One of the questions that nursing moms often ask is whether it’s safe to drink energy drinks, like Alani Nu , during breastfeeding.
This article provides an indepth overview of the ingredients in this formula and the effects it has on breasfeeding moms.
What is Alani Nu Energy Drink?
Alani Nu is a type of energy drink that can help combat fatigue and keep energized. It comes in a 12-ounce can and packed with 200mg of caffeine, which is pretty strong.
What makes Alani Nu stands out from the several is its calorie content, which is between 10 to 15 per can, and it’s sugar-free. This makes it an option to consider as a pregnant or breastfeeding mom, or if you’re trying to avoid sugar or extra calories.
Ingredients in Alani nu include
- Carbonated Water
- Citric Acid
- Erythritol
- Taurine
- Sodium Citrate
- Natural and Artificial Flavor
- Caffeine
- L-Theanine
- Sucralose
- Panax Ginseng Root Extract
- Sodium Benzoate (Preservative)
- Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
- L-Carnitine Tartrate
In addition to these ingredients, it contains a good amount of vitamins and other nutrients. It aims to offer a clean and healthy source of energy, but remember, just because something is marketed as “healthy,” doesn’t mean you can have as much as you want.
Let’s uncover whether breastfeeding moms can drink it.
Can I drink alani nu energy drink while breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding moms often question if they can drink Alani Nu energy drinks without harming their babies. Well, this topic brings different views;
Alani Nu has caffeine, a can usually carries 200mg of it. Breastfeeding moms should be careful with caffeine and keep it around 200 to 300 mg daily.
Also, these drinks contain suraclose (an artificial sweetener), which might harm you and your baby if you have loads of it.
While some experts even tell moms to stay away from such drinks when breastfeeding, the actual truth is, it is okay to take a little bit.
A single can of Alani Nu drink already accounts for half of the recommended daily limit for caffeine. So, while it might be helpful if you need a pick-me-up, it’s also important that you do not have too much.
Be sure to keep tabs on your daily caffeine and sugar. Remember that tea, coffee, chocolate, sodas, baked products and even some medications may contain caffeine which can quickly add up and exceed your limit when you combine with Alani Nu in a day.
It’s best to inform your doctor or breastfeeding expert especially if you plan to have this energy drink on a long term basis or as part of your daily regimen.
Is Alani Nu pre workout safe for breastfeeding?
Alani Nu Pre Workout has an ingredient called L-theanine. The FDA considers this L-theanine safe even for breastfeeding women. This makes it safe to drink small amount of alani nu pre workout while breastfeeding.
But since each person’s body is unique, it’s recommended to check first with your doctor.
What energy drinks are safe while breastfeeding?
There isn’t a specific list of safe energy drinks for breastfeeding mothers. Nevertheless, it is emphasized that caffeine intake during breastfeeding must be kept under 300mg per day.
Here are a few low-caffeine energy drinks I recommend for my patients, though the actual quantities vary, it’s important to check their labels.
- Red bull
- Monster energy(low caffeine versions)
- 5-hour energy
Besides the caffeine, sugar is another ingredient to be mindful of. Eventhough these alternatives contain very low caffeine, you should still make sure you don’t overdrink.
Natural energy-boosting options are usually recommended especially if you already battling some conditions postpartum. You can choose such options like;
- Water
- Fresh fruits
- Vegetables
- Eating balanced meals that are enriched in irons and vitamin c
- Exercises
- Sufficient rest or sleep
Do energy drinks pass through breast milk?
Of course, energy drinks pass into breast milk. This means when you drink energy drink, a small amount of the caffeine from that drink get into the breast milk. This is usually about 1% of the total caffeine content in the drink.
This is why you should always drink moderate amounts of energy drinks anytime you consider having them. Too much of it isn’t good as it can make your baby fussy or have trouble sleeping.
How long after drinking an energy drink can I breastfeed?’
There is no actual time to wait after drinking an energy drink before breastfeeding. But it’s important to know what happens when you have caffeine, usually found in energy drinks.
For a baby younger than 3 months, caffeine from breast milk can stay in their system for up to 120 hours. When a baby is 4 to 5 months old, it lasts about 14 hours in its system.
Due to these, it is necessary to monitor how your baby feels and decide accordingly. Although there isn’t an exact time to wait for energy drinks, you can follow the general guideline from alcohol and breastfeeding.
Doctors recommend at least two hours after drinking alcohol before breastfeeding or pumping. You could equally think about this rule for energy drinks.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, you can have alani nu energy drinks while breastfeeding, but it’s important watchout for the caffeine and sugar content.
Alani Nu has 200 mgs of caffeine per can, and lactating moms should usually have less than 300 mg of caffeine in a day. This makes it okay to drink so far as you’re not drinking more than one can a day.
Before deciding to drink Alani Nu or other energy drinks, it’s always best to check with your doctor. That way, you can be sure of taking in what’s safe for both you and your baby.
References:
EnergyDrinkHub.com (Alani Nu Energy Drink – Caffeine And Ingredients), Healthline (Caffeine while breastfeeding – How much can you safely have), Nursingmoms (Can you have energy drinks while breastfeeding?)
