Drinking alcohol reduces breast milk supply in women, study

Scientific researchers have turned folklore on its head by showing that alcohol consumption by women who are breast
feeding reduces their milk supply, rather than boosting it. New evidence shows that alcohol consumption causes hormonal
disruption, decreased lactation performance and diminished milk supply. The findings were published today in the April issue
of The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, one of the four journals of The Endocrine Society.


With April as Alcohol Awareness Month - an annual program designed to shed light on the importance of identifying alcoholism
and intervention - breastfeeding mothers are now armed with scientific data highlighting the health risks associated with
moderate alcohol consumption during lactation. For centuries, physicians and mid-wives around the world have claimed that
alcohol is a galactogenic (milk producing) substance and have recommended consumption to mothers in order to enhance the
quality and quantity of milk to infants.


The present study, led by Julie Mennella, Ph.D., at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, examined
levels of the hormones oxytocin, prolactin and cortisol, as well as the lactational performance of 17 nonsmoking, healthy
breastfeeding women. Breast stimulation was provided by an electric breast pump and the hormonal responses were measured
after they consumed a moderate dose of alcohol (0.4 g/kg).


The results showed a significant decrease in oxytocin level, which correlates with the decline of milk ejection and
production, dismissing the lore that alcohol is a galactagogue. Furthermore, the increased prolactin levels are directly
associated with the lactating mothers' perception of breast fullness explaining why the folklore may have persisted for
centuries.


"Since breast milk is a critical form of nutrients to infants," explains Dr. Mennella, "it is important that women remain as
healthy as possible during the breast-feeding stage. This means dismissing the age-old myth that alcohol assists in milk
supply."


JCE&M is one of four journals published by The Endocrine Society. Founded in 1916, The Endocrine Society is the world's
oldest, largest, and most active organization devoted to research on hormones, and the clinical practice of endocrinology.
Endocrinologists are specially trained doctors who diagnose, treat and conduct basic and clinical research on complex
hormonal disorders such as diabetes, thyroid disease, osteoporosis, obesity, hypertension, cholesterol and reproductive
disorders. Today, The Endocrine Society's membership consists of over 12,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and
students, in more than 80 countries. Together, these members represent all basic, applied, and clinical interests in
endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is based in Chevy Chase, Maryland. To learn more about the Society, and the field of
endocrinology, visit the Society's web site at endo-society


Contact: Tadu Yimam

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301-941-0251

Endocrine Society

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