In a message dated 2/3/02 7:41:52 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> Hello
> I have had 2 moms ask me recently if drinking too much water will decrease
> their supply.... I have never heard of this...... Is there any truth or
> research to back this up? I cant find any.
> Thanks,
> Cindy
>

I do remember hearing about this many years ago related to the inhibition of
the antidiuretic hormone (ADH). I pulled out my pathophysiology text that has
a brief statement about fluid intake, but does not mention how much volume
would be involved nor it's relation to breastmilk production.  ". . . low
extracellular fluid (ECF) osmolality or volume expansion from increased water
intake activates mechanisms that counterregulate water conservation. Thirst
is suppressed, and ADH release is inhibited. PGE2, a prostaglandin produced
in the kidney, inhibits the action of ADH on the collecting ducts. The net
effect is decreased water intake and the excretion of a greater volume of
dilute urine. Even in extreme cases of a huge volume of fluid ingestion of
limited fluid intake, normal humans have amazing flexibility in maintaining
the osmolality of the ECF at a constant 285 mOsm. . . ." Text is
Pathopyhsiology, 5th ed., Sylvia Anderson Price & Lorraine McCarty Wilson,
1997, Mosby, p 670.

This may help you to find further information about the effect on
breastfeeding. It seems to me that one would have to consume huge amounts of
water over a period of time to cause a problem.

Laura Hart
Winter Park, FL

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