Can I drink vitamin C and zinc while breastfeeding?

Can I Drink Vitamin C and Zinc While Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding mothers often seek ways to enhance their nutrition and support their health, leading to questions about the safety and benefits of various supplements, including vitamin C and zinc. Understanding the implications of these nutrients during lactation is crucial for both maternal and infant health.
Vitamin C: A Key Nutrient
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a vital water-soluble vitamin that plays a significant role in the immune system and overall health. For breastfeeding mothers, the recommended daily intake of vitamin C is 120 mg. This nutrient is not only essential for the mother but also contributes to the quality of breast milk, as it is a natural component and acts as a powerful antioxidant.
Research indicates that while high doses of vitamin C (up to 1000 mg daily) can increase its levels in breast milk, these amounts are generally considered safe and do not pose health risks to the infant. Therefore, moderate supplementation of vitamin C can be beneficial, supporting both the mother’s immune function and providing necessary nutrients to the baby.
Zinc: Essential for Development
Zinc is another crucial nutrient that supports both maternal health and infant development. It is naturally present in breast milk and is vital for the growth and immune function of infants. The typical recommendation for breastfeeding mothers is to consume around 15 mg of zinc daily. This amount can usually be obtained through a balanced diet or prenatal vitamins without significantly altering the zinc levels in breast milk.
Zinc supplementation during lactation is generally safe and can help ensure that mothers meet their nutritional needs, especially if dietary intake is insufficient. It is important to note that zinc is the only dietary source of this mineral for exclusively breastfed infants, making it essential for their development.
Conclusion: Safe and Beneficial
In summary, both vitamin C and zinc can be safely consumed while breastfeeding. These nutrients not only support the health of the mother but also enhance the nutritional quality of breast milk, benefiting the infant. As always, it is advisable for breastfeeding mothers to consult with healthcare providers before starting any new supplements to tailor their intake to their specific health needs and dietary circumstances.

Does zinc pass through breast milk?

Although women are encouraged to consume more zinc-rich food during lactation, studies have shown that zinc content in breast milk is sustained tightly and is not affected by maternal zinc status, dietary zinc intake, or ingestion of zinc-rich supplements [7,9,10,14,16,18,19].

How much zinc can you take while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding while taking zinc:

	Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)	Upper Limit (UL)
14 to 18 years old and breastfeeding	13 mg per day	34 mg per day
19 years old or older and breastfeeding	12 mg per day	40 mg per day

Sep 1, 2023

Why avoid vitamin C while breastfeeding?

Although prolonged high doses can cause neuropathy in the mother, no negative effects have been reported in infants. Vitamin C has been shown to be safe in high doses, such as 1000mg a day, and does not appear to significantly increase the breastmilk level, unless mom was deficient before taking the supplement.

Can I drink vitamin C and zinc pills while breastfeeding?

Vitamin C is another important vitamin to prioritize during pregnancy and breastfeeding. You can usually get the daily recommended amount of 120 mg through food, but if not, taking a supplement is important. Always check with your doctor first, as too much vitamin C may cause upset stomachs.

What vitamins Cannot take 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 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.

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.

Can I drink Emergen-C while breastfeeding?

Yes, you can take Emergen-C while breastfeeding, but it’s important to not exceed the recommended dosage. Emergen-C is a supplement rich in vitamin C, often used for boosting immune health. However, while vitamin C is crucial for both you and your baby, consuming it in large amounts can cause digestive upset.

Does zinc affect breast milk?

Although women are encouraged to consume more zinc-rich food during lactation, studies have shown that zinc content in breast milk is sustained tightly and is not affected by maternal zinc status, dietary zinc intake, or ingestion of zinc-rich supplements [7,9,10,14,16,18,19].

Is it safe to drink vitamin C and zinc during pregnancy?

Both vitamin C and zinc are two of the many essential vitamins and minerals the body needs for optimum health but are especially important during pregnancy. These vitamins and minerals not only help foetal growth but support the immune system to support pregnancy outcomes for both the parent and the growing baby.