Green Breast Milk Following Ingestion of Blue-Green Algae: A Case Report

Breastfeed Med. 2019 Apr;14(3):203-204. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2018.0184. Epub 2019 Feb 20.

Abstract

Breast milk is an excellent nutritional source for newborns, and a change in its color can be alarming to both mother and physician, and may prevent breastfeeding. Different colors of breast milk have been reported such as blood-stained, blue, and bluish-green. We present the first case of green breast milk caused by maternal ingestion of blue-green algae pills immediately before and after delivery. The score on the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale was 5, indicating a probable adverse drug reaction. Laboratory analysis yielded no other abnormalities in the milk. The mother stopped taking the supplement, and the milk returned to its normal appearance 3 days later. This report should alert physicians to include supplement intake as part of the anamnesis for new mothers who present with breast milk changes.

Keywords: breast milk; breastfeeding; green milk.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Feeding*
  • Color
  • Cyanobacteria*
  • Dietary Supplements / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Iron / administration & dosage
  • Iron / adverse effects
  • Iron / chemistry
  • Milk, Human / chemistry*
  • Physical Examination
  • Pigments, Biological / chemistry*

Substances

  • Pigments, Biological
  • Iron