Can breastfeeding mothers take B12?

Can Breastfeeding Mothers Take B12?
Breastfeeding is a critical period for both mothers and infants, as it provides essential nutrients that support the baby’s growth and development. One nutrient that often comes into focus during this time is Vitamin B12, a vital component for neurological function and the formation of red blood cells.
Importance of Vitamin B12 for Breastfeeding Mothers
Vitamin B12 is naturally present in human milk, but its concentration is heavily influenced by the mother’s dietary intake. For breastfeeding mothers, the recommended daily intake of Vitamin B12 is approximately 2.8 micrograms, although some health authorities suggest a higher intake of 5.5 micrograms per day to ensure adequate levels in both the mother and the infant. If a mother is deficient in Vitamin B12, there is a significant risk that her infant may also become deficient, which can lead to serious health issues.
Supplementation Considerations
For mothers who follow vegetarian or vegan diets, or those with certain medical conditions that affect nutrient absorption, supplementation of Vitamin B12 is often recommended. These diets can lead to a deficiency since Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products. In such cases, healthcare providers may suggest that these mothers take additional B12 supplements, typically ranging from 120 to 250 micrograms daily, to maintain adequate levels during lactation.
Moreover, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to be screened for risk factors associated with low B12 levels, such as a history of gastrointestinal surgery or illness. If a deficiency is identified, treatment is essential not only for the mother’s health but also to prevent potential developmental issues in the infant.
Safety of B12 Supplements
Breastfeeding mothers can safely take Vitamin B12 supplements, including forms like hydroxocobalamin, without adverse effects on their milk or the infant. This makes it feasible for mothers to ensure they meet their nutritional needs while providing their babies with the necessary nutrients through breast milk.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can and should consider their Vitamin B12 intake seriously. Adequate levels are crucial for both maternal health and the healthy development of their infants. For those at risk of deficiency, supplementation is a safe and effective way to ensure both mother and baby receive this essential nutrient. Regular consultations with healthcare providers can help mothers navigate their dietary needs during this important time.

What decreases milk supply?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

• Smoking or drinking.
• Some medicines and herbs.
• Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
• Nursing or pumping less often.
• Getting sick.
• Feeling stressed.
• Getting pregnant again.

What vitamins should I avoid while breastfeeding?

AVOID dose of vitamin A above 700-800 mcg/day and vitamin B6 above 20-50 mg/day. Iodine can concentrate in breastmilk so do not take levels in excess of 100% RDA. There are no studies on the safety of high dose intra-venous (IV) vitamin drips in breastfeeding mothers.

What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency in babies?

Symptoms and signs of vitamin B12 deficiency appear between 2 to 12 months and include vomiting, lethargy, failure to thrive, hypotonia, and arrest or regression of developmental skills. Treatment with vitamin B12 corrects these metabolic abnormalities very rapidly within a few days.

Which vitamin is most deficient in breast milk?

While breast milk is highly nutritive, containing important immunological and growth factors, scientific investigation reveals a few short-falls. Overall, human breast milk has been found to be low in certain nutrients in developed countries: vitamin D, iodine, iron, and vitamin K.

What are the worst symptoms of B12 deficiency?

Symptoms may include:

• Weak muscles.
• Numb or tingling feeling in hands and feet.
• Trouble walking.
• Nausea.
• Decreased appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Irritability.
• Lack of energy or tiring easily (fatigue)

What Plan B can I take while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding while taking (Plan B One-Step®):
When used as emergency contraception, levonorgestrel is not expected to be harmful to a child that is breastfeeding. A person who takes levonorgestrel as emergency contraception can breastfeed 3 to 4 hours after the dose (or after each dose if the two-dose method is used).

What vitamins stop breastfeeding?

If you haven’t nursed your infant yet, high doses of vitamins B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin) may work to suppress lactation. One older study from the 1970s suggested that high doses B6, B1, and B12 suppressed lactation for 96% of the participants, with no unpleasant side effects.

Does vitamin B dry up breast milk?

One older study from the 1970s suggested that high doses B6, B1, and B12 suppressed lactation for 96% of the participants, with no unpleasant side effects. However, more recent studies, including ones from a 2017 literature review, suggest conflicting information regarding the effectiveness of this option.

Is it safe to take B12 while breastfeeding?

It’s OK to take cyanocobalamin if you’re breastfeeding. Vitamin B12 (including cyanocobalamin) is a natural part of breast milk. Cyanocobalamin does pass into breast milk, but it’s unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby.

Is too much B12 bad for baby?

Maternal vitamin B12 levels were measured during first and early second trimesters of pregnancy. High maternal vitamin B12 levels (≥81th percentile) was associated with increased risk for offspring childhood autism, adjusted odds ratio, 1.59, 95% confidence interval 1.06–2.41 (p = 0.026).