Mineral Oil and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Small amounts of mineral oil can be found in breastmilk, apparently from absorption of hydrocarbons from cosmetics over long periods of time. Because mineral oil is poorly absorbed orally, little or none will not reach the bloodstream of the infant or cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.[1] One small study supports the lack of effect of maternal mineral oil on the bowels of their breastfed infants. Oral use of mineral oil by the nursing mother is acceptable, although repeated use should be avoided because it may cause a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins. The use of mineral oil or ointments containing mineral oil on or near the breast may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[2] Only water-miscible cream products should be applied to the breast.

Drug levels in milk and infant serum

Maternal Levels. In a study of women undergoing cesarean section, subcutaneous fat was removed to analyze it for mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons. Hindmilk was collected from some of the women on days 4 (n = 107) and 20 (n = 71) and also analyzed for these substances. The mean hydrocarbon content of milk fat on day 4 was 55 mg/kg of fat and on day 20 it was 15 mg/kg of fat. The amount in milk fat was correlated with the amount in subcutaneous fat. Based on questionnaires completed by the women, it appeared that the source of the hydrocarbons was accumulation over time from the application of cosmetics, such as sunscreen, hand cream and lipstick.[3,4] Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in breastfed infants

Fifty mothers who were in the first day postpartum received 15 mL of either mineral oil or Magnolax (equivalent to 3.75 mL of mineral oil and 900 mg of magnesium hydroxide), although the exact number who received each product was not stated. Additional doses were given on subsequent days if needed. None of their breastfed infants were noted to have any markedly abnormal stools, although all of the infants also received supplemental feedings.[5]

Effects on lactation and breastmilk

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Alternative drugs to consider

(Laxative) Bisacodyl, Magnesium Hydroxide, Senna

References

1. HagemannTM Gastrointestinal medications and breastfeeding. J Hum Lact 1998 14 259 62 10205441 PubMed
2. NotiA GrobK BiedermannM Exposure of babies to C(15)-C(45) mineral paraffins from human milk and breast salves. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2003 38 317 25 14623482 PubMed
3. ConcinN HofstetterG PlattnerB Mineral oil paraffins in human body fat and milk. Food Chem Toxicol 2008 46 544 52 17923223 PubMed
4. ConcinN HofstetterG PlattnerB Evidence for cosmetics as a source of mineral oil contamination in women. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2011 20 1713 9 21970597 PubMed
5. BaldwinWF Clinical study of senna administration to nursing mothers: Assessment of effects on infant bowel habits. Can Med Assoc J 1963 89 566 8 14045350 PubMed