Alkaline Water During Pregnancy Changes Breast Milk Minerals
Influences of alkaline ionized water on milk electrolyte concentrations in maternal rats
Research hubs: Cardiovascular System · Reproductive System
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Toshi Watanabe, Hiroshi Kamata, Youichi Fukuda, Eiji Murasugi, Tsuneo Sato, Kazuhiro Uwatoko, In-Jen Pan
- Journal
- The Journal of Toxicological Sciences
- Year
- 2001
- DOI
- 10.2131/jts.25.5_417
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- Pregnancy Complications
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
TL;DR
Drinking alkaline ionized water (AKW) during pregnancy and lactation led to heavier baby rats and heart muscle damage, possibly due to higher calcium levels in the mother's milk.
Key Finding
Alkaline ionized water increased calcium, sodium, and potassium levels in maternal rat milk, which accelerated offspring growth but was associated with heart muscle damage later in development.
Summary
Researchers gave pregnant and nursing rats either alkaline ionized water (water treated to increase mineral content and pH) or regular tap water. They measured the mineral levels in the mothers' milk and found that milk from rats drinking alkaline ionized water contained significantly higher amounts of calcium, sodium, and potassium. Baby rats nursing from mothers who drank alkaline ionized water grew faster, but later developed heart muscle damage by 15 weeks of age.
Practical Takeaway
This is an animal study in rats, so results may not apply to humans. The findings suggest that while alkaline ionized water may increase certain minerals in milk, excessive mineral enrichment could potentially cause harm—but human studies would be needed to determine if this applies to people. Anyone considering alkaline ionized water during pregnancy or nursing should consult a healthcare provider.
Abstract (excerpt)
We previously reported that body weight on day 14 after birth in male offspring of rats given alkaline ionized water (AKW) was significantly heavier than that in offspring of rats given tap water (TPW), but no significant difference was noted in milk yield and in suckled milk volume between the two…