Supply?
Due to limited research and potential for side effects for mom and baby we do not recommend fenugreek as a galactagogue. Many of the new companies producing herbal blends for breastfeeding mothers are “fenugreek free”. Some of my favorite brands which are fenugreek free on the market include: Hollistic Lactation, Earthly, and Legendairy Milk.
What works for one may not work for another, so if you try one and it doesn’t work, consider trying a different blend of herbs, but most importantly, make sure you are removing enough milk. That is the number one key to successful breastfeeding. If you need support for low supply, know that Baby Bonds is here to support you!
Click on the new client page to get started with Baby Bonds!
[1] Marina Lane, M. S. R. D. C. L. C. (2019, December 4). Fenugreek for breastfeeding - does it increase milk supply?thelactationnutritio. Retrieved February 20, 2022, from https://www.thelactationnutritionist.com/post/2017/10/19/review-of-natural-galactagogues-part-1-fenugreek
[2] Jacobson, H. (2004). Mother food: For breastfeeding mothers: Foods and herbs that promote milk production and a mother's health. Mother Food Books Series.
[3] Ulbricht, C., Basch, E., Burke, D., Cheung, L., Ernst, E., Giese, N., Foppa, I., Hammerness, P., Hashmi, S., Kuo, G., Miranda, M., Mukherjee, S., Smith, M., Sollars, D., Tanguay-Colucci, S., Vijayan, N., & Weissner, W. (2008). Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecumL. Leguminosae): An evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 7(3-4), 143–177. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228940802142852
[4] Lauwers, J., & Swisher, A. (2021). Counseling the nursing mother: A lactation consultant's guide. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
[5] Humphrey, Sheila. (2003). The Nursing Mother's Herbal. Minneapolis, MN: Fairview Press.
[6] Fooddata Central Search Results. FoodData Central. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2022, from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171324/nutrients
[7] Bazzano, A. N., Cenac, L., Brandt, A. J., Barnett, J., Thibeau, S., & Theall, K. P. (2017). Maternal experiences with and sources of information on galactagogues to support lactation: a cross-sectional study. International journal of women's health, 9, 105–113. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S128517
[8] Fenugreek. Breastfeeding Online. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2022, from http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/fenugreek.shtml#sthash.QbxvYt5K.dpbs
[9] Humphrey, Sheila. (2003). The Nursing Mother's Herbal. Minneapolis, MN: Fairview Press.
[10] Khalki L, Ba M'hamed S, Sokar Z, Bennis M, Vinay L, Bras H, Viemari JC. Prenatal exposure to fenugreek impairs sensorimotor development and the operation of spinal cord networks in mice. PLoS One. 2013 Nov 5;8(11):e80013. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080013. PMID: 24224030; PMCID: PMC3818278.
[11] Fenugreek. Breastfeeding Online. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2022, from http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/fenugreek.shtml#sthash.QbxvYt5K.dpbs
[12] Taj Eldin, I. M., Abdalmutalab, M. M., & Bikir, H. E. (2013). An in vitro anticoagulant effect of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) in blood samples of normal Sudanese individuals. Sudanese journal of paediatrics, 13(2), 52–56.
[13] Panda S, Tahiliani P, Kar A. Inhibition of triiodothyronine production by fenugreek seed extract in mice and rats. Pharmacol Res. 1999 Nov;40(5):405-9. doi: 10.1006/phrs.1999.0510. PMID: 10527654.
[14] Ouzir, M., El Bairi, K., & Amzazi, S. (2016). Toxicological properties of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum). Food and Chemical Toxicology, 96, 145–154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2016.08.003
[15] Khalki, L., Ba M'hamed, S., Sokar, Z., Bennis, M., Vinay, L., Bras, H., & Viemari, J. C. (2013). Prenatal exposure to fenugreek impairs sensorimotor development and the operation of spinal cord networks in mice. PloS one, 8(11), e80013. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.008001
[16] Marina Lane, M. S. R. D. C. L. C. (2019, December 4). Fenugreek for breastfeeding - does it increase milk supply?thelactationnutritio. Retrieved February 20, 2022, from https://www.thelactationnutritionist.com/post/2017/10/19/review-of-natural-galactagogues-part-1-fenugreek
[17] Marasco, L., & West, D. (2020). What the Galactogogue? In Making more milk: The breastfeeding guide to increasing your milk production (pp. 227–228). essay, McGraw Hill.