Can prebiotic supplements be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

While prebiotic supplements are generally considered safe for most people, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Some studies have shown that prebiotic supplements can have a positive impact on maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. For example, a randomized controlled trial found that supplementation with a specific prebiotic during pregnancy improved maternal gut microbiota composition and decreased the risk of gestational diabetes (1). Another study found that consuming a prebiotic mixture during pregnancy increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria in breast milk, which may benefit the infant's gut microbiota (2).

At Layer Origin, we currently do not recommend pregnant and breastfeeding women to take HMO prebiotics. If you are pregnant and breastfeeding and want to try HMO prebiotics, it is recommended to only proceed under the approval and supervision of your primary caregiver or physician.

References:

1. Lindsay KL, Brennan L, Kennelly MA, et al. Impact of probiotics in women with gestational diabetes mellitus on metabolic health: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2015;212(4):496.e1-496.e11. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2014.11.052
2. Collado MC, Meriluoto J, Salminen S. Role of commercial probiotic strains against human pathogen adhesion to intestinal mucus. Lett Appl Microbiol. 2007;45(4):454-460. doi:10.1111/j.1472-765X.2007.02225.x