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Can I drink Emergen-C while breastfeeding?

Can I Drink Emergen-C While Breastfeeding?
As a breastfeeding mother, maintaining your health is crucial, and you may find yourself wondering about the safety of various supplements, including Emergen-C. This popular vitamin drink mix is often used to boost immunity and energy levels, especially during cold and flu season. But is it safe to consume while nursing?
Safety of Emergen-C for Nursing Mothers
The consensus among health experts is that Emergen-C is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers. The primary ingredient in Emergen-C is vitamin C, typically in doses of around 1000 mg per packet. This amount is significant, but it is not considered harmful. In fact, studies indicate that high doses of vitamin C can increase its levels in breast milk; however, these levels are not high enough to pose any health risks to the breastfeeding infant.
Moreover, the ingredients in Emergen-C, such as citric acid and natural flavors, are recognized as safe for both pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it is always wise to check the label for any specific ingredients that you might be sensitive to.
Recommendations and Considerations
While Emergen-C can be a helpful supplement, it is essential to approach its use with some caution. Experts recommend that breastfeeding mothers should stay hydrated and consider their overall vitamin intake. Emergen-C can provide a convenient way to meet your vitamin C needs, especially since breastfeeding mothers require about 120 mg of vitamin C daily.
However, it is advisable to avoid other immune-boosting products, such as Airborne, which may contain additional vitamins and herbs that could be less suitable for nursing mothers.
Conclusion
In summary, drinking Emergen-C while breastfeeding is considered safe and can be beneficial for maintaining your vitamin C levels. As always, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before adding any new supplements to your routine, ensuring that your choices align with your health needs and those of your baby. Staying informed and cautious will help you navigate your health during this important time.

Is Emergen-C vitamin C safe during pregnancy?

Is Emergen-C safe to take while I’m pregnant? Yes, most likely. But most pregnant women in the U.S. don’t need to supplement with other forms of vitamin-C, like Emergen-C. They can get enough vitamin C from their prenatal vitamins and their diet.

What can I take while breastfeeding for a cold?

You can use lozenges, pastilles and throat sprays (e.g. Strepsils®, Ultra-Chloraseptic throat spray®, Difflam®) when you are breastfeeding, to relieve your symptoms. There is very little data on whether these products affect breastfed infants, but they have been used extensively without reports of problems.

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 vitamins should I avoid when 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 potential dangers of Emergen-C?

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects.

Who should not take Emergen-C?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: use/abuse of alcohol, liver problems, stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcer, colitis).

Are vitamin C products safe for breastfeeding?

Vitamin C plays an important role in tissue repair and helping with iron absorption, so getting the recommended 120 mg daily while breastfeeding is a must.

Why can’t you take airborne while breastfeeding?

Some of the ingredients in Airborne, including Vitamin A, Echinacea, and Zinc, may cause adverse effects if taken in large amounts. There is not sufficient scientific evidence for the safety of Airborne for lactating women.

Is Emergen-C okay to take while breastfeeding?

As for how much vitamin C you can take without having side effects, the makers of Emergen-C advise that no one consumes more than 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C per day. The ODS confirms that this is also the upper daily limit (UL) for pregnant and breastfeeding women over 19.

Can I take 1000mg of vitamin C while breastfeeding?

The recommended vitamin C intake in lactating women is 120 mg daily, and for infants aged 6 months or less is 40 mg daily. [1] High daily doses up to 1000 mg increase milk levels, but not enough to cause a health concern for the breastfed infant and is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.

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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