Safety and efficacy of Hemocare®LACT on breast milk production and prolactin levels in postpartum mothers: An open-label, placebo controlled, randomized trial

Abstract

Background: Breast-feeding provides optimal nutrition along with immune support to newborns and infants and a host of lifelong health benefits to mother and child. Unfortunately, in daily health care practice, there are increasing numbers of reports on unsuccessful breastfeeding related problems. Galactagogues are substances that stimulate milk production. Hemocare®LACT, is a product of MMC Pharmaceuticals Ltd to enhance the milk secretion in lactating women. Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Hemocare®LACT capsules on prolactin levels, infant body weight and hemoglobin in lactating mothers. Methods: Open-label, placebo controlled, pilot, randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 72 eligible mothers were randomized to placebo or Hemocare®LACT in the ratio of 1:1. Serum prolactin, hemoglobin levels and infant weight were evaluated at baseline, 30th day, 60th day and in the 90th day post commencement of treatment. Results: A significant difference in infant weight was found from baseline to 90th day in Hemocare®LACT group (p<0.01). Similarly, statistically significant difference was found in prolactin levels at 90th day when compared to baseline (p<0.05). Hemoglobin levels well maintained in Hemocare®LACT group. Conclusion: Hemocare®LACT capsules increased prolactin levels and infants body weight in lactating mothers when compared to placebo with good tolerability.

Keywords

• Galactogogues
• Breastfeeding
• Prolactin
• Infant body weight
• Haemoglobin