Potential Milk Thistle Side Effects, Adverse Reactions And Contraindications

Pregnant Women and Use During Breastfeeding

According to Phyllis A.Balch, CNC, milk thistle extract generally has almost no side effects and most people can use the herb, including pregnant women and ladies who are breastfeeding. [3]

The fact that “milk thistle extract is virtually devoid of any side effects and may be used by most people, including pregnant and breast-feeding women” is further validated by Alan R.Gaby, MD. [6]

Dr Steve Bratman adds that milk thistle is widely used as a food and thus it is believed to be safe for use by women who are breastfeeding or pregnant. In fact, some researchers have actually used pregnant women as study subjects. [5]

Pregnant women should be further assured by the fact that milk thistle extract is actually recommended as an herbal treatment for skin itching resulting from weakened gallbladder function during pregnancy. [6]

However, Michael Murray, ND, says that there has not been sufficiently research carried out on the use of milk thistle during pregnancy and nursing. As such, it should not be used during these periods unless told to do so by a health practitioner. [9]

Children
There is no formal confirmation of the safety of use of milk thistle in young children and persons with serious kidney disease. [5]

One suggestion is for children to take milk thistle at half the dosage meant for adults. [9]

Drug Interactions and Contraindications

There are no known adverse drug interactions. [5]

Milk thistle may interfere with the effects of birth control pills, and this is something which women would want to take note of. [3]

Indeed, it has been reported that silibinin could inhibit a certain bacterial enzyme that plays a part in the action of some drugs, for example contraceptives. In theory, milk thistle could thus hamper the effectiveness of such medications. [5]

See next page for the references used.

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