The effect of orally consumed Lactuca sativa syrup on human milk volume and weight gain in the preterm infant: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Izaddoost N, Amiri-Farahani L, Haghani S, Bordbar A
Published in Scientific Reports
Methodology
Three-arm parallel randomised clinical trial (intervention n=47, placebo n=46, control n=47) of Lactuca sativa syrup three times daily for one week in mothers of infants born before 32 weeks gestation, with daily recorded milk volume and infant weight.
Key Findings
Herbal lettuce-extract syrup was evaluated against both placebo and routine care for short-term milk volume and preterm infant weight gain, adding controlled data on plant galactagogues in the NICU setting.
Conclusions
Provides randomised evidence on a plant galactagogue for mothers of preterm infants, with placebo control for the strong expectancy effects seen in lactation trials.
Limitations
One-week intervention only, single centre, convenience sampling, self-recorded milk volumes.
Outcomes Measured
Extracts from lettuce and other plants such as silymarin are already evidenced to be safe for use during lactation and have other therapeutic effects in humans.
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Not reported
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