Can you use zinc while breastfeeding?

Understanding Zinc Use During Breastfeeding
As new mothers navigate the complexities of breastfeeding, one common concern is the safety and necessity of taking zinc supplements. Zinc is an essential trace element that plays a crucial role in numerous biological processes, including immune function and cellular metabolism. Its importance extends to breastfeeding, where it not only supports maternal health but also contributes to the nutritional needs of the infant.
Is Zinc Safe While Breastfeeding?
The short answer is yes, taking zinc while breastfeeding is generally considered safe for both mothers and their babies when consumed in normal amounts. Research indicates that typical daily doses of zinc, particularly those around 15 mg or less, do not significantly alter the zinc levels in breast milk . This means that mothers can safely include zinc supplements or multivitamins containing zinc in their diets without worrying about adverse effects on their milk composition.
Zinc in Breast Milk
Zinc is a natural component of human breast milk, essential for the growth and development of infants. It is particularly vital for exclusively breastfed infants, as breast milk serves as their primary source of zinc during the first months of life. Studies have shown that the zinc content in breast milk can be influenced by the mother’s dietary intake. A diet rich in zinc and iron can enhance the concentration of these minerals in breast milk, thereby benefiting the nursing infant.
Recommended Intake
For breastfeeding mothers, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for zinc is different from that during pregnancy. It is crucial for mothers to ensure they meet these nutritional needs to support both their health and that of their child. While supplementation can be beneficial, it is essential to adhere to recommended dosages to avoid excessive intake, which could lead to adverse effects.
Conclusion
In summary, zinc is not only safe to use while breastfeeding but also plays a significant role in ensuring both maternal and infant health. Mothers should focus on maintaining a balanced diet that includes adequate zinc levels, and if necessary, consider supplementation under the guidance of a healthcare provider. This approach will help ensure that both mother and baby receive the essential nutrients needed during this critical period of development.

Do breastfed babies need zinc?

The zinc content of breast milk is high for the first six months, but declines after six months, which is why breastfed babies must depend on zinc-rich foods when they begin eating complementary foods.

Can I take vitamin C and zinc while breastfeeding?

Most mineral supplements (e.g., iron, calcium, copper, chromium, zinc) taken by the mother do not affect breastmilk levels. Water soluble vitamin supplements (e.g., B vitamins, vitamin C) taken by the mother usually increase breastmilk levels.

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.

How does zinc affect babies?

Zinc is important for cellular growth, cellular differentiation and metabolism and deficiency limits childhood growth and decreases resistance to infections. Although severe zinc deficiency is rare in humans, mild to moderate deficiency may be common worldwide.

What vitamins stop breastfeeding?

If you haven’t nursed your infant yet, high doses of vitamins B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin) may work to suppress lactation. 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.

Is zinc supplement safe while breastfeeding?

Zinc is a normal component in human milk. Typical daily doses of 15 mg or less of oral zinc from prenatal vitamins or other multimineral supplements do not alter milk zinc levels in lactating women. Mothers may therefore take zinc supplementation during lactation to achieve the recommended daily intake of 12 to 13 mg.

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.

Can I use zinc oxide while breastfeeding?

Generally speaking, the safest sunscreen ingredients for breastfeeding and expecting mothers are titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, as these are the only two GRASE (Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective) ingredients the FDA currently recognizes for sunscreen use.

Does zinc interact with milk?

Milk has been suggested to increase zinc absorption. The effect of processing and the ability of milk to enhance zinc absorption from other foods has not been measured directly in humans.

Why avoid vitamin C while breastfeeding?

Although prolonged high doses can cause neuropathy in the mother, no negative effects have been reported in infants. 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.