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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-.
Drug Levels and Effects
Summary of Use during Lactation
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) herb contains vitamins, minerals, terpenoids, caffeic acid, and numerous other compounds. Dandelion root contains high concentrations of inulin. Dandelion is a purported 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.[2,3] Except for the vitamins and minerals, no data exist on the excretion of any of the pharmacologically active components of dandelion into breastmilk or on the safety and efficacy of dandelion in nursing mothers or infants. Dandelion is "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) as a food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It rarely can cause allergic reactions, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal upset. Use during lactation is unlikely to harm the breastfed infant.
Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. More detailed information about dietary supplements is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site.
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
References
- 1.
- Belew C. Herbs and the childbearing woman. Guidelines for midwives. J Nurse Midwifery. 1999;44:231–52. [PubMed: 10380443]
- 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. [PubMed: 29902083]
- 3.
- Breastfeeding challenges: ACOG Committee Opinion, Number 820. Obstet Gynecol. 2021;137:e42–e53. [PubMed: 33481531]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Dandelion
Scientific Name
Taraxacum officinale
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.
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