Is Chinese Food Okay While Breastfeeding?
QUESTION
Dear Nutritionist,
Is it OK to eat Chinese food while breastfeeding? I avoided during my pregnancy, but am not sure if the MSG will still affect the baby through breast milk.
ANSWER
MSG (or monosodium glutamate) is a natural component of a variety of foods. It is used widely in many foods as a flavor enhancer. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) rates MSG as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). The FDA does require that all foods containing MSG include that information on the label because some people develop adverse reactions to it, whether pregnant or not.Additionally, in December 1993 the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs reviewed the effects of food and environmental agents on breast feeding. In the report, the Committee stated that MSG has no effect on lactation and poses no risk to the consuming infant. Though it seems MSG is safe while breast feeding just keep in mind, everything in moderation!
If you have further concerns about the additive you should speak with your doctor.
-- Kimberly, RD LD
Kimberly Tessmer
Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD has been a registered dietitian since 1992 and is also an Ohio licensed Dietitian. Her educational achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Technology (Dietetics) from Bowling State University in Bowling Green, OH. She currently owns and operates a consulting business called "Nutrition Focus" www.nutrifocus.net, in which she specializes and offers services in the areas of weight management, general nutrition, authoring, menu development and a variety of other services.
To date Kim has authored three books including "The Everything® Nutrition Book", "Tell Me What To Eat If I Have Celiac Disease", and "The Everything® Pregnancy Nutrition Book". In addition, Kim has written numerous articles for various health/nutrition web sites and magazines including Bally Total Fitness Magazine, Well and Healthy Women Magazine and Healthology.com, Inc as well as continuing education courses for www.care2learn.com. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association and the ADA Practice Group, Nutrition Entrepreneurs.
