Airborne is a widely used supplement that promises to give the immune system a boost. While the product does contain a unique combination of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts, many people have raised questions about its safety in breastfeeding mothers. Knowing what's in Airborne, as well as potential benefits and risks, can help you make a smart choice when deciding to or not to take airborne while breastfeeding.
What Is Airborne?
Airborne is a popular dietary supplement designed to support the immune system. Often marketed as a way to "boost" immunity, many people turn to Airborne at the first signs of a cold or during times of increased exposure to germs, such as travel or cold and flu season.
The supplement is widely available in various forms, including effervescent tablets, gummies, chewables, and powders, making it convenient for different preferences and lifestyles.
What are the Ingredients in Airborne?
Its key product, Airborne Original, contains 17 vitamins, minerals, and herbs that can boost immunity. Among them are the following active ingredients:
Active:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C (750 mg per dose, delivering 833% of daily requirement)
- Vitamin E
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Manganese
- Sodium
- Glutamine
- Lysine
- Echinacea
- Ginger
- Vitex
- Japanese catnip
- Isatis root
- Forsythia
Among all the formula's ingredients, Vitamin C stands out as the main one: the other contributor to immune health is a far second.
Inactive Ingredients
Airborne Original also includes some inactive ingredients, such as maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, dextrose, a sugar, vegetable coloring, and citrus flavoring, which are added to give it a palatable taste and form.
Does Airborne Work?
Airborne is a combination of vitamins, minerals, and herbal ingredients that include elements like vitamin C, zinc, and echinacea, which are often cited as elements to help boost the immune system. These essential vitamins and minerals can help the body to function better and limit the symptoms of a cold and flu virus.
However, while these ingredients are advantageous, there is no sound scientific evidence that Airborne can specifically prevent or treat colds. Claims of "boosting" an immune system through supplements are also misleading because the immune system is too complicated and depends on lots of other things, such as diet, lifestyle, and genetics.
Airborne can be a very good accessory to a healthy lifestyle, especially for anyone interested in boosting their levels of certain nutrients. It's not supposed to promise and guarantee a free defense against colds or other diseases. People need to go by good hygiene practices, balanced diets, hydration, adequate sleep, and control over stress-prone triggers to ensure that their immune systems remain at their best.
If you consider using Airborne, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing some health conditions, it's wise to always consult a healthcare provider and ascertain if it's appropriate for your needs.
Is Airborne FDA Approved?
No dietary supplement, such as Airborne, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is because dietary supplements are regulated differently than prescription drugs in the United States. Prescription drugs must undergo rigorous testing of their safety, effectiveness, and quality before being approved by the FDA. Supplements do not undergo this same process.
Instead, vitamins and supplements are considered "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). That is to say that they are generally considered harmless if intake is under ordinary conditions, but the FDA does not independently test them. The FDA only approaches supplement scrutiny when evidence exists that it is harmful.
Under the regulations of the FDA, dietary supplements, such as Airborne, must post a disclaimer on their packaging notifying consumers. This disclaimer plainly states that the product "is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."
Moreover, the law can bring action against a supplement producer for any false or misleading claims made on its product. For instance, Airborne was taken to court in 2008 for making claims that did not exist regarding the product preventing or curing the common cold. This alone is a precautionary reminder for consumers regarding health claims accompanying a supplement product.
What the Researchers Say about Airborne’s Safety?
Airborne is generally safe for everyone in everyday dosing, as its ingredients are often encountered within the normal dietary experience and play important roles in immune function. There are a couple of caveats:
- Many of the nutrients in Airborne, aside from vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium, are delivered at levels that might be more than or equal to what you'd receive through a well-rounded diet.
- Whereas high doses of vitamin C (833% of the recommended daily intake) are included, having more vitamin C in your system does not guarantee protection against colds.
- The evidence for ingredients such as vitamin C, zinc, and echinacea is poor to show effectiveness in practice. They might shorten the duration of the common cold but are not verified treatments for the condition.
For healthy people, infrequent use of Airborne is unlikely to produce adverse effects. Overuse or use of this supplement, along with other supplements that have the same ingredients, might result in overdosing on some of the nutrients - vitamin C or zinc. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers and people with medical conditions should seek medical advice before taking Airborne.
The Lawsuit And The Controversy About Airborne
Airborne was involved in a major controversy when it was taken to court for making false claims that the supplement could cure and prevent colds. The case led to a $23.3 million class-action settlement, where the company had to refund consumers for buying this product. Airborne's advertising, led by its founders—a teacher and her husband—likewise focused on its capacity to "strengthen your immune system so that your body can fight off germs" and promoted use when the first symptom of a cold manifested or in an effort to ward off illness at school or work. The product became ubiquitous, more as a result of its homespun catchphrase, "made by a schoolteacher! " and on Oprah. Airborne was also marketed in line with other cold and flu medicines rather than vitamins, implying that it was an over-the-counter medicine.
Is It Safe To Take Airborne While Breastfeeding?
Airborne may not be as safe for breastfeeding mothers because of a number of issues. First, it carries herbal extracts with unknown safety during breastfeeding, and more research is needed before confirmation that the ingredient is safe for nursing mothers and babies.
Another compound Airborne contains is very high levels of certain vitamins, including vitamin A. Having too much of a fat-soluble vitamin will lead to side effects such as dizziness, nausea, liver problems, or even an increased risk of osteoporosis over time. Nursing mothers have to be extra careful about not taking excessive amounts of vitamins, which could then impact both the mother and the baby. Since Airborne is a supplement, it doesn't carry FDA approval, nor is it regulated. Hence, its ability to activate the immune system has not been proven to work.
To be absolutely safe, it's always best to consult your doctor or pharmacist before beginning any supplement while breastfeeding. They can help you find safer alternatives and ensure that you are not exceeding recommended nutrient levels.
What are Safe Cold Remedies for Breastfeeding Moms?
If you are a breastfeeding mom suffering from the cold, there are safe remedies that can make you feel better without endangering your baby. Rest, fluids, and nutritional intake help you recover as soon as possible. Cold symptoms generally last 6–10 days, while the worst incident happens between days 4–5. In case your symptoms worsen past week or become accompanied by a fever above 3–4 days, visit your physician.
Medications:
- Safe ones to take: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) are all pretty safe. Antihistamines such as Zyrtec and Claritin are safe for allergies.
- Avoid these:
- * Antihistamines such as Benadryl
- * Decongestants such as Sudafed, as these can cut milk supply and make babies drowsy
- Other Remedies:
- Vaporizer: Place water in a vaporizer to clear nasal passages. Avoid mentholized compounds for vaporizers as they irritate infants.
- Zinc: Cold-EEZE and Zicam nasal gel are safe when zinc intake does not exceed 25–50 mg per day.
- Neti Pot: A Neti Pot can safely flush nasal passages since it only uses water.
- Treatment for Flu:
If you have the flu, it is safe for breastfed babies if you take the antiviral Tamiflu (oseltamivir). Avoid zanamivir (Relenza) because there isn't enough information about its safety during breastfeeding.
- Herbal Remedies:
Most herbal remedies are devoid of comprehensive research on their use while breastfeeding. Avoid herbal products such as Airborne since there is an insufficient record of their effects on nursing babies.
Remember, you can always continue breastfeeding even when you get sick. Your milk contains antibodies that help protect your baby from illness and may make his symptoms milder and recovery faster, should he get ill. You will always be advised accordingly by your doctor.
What If I Am Too Unwell to Nurse?
You can still provide breast milk by pumping even if you are too unwell to nurse your baby directly. There is an ideal choice, the Momcozy M9 breast pump, which is convenient for expressing milk in comfort and ensuring your baby goes on to receive the nutritional and antibodies they need during your unwell period. Pumping also supports maintaining milk supply at times when you're not well enough to nurse.
The Momcozy Adjustable Nursing Pillow may be supportive if you feel well enough but are struggling with discomfort while nursing. In this regard, it helps you find a comfortable position and stops the strain on your back and shoulders while breastfeeding.
These steps will help you care for the baby even when you're feeling miserable and still reap the benefits of breastfeeding, as they are receiving all the goodness from your milk. Rest and hydration help in recovery, and talk to your doctor about further help if necessary.
FAQs About Airborne During Breastfeeding
Is It okay to take Airborne every day?
Airborne should not be taken on a regular basis by breastfeeding women. Though Airborne is rich in many nutrients, such as vitamin A, frequent use might cause over-intake, which can negatively affect you as well as your baby. The safety of the herbs in Airborne used while breastfeeding also is not established. Consult your doctor before you plan to take supplements daily.
Who should not take Airborne?
Airborne is not recommended for individuals with an allergy to any of its ingredients, such as herbal extracts. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should also avoid it without a medical prescription. Also, people with other pre-existing conditions that might interact with high doses of vitamins or herbs are also excluded from using the drug.
Does Airborne raise blood pressure?
Airborne does not interact directly with blood pressure, but certain ingredients in it, like sodium, will influence people who have hypertension or other cardiovascular diseases. If you have a problem with your blood pressure, you should consult your physician before you take Airborne.
Conclusion
In summary, while Airborne contains a blend of vitamins and herbs, which might be helpful to support overall immune function, it is not established to be safe during breastfeeding. Breastfeeding moms should first and foremost use natural remedies, including sleep, hydration, and good nutrition, or discuss safe alternatives with a physician. Making careful choices involves both your health and your baby's well-being.
