Condition
Breast Engorgement
Breast engorgement happens when the breasts fill with more milk than has been removed, causing swelling, pain and hardness, most often in the first days after birth when milk comes in. Lecithin and probiotics are the main supplements looked at, each with moderate evidence, though they were studied mainly for plugged ducts and mastitis rather than engorgement itself. A small serrapeptase study of 70 people found breast tenderness improved, but that evidence is limited.
- Supplements studied
- 1
- Graded outcomes
- 1
- Trials
- 1
- People studied
- 70
Evidence by supplement
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breast Tenderness Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 70 people | |||
| Pain | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 70 people | |||
Key findings
- Breast TendernessImproves (the measure goes down)
The Breast Engorgement Support protocol
2 primary supplements · 6 supporting supplements
- Lecithin1,200 mg three to four times daily (can reduce once resolved)
- Probiotics1–10 billion CFU daily of lactation-specific strains
Studies cited
1 study from PubMed