Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » Can I take complex B while breastfeeding?

Can I take complex B while breastfeeding?

Can I Take Complex B While Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding mothers often seek to ensure they are providing the best nutrition for their infants while also maintaining their own health. One common question that arises is whether it is safe to take a vitamin B complex supplement during this period.
Safety of Vitamin B Complex During Breastfeeding
The consensus among health professionals is that taking a vitamin B complex while breastfeeding is generally considered safe. B vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin), play crucial roles in energy metabolism and overall health. They are also essential for the development of the infant.
Research indicates that B vitamins are present in human milk, and their levels can be influenced by the mother’s dietary intake. For instance, vitamin B12 is a vital component of breast milk, and the recommended daily intake for lactating women is around 2.8 micrograms, with some authorities suggesting up to 5.5 micrograms per day to ensure adequate levels for both mother and infant.
Potential Benefits of Supplementation
For mothers who may not be getting enough B vitamins from their diet—perhaps due to dietary restrictions or increased nutritional needs during breastfeeding—supplementation can be beneficial. A well-balanced diet is crucial, but if a mother feels her intake is lacking, a vitamin B complex can help fill those gaps. This is particularly important for vitamins like B12, which is essential for neurological function and can affect both maternal and infant health.
Considerations and Recommendations
While supplementation is generally safe, it is always advisable for breastfeeding mothers to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. This is especially true for high-potency formulas, such as Super B Complex, which may contain higher doses of certain vitamins than typically recommended.
Moreover, while B vitamins are water-soluble and excess amounts are usually excreted through urine, taking them in excessive doses can still lead to potential side effects or imbalances. Therefore, moderation and professional guidance are key.
Conclusion
In summary, taking a vitamin B complex while breastfeeding is typically safe and can be beneficial, especially for mothers who may not be meeting their nutritional needs through diet alone. However, consulting with a healthcare professional is essential to ensure that any supplementation is appropriate and beneficial for both mother and child.

Who should not take B-complex?

If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: diabetes, liver problems, vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia). Chewable tablets or liquid products may contain aspartame.

Can you take multi vitamins when breastfeeding?

However, we do know that as a new mum finding time to eat properly can be a challenge and a multivitamin is a safety net. 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.

Is vitamin B complex safe while 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.

Can I take Plan B while breastfeeding?

The EC pill can be taken while breastfeeding. After a single 1.5mg dose, the total amount of drug passing into the breastmilk over the next 3 days is only about 0.1% of the mother’s dose.

What vitamins should not be taken while breastfeeding?

Daily ingestion of 400mg of vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) should be avoided due to safety concerns for the infant. A high dose of vitamin B-6, such as 200mg-600mg daily for many months/years can increase the risk of neuropathy in the mother.

Will Plan B affect my baby?

Plan B is NOT the same as RU-486 (the abortion pill). Plan B is not effective after pregnancy has occurred and cannot interrupt it. Plan B won’t harm a developing fetus. If Plan B is taken mistakenly during pregnancy, it will not harm the developing fetus.

What are the odds of getting pregnant while breastfeeding?

If you follow the rules laid out in the LAM method — exclusive breastfeeding of an infant younger than 6 months old before your period comes back — you have less than a 5 percent chance of getting pregnant.

Is too much B12 bad for 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.

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.

What does vitamin B do to the breast?

Studies have shown that higher serum B vitamins can reduce the risk of breast cancer [38, 39], and some studies support that the higher the serum B vitamin level, the higher the risk of breast cancer [51]; There are also studies that indicate that there is no relationship between B vitamins and breast cancer risk [52, …

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.

Leave a Comment