Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » Can you take vitamin C while breastfeeding?

Can you take vitamin C while breastfeeding?

The Role of Vitamin C During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a critical period for both mothers and infants, and nutrition plays a vital role in ensuring the health of both. One essential nutrient that often comes into focus is vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. This water-soluble vitamin is not only crucial for the mother’s health but also significantly benefits the nursing infant.
Recommended Intake
For breastfeeding mothers, the recommended daily intake of vitamin C is 120 mg. This amount is necessary to support the increased nutritional demands during lactation. Infants, particularly those under six months, require about 40 mg of vitamin C daily, which they can obtain through breast milk.
Benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C serves multiple functions that are beneficial during breastfeeding. It acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage and supporting tissue repair. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in enhancing iron absorption, which is particularly important for mothers who may be recovering from blood loss during childbirth.
Moreover, vitamin C is a natural component of human milk, which means that when mothers consume adequate amounts, they can ensure that their infants receive this vital nutrient through breastfeeding.
Safety and Supplementation
The question of safety often arises when discussing vitamin supplementation during breastfeeding. Experts agree that it is safe for nursing mothers to take vitamin C supplements. In fact, high doses of vitamin C, up to 1000 mg daily, can increase the levels of vitamin C in breast milk without posing health risks to the infant. However, it is generally recommended that mothers aim to meet their vitamin C needs through a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers.
Conclusion
In summary, taking vitamin C while breastfeeding is not only safe but also beneficial for both mother and child. Ensuring an adequate intake of this essential nutrient can support the health of the nursing mother and provide critical benefits to the developing infant. As always, it is advisable for mothers to consult with healthcare providers before starting any new supplements to tailor their nutritional needs effectively.

Is vitamin C serum breastfeeding safe?

Can you use a Vitamin C serum while breastfeeding? You sure can! Incorporate some Vitamin C into your skincare regime, such as Aspect Dr Active C serum. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that stabilises free-radicals (unstable molecules that inflame the skin), improving dryness, collagen damage, fine lines and wrinkles.

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.

Can breastfeeding mothers use vitamin C serum?

Can you use a Vitamin C serum while breastfeeding? You sure can! Incorporate some Vitamin C into your skincare regime, such as Aspect Dr Active C serum. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that stabilises free-radicals (unstable molecules that inflame the skin), improving dryness, collagen damage, fine lines and wrinkles.

Is too much vitamin C bad for baby?

Supplementing with vitamin C is unnecessary for most healthy babies and could increase their risk of developing symptoms associated with vitamin C toxicity. Possible side effects associated with overconsumption of vitamin C include kidney stones, nausea, and diarrhea ( 3 ).

Is Emergen C vitamin C safe 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.

What vitamins should not be taken 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.

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 vitamin dries up breast milk?

PIP: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) is contained in most prenatal and multivitamin preparations. Available research states that pyridoxine blocks lactation and inhibits the secretion of breast milk in nursing mothers by suppressing the normally elevated prolactin hormone levels encountered during puerperium.

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].

Can I take vitamin C supplements while breastfeeding?

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.

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