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Can I take 2000 mg of vitamin C while breastfeeding?

Understanding Vitamin C Intake While Breastfeeding
When it comes to breastfeeding, nutrition is paramount for both the mother and the infant. One common question among nursing mothers is whether taking high doses of vitamin C, specifically 2000 mg, is safe.
Recommended Dosage and Safety
The recommended daily intake of vitamin C for lactating women is 120 mg. This amount is sufficient to support both the mother’s health and the nutritional needs of the breastfeeding infant. While some studies indicate that higher doses, up to 1000 mg, can increase the levels of vitamin C in breast milk, these levels do not pose a health risk to the infant.
Interestingly, the upper tolerable limit for vitamin C intake is set at 2000 mg per day for women aged 19 and older. This means that while 2000 mg is technically within safe limits, it is significantly higher than the recommended intake.
Potential Effects of High Doses
Taking 2000 mg of vitamin C while breastfeeding may not have immediate adverse effects, but it is essential to consider that excessive vitamin C intake can lead to gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea and stomach cramps. Moreover, high doses of vitamin C do not necessarily provide additional benefits beyond the recommended levels.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is generally safe to take 2000 mg of vitamin C while breastfeeding, it is advisable to stick to the recommended intake of 120 mg for optimal health benefits. If you are considering high doses of vitamin C, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that it aligns with your overall health and nutritional needs.

Can I take 2000mg of vitamin C while breastfeeding?

Can I take vitamin C while breastfeeding? Yes, the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements say the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin C in a breastfeeding mother over age 19 is 120 mg/day with a tolerable upper intake level of 2000 mg [accessed 25 July 2023].

Can too much vitamin C affect a baby?

High doses of Vitamin C during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth or fetal complications. Other B vitamins, when taken in excessive amounts during pregnancy, can potentially cause adverse effects such as nerve damage or affect fetal …

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 does vitamin C do to a baby in the womb?

Not only does it boost your immune system and reduce your risk of suffering from iron-deficiency anaemia in pregnancy, Vitamin C is key to your baby’s physical development too. Vitamin C: Aids in the production of collagen, which supports normal growth, healthy tissue and wound healing.

How much vitamin C should I take for mastitis?

Vitamin C.
The immune system uses Vitamin C to help with white blood cell function, and as the body is fighting a bacterial infection, this is very important. Take as much Vitamin C as you can tolerate without getting diarrhea, usually between 1000 mg and 5000 mg.

Should I take 1000 or 2000 vitamin C?

The RDA for vitamin C is 45–120 mg depending on your age and sex. Vitamin C supplements should meet the RDA and stay well below the established UL — 400 for young children, 1,200 mg for kids aged 9–13, 1,800 mg for teens, and 2,000 mg for adults.

Does vitamin C get transferred through breast milk?

An increased vitamin C consumption (up to 51–60 mg/day) will increase the vitamin C in breastmilk up to a certain level (8.1 mg/100 ml), beyond which additional vitamin C will make no difference.

How long does 2000 mg of vitamin C stay in your system?

Typically, vitamin C has a half-life of around 2-3 hours in the bloodstream. Since it is a water-soluble vitamin, excess amounts are filtered out through the kidneys and excreted in urine within 24 hours.

Is Emergen-C safe to take 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.

Is 2000 mg of vitamin C per day too much?

The upper limit for all adults is 2,000 mg a day. Although too much dietary vitamin C is unlikely to be harmful, large doses of vitamin C supplements might cause: Diarrhea. Nausea.

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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