Can you take too much vitamin C while breastfeeding?

Understanding Vitamin C Intake While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often have questions about their nutritional needs, particularly regarding vitamin supplementation. One common concern is whether it is possible to take too much vitamin C while nursing.
Recommended Intake
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including tissue repair and iron absorption. For lactating women, the recommended daily intake of vitamin C is 120 mg. This amount can typically be achieved through a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers.
Safety of High Doses
Research indicates that while high doses of vitamin C—up to 1000 mg daily—can increase the levels of vitamin C in breast milk, they do not pose a significant health risk to the breastfeeding infant. This is reassuring for mothers who may be considering higher doses for various health reasons, such as boosting immunity or combating fatigue.
However, it is essential to note that excessive intake of vitamin C can lead to gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea or stomach cramps, particularly if consumed in very high amounts. Therefore, while the body can generally handle increased levels of this vitamin, moderation is key.
Potential Effects on Infants
The presence of vitamin C in breast milk is beneficial for infants, as it acts as a vital antioxidant and supports their overall health. Infants typically require about 40 mg of vitamin C daily, which they can receive through breast milk. Given that high doses in the mother do not significantly alter the safety profile for the baby, breastfeeding mothers can feel confident in their vitamin C intake as long as it remains within reasonable limits.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can safely take vitamin C, and while higher doses are generally not harmful, they should be approached with caution to avoid potential side effects. Maintaining a balanced diet that meets the recommended intake is usually sufficient for both mother and baby, ensuring that both receive the necessary nutrients for optimal health.

What decreases milk supply?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

• Smoking or drinking.
• Some medicines and herbs.
• Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
• Nursing or pumping less often.
• Getting sick.
• Feeling stressed.
• Getting pregnant again.

How much vitamin C can you take nursing?

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].

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.

Is too much vitamin C bad when 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.

Can too much vitamin C affect a baby?

However, based on the studies reviewed, vitamin C intake below the RDA or at doses higher than the UL is not known to increase the chance for birth defects.

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.

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.

Can I take 1000mg of vitamin C while pregnant?

You can easily get the vitamin C you need from fruits and vegetables, and your prenatal vitamins also contain vitamin C. It’s not a good idea to take large doses of vitamin C when you’re pregnant. The maximum daily amount that’s considered safe is 1800 mg for women 18 and younger and 2000 mg for women 19 and over.

Is 1000mg of vitamin C too much?

The recommended daily amount for vitamin C is 75 milligrams (mg) a day for women and 90 mg a day for men. During pregnancy, 120 mg a day are recommended. The upper limit for all adults is 2,000 mg a day.