What does lactogenic mean?
Lactogenic is an adjective describing something that promotes the production of milk, particularly in the breasts during breastfeeding. It is used in medical and nutritional discussions of hormones, foods, herbs, supplements, and other substances associated with milk supply. The word is more specific than the general idea of increasing milk production: it refers to a stimulatory effect rather than merely being related to milk or lactation. In professional writing, “lactogenic” often appears before words such as “hormone,” “effect,” and “activity.” Claims about foods or remedies being lactogenic vary in their strength of evidence, so the term should not automatically be taken to mean that a product has been medically proven to increase milk production.
adjectiveCausing or promoting the production of milk, especially in the breasts during lactation.
- Promoting or stimulating the production of milk, especially during breastfeeding.
"The doctor recommended a well-balanced diet for the mother because of its lactogenic properties."
"The nutritionist explained that certain foods have traditionally been regarded as lactogenic."
"Researchers studied the role of a lactogenic hormone in regulating milk supply."
Some substances are described as lactogenic because they are believed to encourage milk production, although medical evidence for many popular remedies is limited.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lactogenic come from?
Lactogenic was formed in English from the combining form lact-, associated with Latin lac, meaning “milk,” and the suffix -genic, meaning “producing” or “coming from.” The same Latin root underlies related English words such as lactose, lactate, lactic, and lactiferous. The word entered modern scientific and medical usage during the study of hormones and processes connected with breastfeeding.
Related word forms
How lactogenic is actually used
The term is mainly used in medical, nutritional, and breastfeeding contexts. Claims that particular foods or supplements are lactogenic should be assessed carefully, since evidence for many such claims is limited.
Easily confused with lactogenic
Lactogenic means stimulating or promoting milk production, whereas lactiferous describes a gland or structure that secretes or carries milk.
Lactogenic is the adjective meaning milk-promoting; a lactogen is a substance or agent thought to stimulate milk production.