Aloe vera has been a popular component in several skincare and home remedies. However, you may be concerned about the safety of taking aloe vera during pregnancy. Aloe vera consumption is as popular as its topical use. Latex is the sticky residue behind the aloe leaf’s crust, and it’s valued for its richness in nutrients and fiber content. However, while it provides several health advantages, if consumed in excess or without being properly processed, it might cause negative effects. This post discusses the safety profile of aloe vera in a pregnancy diet, how to eat it, and any potential negative effects.
Is It Safe To Drink Aloe Vera Juice During Pregnancy?
Although aloe vera juice is considered to be one of the healthiest drinks, it is not always safe for pregnant women. The laxative nature of aloin, also called anthraquinone, the latex in aloe vera, is known to cause uterine contractions and electrolyte imbalance in the intestines. Hannah Whittaker, a UK-based pediatric and pregnancy dietitian, says, “I wouldn’t advise my clients to take aloe vera juice during pregnancy to support relieving constipation, due to its link with increased risk of uterine contraction, which may cause miscarriage.” It could, therefore, be dangerous for the mother and the baby if not taken with caution (1). So talk to your doctor for the right dosage and method of consuming aloe vera when you are pregnant (2).
What Is The Recommended Dosage Of Aloe Vera For Pregnant Women?
Usually, 0.04 – 0.17 grams of dried aloe vera is recommended for relieving constipation in pregnant women. However, there is no scientific backing for this. Therefore, consult your doctor to know whether or not you can take aloe vera. The doctor might weigh the benefits vis-a-vis the side effects before approving it.
What Are The Benefits Of Aloe Vera While Pregnant?
Consuming aloe vera either in gel form or as juice offers the following benefits during pregnancy, provided you exercise caution.
Aloe vera is rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for both the mother and the baby (3).
It soothes the gut and mitigates morning sickness during early pregnancy (4).
Aloe vera helps dilate the blood capillaries to promote healthy blood circulation, which is essential to support the growth of the mother and fetus (5).
It calms the inflamed tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, and the laxative eases bowel movements (6).
Note that not all pregnant women may benefit from aloe vera consumption.
What Are The Risks Associated With The Consumption Of Aloe Vera During Pregnancy?
The risks associated with overconsumption of aloe vera are (7):
Latex is known to raise the risk of uterine contractions, thereby increasing the risk of miscarriage. It is also known to cause fetal birth defects.
Overconsumption of aloe vera juice also increases the risk of constipation, as prolonged use of laxatives weakens the bowel muscles, further causing constipation.
It brings down the levels of electrolytes, primarily potassium, which can be harmful during pregnancy. It could lead to muscle weakness and unusual heart rhythms.
Might cause allergic reactions if you are allergic to plants of the Liliaceae family. The symptoms of allergies include itchy skin, swollen skin and rash, and chest tightness.
Considering the risks, it is advisable to restrict it to topical use and avoid oral consumption. Next, we cover a few commonly raised queries about aloe vera and pregnancy.
