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Can I take vitamin D3 while breastfeeding?

Can I Take Vitamin D3 While Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding mothers often have questions about their nutritional needs and how these may affect their infants. One common inquiry revolves around the safety and necessity of taking vitamin D3 during lactation.
The Importance of Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health and preventing conditions such as rickets in infants. It aids in calcium absorption and is essential for overall growth and development. Given that breast milk typically contains insufficient levels of vitamin D, especially for exclusively breastfed infants, supplementation becomes a significant consideration.
Safety of Vitamin D3 Supplementation
Research indicates that taking vitamin D3 while breastfeeding is generally safe. Studies have shown that mothers can take higher doses of vitamin D3 without adverse effects. For instance, a randomized controlled trial demonstrated that mothers taking 6,400 IU of vitamin D3 daily significantly increased their serum vitamin D levels, which in turn provided adequate amounts to their nursing infants through breast milk.
The consensus among health experts is that breastfeeding mothers can safely consume vitamin D3 supplements in doses up to 4,000 IU per day. This level of supplementation is considered effective in ensuring that both the mother and the infant maintain adequate vitamin D levels.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding Mothers
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends that breastfeeding infants receive vitamin D supplementation starting shortly after birth, typically in doses of 10–20 mcg (400–800 IU) per day. This is particularly important for infants who are exclusively breastfed, as they are at a higher risk of developing vitamin D deficiency compared to formula-fed infants.
For mothers who are concerned about their vitamin D levels, monitoring is advisable, especially if they are taking higher doses. While doses of 6,400 IU have been shown to be safe, it is essential for mothers to consult with healthcare providers to tailor supplementation to their specific needs and circumstances.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can safely take vitamin D3 supplements, with many experts recommending doses up to 4,000 IU per day. This not only supports the mother’s health but also ensures that the infant receives adequate vitamin D through breast milk. As always, it is best for mothers to discuss their supplementation plans with a healthcare professional to ensure both their health and that of their baby are optimally supported.

Who should not take vitamin D3?

Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

Is vitamin D3 safe during pregnancy?

All pregnant women should be supplemented with 600 IU/day of vitamin D3. We discuss evidence indicating that higher vitamin D doses (1000-4000 IU/day) may be convenient to achieve better maternal and infant outcomes.

What are signs of low vitamin D?

What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?

  • Muscle pain.
  • Bone pain.
  • Increased sensitivity to pain.
  • A tingly, “pins-and-needles” sensation in the hands or feet.
  • Muscle weakness in body parts near the trunk of the body, such as the upper arms or thighs.
  • Waddling while walking, due to muscle weakness in the hips or legs.

How much vitamin D3 is safe while breastfeeding?

340 to 400 units daily
The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) recommends vitamin D supplementation for all those who are breastfeeding. The recommended dose is 340 to 400 units daily. Vitamin D is synthesised through skin exposed to the sun. It can also be obtained from some foods such as oily fish and fortified cereals.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘OgpoZ-KuNqWm1fIPiZ7A8Ao__19′,’

Is too much vitamin D3 bad for baby?

Too much vitamin D can have serious, life-threatening consequences for the health of young children. To limit risks, we are reiterating our recommendations on the vitamin D supplementation of infants. Vitamin D is essential for bone growth in children.

Does vitamin d3 help with breast?

Scientists believe vitamin D may play a crucial role in moderating breast cell growth, specifically stopping the growth of cancer cells. Learn more about how vitamin D benefits breast health and how to get it.

Can I take vitamin D3 supplement while breastfeeding?

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Niacin is likely safe when taken by mouth while pregnant and breast-feeding. The maximum recommended amount of niacin while pregnant or breast-feeding is 30 mg daily in those under 18 years of age, and 35 mg daily for those 19 years and older.

What vitamins are low in breastfeeding mothers?

Your vitamin B12 requirements increase while breastfeeding. If you’re deficient, it might affect the quality of your breast milk and affect your baby’s levels — this can affect their brain development. If you don’t eat meat or dairy, you’re at higher risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency.

What vitamins cannot 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.

Is vitamin D3 the same as vitamin D?

There are quite a few differences between vitamin D and vitamin D3, but the main difference between them is that vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates calcium and phosphorous levels in the body, whereas the vitamin D3 is the natural form of vitamin D produced by the body from sunlight.

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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