Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 11, 2025
04:16
Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings
Published on: February 7, 2025
714
Barley malt-based composition as a galactagogue - a randomized, controlled trial in preterm mothers
Aleksandra Wesolowska1, Bronislawa Pietrzak2, Bozena Kociszewska-Najman3
1Laboratory of Human Milk and Lactation Research at Regional Human Milk Bank in Holy Family Hospital, Medical University of Warsaw, Department of Neonatology, Warsaw, Poland. aleksandra.wesolowska@wum.edu.pl.
Ginekologia Polska
|March 22, 2021
Summary
This study found that a herbal galactagogue supplement containing barley malt and lemon balm safely increased breast milk production in mothers of preterm infants. This supports its use for improving milk supply in early lactation.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatology
- Lactation Science
Background:
- Delayed or insufficient breast milk production is a significant challenge, especially for mothers of preterm infants.
- Herbal galactagogues are explored for increasing milk supply, but clinical evidence for efficacy and safety is often limited.
- Preterm delivery necessitates adequate breast milk for infant nutrition and development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a novel galactagogue composition for enhancing breast milk production.
- The composition is based on barley malt with beta-glucan and lemon balm.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 117 mothers of preterm infants.
- Participants were divided into a Galactagogue Group and a Placebo Group.
- The primary outcome was the volume of expressed milk in the first two weeks postpartum; safety was a secondary outcome.
Main Results:
- Mothers in the Galactagogue Group produced significantly more milk (95 mL vs 62.5 mL) at the final visit.
- Total expressed milk volume was substantially higher in the Galactagogue Group (6036 ± 498 mL) compared to the Placebo Group (4209 ± 335 mL).
Conclusions:
- Supplementation with the unique galactagogue composition was found to be safe.
- The herbal composition effectively increased milk output, aiding preterm mothers in achieving recommended daily milk volumes within the first week of lactation.
