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Can I breastfeed while taking vitamin B6?

Can I Breastfeed While Taking Vitamin B6?
Breastfeeding mothers often have questions about the safety of various supplements, including vitamin B6. Understanding the implications of taking this vitamin while nursing is crucial for both maternal health and infant safety.
Safety of Vitamin B6 During Breastfeeding
Research indicates that vitamin B6 is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. A safety score of 1 suggests that the use of vitamin B6 during lactation poses minimal risk to breastfed infants. The recommended dietary intake for breastfeeding women is approximately 2 mg per day, which is easily achievable through a balanced diet or supplementation if necessary.
Benefits of Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 plays a vital role in several bodily functions, including the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are essential for brain health. For breastfeeding mothers, adequate levels of vitamin B6 can help alleviate certain conditions, such as nipple vasospasm, which can occur during nursing.
Considerations for Supplementation
While vitamin B6 is safe, it is important for mothers to be mindful of the dosage. High doses of any vitamin can lead to adverse effects. However, typical supplementation as part of a prenatal vitamin or a multivitamin is commonplace and considered safe. Most healthcare providers recommend that breastfeeding mothers focus on maintaining a well-balanced diet, which often provides sufficient nutrients without the need for excessive supplementation.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding while taking vitamin B6 is generally safe and can even provide benefits for both mother and child. As always, it is advisable for mothers to consult with healthcare professionals before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it aligns with their individual health needs and circumstances.

Can I take vitamin B6 while breastfeeding?

Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin B6 in breastfeeding women is 2 mg/day and daily prenatal supplements usually contain 10 mg. Vitamin B6 supplements are sometimes recommended for helping nipple vasospasm.

Is vitamin B6 safe for babies?

Too much vitamin B6 is harmful to health, and your child needs just enough. The National Institutes of Health recommends the following doses for different age groups: Birth to 6 months: 0.1 mg. 7-12 months: 0.3 mg.

How much B6 should I take to stop lactation?

According to the 2017 review, study participants received a B6 dosage of 450 to 600 mg over 5 to 7 days. Two of the studies included found that vitamin B6 was effective in suppressing lactation, but the other five studies did not.

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.

Does vitamin B6 burn breast milk?

High doses of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) may inhibit the body’s production of plasma prolactin. Prolactin aids in the production of breast milk. At a dose of 200mg three times a day Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) may decrease milk production thereby stopping lactation.

Who Cannot take vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 supplements might interact with cycloserine (Seromycin), an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis, and worsen any seizures and nerve cell damage that the drug might cause. Taking certain epilepsy drugs could decrease vitamin B6 levels and reduce the drugs’ ability to control seizures.

Is vitamin B complex safe for breastfeeding?

In people who are pregnant or breastfeeding or chestfeeding — especially those who follow vegetarian or vegan diets — supplementing with a B-complex vitamin is crucial. B12 or folate deficiency during pregnancy or while nursing can lead to severe neurological damage or birth defects in the fetus or infant.

Does vitamin B affect breast milk?

Dietary intake of B vitamins during lactation influences human milk B vitamin concentration. Supplementation with B vitamins during lactation increases milk B vitamin concentration but may not be sufficient for vitamin B-deficient populations.

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.

Is too much vitamin B6 bad for baby?

B6 is agreed to be safe for pregnant women, but you’re still best off following the recommended guidelines outside of a specific medical recommendation—remember, an excess of B6 or any other vitamin can have dire consequences for you or your baby.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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