Keto Coffee And Breastfeeding: Is It Safe?

The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet that shifts the body's metabolism to produce ketones as fuel. While there are health benefits to the keto diet, there are also risks, especially for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Lactating mothers on the keto diet may be at risk of developing lactation ketoacidosis, a dangerous condition where the body produces too many ketones, resulting in high levels of acid in the blood. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

There is limited research on the effects of keto coffee—a beverage containing caffeine and other ingredients—while breastfeeding. However, it is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers to consume moderate amounts of caffeine, up to 200-300 milligrams per day. Caffeine does pass into breast milk and can affect some babies, causing increased fussiness, irritability, and sleep disturbances.

Therefore, while moderate caffeine intake is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, the potential risks associated with the keto diet and the lack of comprehensive research on keto coffee specifically suggest that it may be prudent to avoid or limit the consumption of keto coffee while breastfeeding.

Keto coffee contains caffeine, which can be passed to the baby through breast milk

Keto Coffee and Breastfeeding

Caffeine levels in breast milk tend to peak around one to two hours after consumption and then taper off. According to a 1984 study, only a small percentage (between 0.06 to 1.5%) of the maternal dose of caffeine reaches the baby through breast milk. However, it's important to note that some babies may be more sensitive to caffeine than others.

If you notice any signs of increased fussiness, irritability, or sleep disturbances in your baby, it may be advisable to reduce your caffeine intake or consume caffeine after feeding your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics has classified caffeine as "maternal medication usually compatible with breastfeeding," but it is still recommended to limit caffeine intake to around 200-300 milligrams per day while nursing.

Additionally, caffeine may affect the nutritional quality of your breast milk. Studies have shown that mothers who consume three cups of coffee per day have about one-third less iron in their breast milk compared to mothers who don't drink coffee. Therefore, if you are concerned about the potential impact of caffeine on your breast milk, you may consider reducing your intake or avoiding caffeine until you are done breastfeeding or until your baby is older.

Caffeine can cause increased fussiness and irritability in babies

Younger babies are more sensitive to caffeine than older ones, and caffeine also stays in a newborn baby's system for longer. In a 6-month-old baby, the half-life of caffeine is around 2.5 hours, but for a newborn, it is a few days.

If you notice your baby becoming more irritable or having trouble sleeping after consuming breast milk, consider reducing your caffeine intake or waiting to consume caffeine until after feeding your baby.

The keto diet may lead to nutrient deficiencies in the mother

The keto diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies in the mother. This is because the keto diet is extremely low in carbohydrates, moderate in protein, and very high in fat. The body's requirement for most nutrients increases during pregnancy and lactation, and the keto diet may not be able to meet these increased requirements.

For example, the keto diet may lead to a deficiency in vitamin C, as fruits—an important source of vitamin C—are limited on this diet. Vitamin C is one of the nutrients that decrease in breast milk if the mother's intake is deficient. Signs and symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency can range from a simple rash to a medical condition called scurvy. Vitamin C deficiency can also decrease the immunity of both the mother and the baby.

Another nutrient that may be lacking in the keto diet is thiamine (vitamin B1). While beef and salmon contain some vitamin B1, it is easier to meet the increased daily requirements during pregnancy and lactation if the mother also eats whole grains.

Potassium is another nutrient that may be lacking in the keto diet, as good sources of potassium such as beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, and oranges are off-limits.

The keto diet can also lead to a deficiency in magnesium, which is important for the body to produce energy and is required for nerve cells and the brain to function properly. Magnesium deficiency has been associated with a wide range of conditions, including heart disease and migraines.

Furthermore, the keto diet restricts the intake of calcium-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, and enriched grains. High-fat diets can also increase the amount of acid generated by the body, which the kidneys must filter out to maintain a stable blood pH. This can lead to lower bone density and an increased risk of kidney stones.

Therefore, it is important for mothers to ensure that they are meeting all their nutrient requirements, especially during pregnancy and lactation, and to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet.

The keto diet may change the mother's microbiome

The keto diet is a very low-carbohydrate diet. Carbohydrate consumption is dramatically reduced to force the body to alter its metabolism to using fat molecules as its primary energy source, producing ketone bodies as a byproduct. The keto diet has been used for weight loss and is proposed to have benefits in lowering inflammation and promoting heart health.

Research has shown that the keto diet has a dramatic impact on the gut microbiome. A study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco, showed that the keto diet altered the gut microbiome in humans and mice. The study found that the keto diet specifically decreased the amount of a common gut bacteria family, Bifidobacteria. The study also found that the keto diet reduced the level of pro-inflammatory immune cells in the gut, known as Th17 cells, suggesting that the keto diet may reduce intestinal inflammation.

The keto diet may be stressful for the mother

The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet. This means that the body starts burning fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. While this can lead to weight loss, it can also be stressful for the body, especially when combined with the demands of breastfeeding. The body may not get enough glucose, which is the preferred fuel source for the body and brain. As a result, the body may break down fat too quickly, leading to a dangerous condition called ketoacidosis.

Ketoacidosis is a life-threatening condition where the body produces too many ketones, resulting in high levels of acid in the blood. This can cause vomiting, coma, and even death. While ketoacidosis is rare in healthy, non-pregnant adults, the risk increases for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding due to the additional physiological stress on the body.

Several case studies have reported instances of lactation ketoacidosis in breastfeeding mothers on a low-carb diet. These mothers experienced symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea, and required medical treatment to resolve the condition.

In addition to the risk of ketoacidosis, the keto diet may also affect the nutritional quality of breast milk. Mothers who consume a lot of caffeine and coffee have been found to have lower levels of iron in their breast milk. The keto diet may also impact the mother's microbiome, which can affect the baby as well.

Overall, while the keto diet may offer some health benefits, it may not be the best choice for breastfeeding mothers. It is essential to prioritize a balanced and nutritious diet that meets the mother's and baby's needs. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially during breastfeeding.

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