Are Herbalife products safe while breastfeeding?

You are in a beautiful, yet challenging period of life. You have given birth to your baby, who is nourished through breastfeeding. In a sense, everything you consume still impacts your baby. As such, many women ask me, “Can I take Herbalife while breastfeeding?”

In this article, we’ll explore whether, in my opinion, it’s advisable to take Herbalife during lactation, which products are safe, and which ones you should avoid. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider regarding any consumption as the health of your little one relies on you.

Is Herbalife Compatible With Breastfeeding?

I can’t give a definitive yes or no as it depends on the specific products. Herbalife products can be consumed during breastfeeding, provided they are not supplements that are contraindicated for infants, they don’t restrict your diet, and they do not contradict your doctor’s advice.

Herbalife doesn’t have to be harmful to your baby, as long as you consider your personal circumstances and consume the appropriate products.

Herbalife During Breastfeeding, What Can You Take?

What Herbalife products can breastfeeding mothers take? Well, they are essentially the same ones we recommend for pregnant women:

• F1 Shake as a supplement and not as a meal replacement. You can consume Herbalife Formula 1 shakes during breastfeeding as long as your goal isn’t weight loss, but rather to increase your intake of nutrients and vitamins for your baby. Instead of having a regular snack, you can opt for the Herbalife shake.
• Herbalife Protein products. Similarly, you can include the Protein powder drink, protein drink mix, or even prepare protein pancakes as snacks. Not only are they not harmful, but proteins are fundamental for your child’s development.
• Supplement with Herbalife Collagen. It is merely a dietary supplement that helps to compensate for a lack of calcium, something crucial during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Active fiber complex. How have your bowel movements been during these months of pregnancy? Probably irregular, which is why we always recommend an extra source of fiber to help alleviate constipation and prevent gestational diabetes.

❗Important!: If you have any doubts before consuming these products or during their use, please consult your doctor.

Herbalife Contraindications During Breastfeeding

Although the potential risks of consuming certain products are significantly reduced from pregnancy, a period of much stricter dietary requirements for the mother, we take your health very seriously. For this reason, we apply the same level of caution in both cases. It’s not going to cause any harm to wait a few more months, and by doing so, you ensure everything goes smoothly.

Here are some products you should avoid during breastfeeding:

• Formula 1 Shakes used as meal replacements. As mentioned before, these shakes can be a good supplement, but should never replace your regular meals as your baby needs the nutrients you consume.
• Herbalife products containing caffeine or theine. Certain products like Herbalife Afresh should be omitted from your diet. Although a breastfeeding mother can consume up to 300mg of caffeine per day, it’s preferable to avoid it completely.
• Herbalife Aloe Vera Concentrate. This product is also to be avoided as some studies suggest it could potentially interfere with the growth of the child.

There might be other unsuitable products, as the suitability greatly depends on their ingredients. Also, bear in mind your intolerances, allergies, whether you are on any medication, or have any health conditions that could prevent you from consuming certain products.

Once your breastfeeding period is over, we can discuss a safe weight loss program. There’s no need to worry about the extra weight you’ve gained during these months. With a personalized program, we can help you get back to your desired weight.

References:

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Eating Right for Baby and You

The NIH has a comprehensive resource on dietary supplements for breastfeeding mothers which notes that certain vitamins, like B12 and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, might be beneficial for some breastfeeding mothers, but it also underlines that it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any supplement regimen:

• NIH: Dietary Supplements for Women of Childbearing Age

A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews concluded that supplementation with multiple micronutrients during pregnancy and lactation might have some benefits but also potential risks, and therefore individualized advice is needed:

• Multiple-micronutrient supplementation for women during pregnancy

However, when it comes to specific brands of supplements, there are no specific research studies available as of my last update in 2021 that address the safety or efficacy of these products during lactation. As always, breastfeeding mothers should consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.