If a product label for alfalfa does not explicitly state it is safe for pregnant individuals, what is the safest recommended course of action?
Answer
Abstain from consumption, preferring commercially prepared, cooked sources instead.
Given the complexity of alfalfa's safety profile—balancing nutritional benefits against risks like bacterial contamination and L-canavanine exposure—the default action when safety is not explicitly guaranteed is precaution. If a product label lacks explicit confirmation of safety for pregnant individuals or does not confirm appropriate bacterial treatment, the safest protocol outlined is complete abstinence from that specific form. Instead, individuals are advised to prefer alternative preparation methods that inherently reduce risk, such as commercially prepared, cooked sources.
Related Questions
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