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Does magnesium get passed through breast milk?

Does Magnesium Get Passed Through Breast Milk?
The question of whether magnesium is passed through breast milk is an important one for nursing mothers concerned about their own health and that of their infants. Research indicates that magnesium does indeed transfer into breast milk, albeit in relatively small amounts.
Magnesium Levels in Breast Milk
Studies have shown that breast milk contains an average of 3 mg of magnesium per 100 ml. This concentration remains fairly stable throughout the lactation period, with typical levels ranging from 1.27 to 1.40 mmol/l (approximately 3.1 to 3.4 mg per 100 ml). This means that while magnesium is present in breast milk, the amounts are modest and consistent, ensuring that breastfeeding infants receive some of this essential mineral.
Maternal Intake and Its Impact
Interestingly, the concentration of magnesium in breast milk does not appear to be significantly influenced by the mother’s dietary intake of magnesium. Instead, if a mother’s magnesium levels are low, her body prioritizes the needs of the infant, potentially at the expense of the mother’s own health, particularly her bone health. This highlights the importance of adequate magnesium intake for nursing mothers, as it supports both their well-being and that of their babies.
Safety of Magnesium Supplementation
For mothers considering magnesium supplementation while breastfeeding, the consensus is reassuring. It is generally regarded as safe to take magnesium supplements during this period. In fact, many health experts encourage it to help prevent magnesium deficiency, which can lead to various health issues for both mother and child.
Moreover, the absorption of magnesium by infants from breast milk is relatively poor, meaning that even if a mother receives magnesium therapy, it is unlikely to significantly affect the infant’s serum magnesium levels. This further supports the notion that magnesium supplementation is safe and beneficial for breastfeeding mothers.
Conclusion
In summary, magnesium does pass into breast milk, providing essential nutrients to infants while also being crucial for the health of nursing mothers. With average concentrations of about 3 mg per 100 ml, it is vital for mothers to maintain adequate magnesium levels through diet or supplementation to support their health and that of their babies.

Does magnesium sulfate affect baby?

Side effects in babies
Mag should not be given for longer than five to seven days during pregnancy, as long-term mag therapy can cause low calcium in a baby’s bones.

Does magnesium affect baby?

Magnesium supplementation during pregnancy may be able to reduce growth restriction of the fetus and pre‐eclampsia (high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy), and increase birthweight.

Does magnesium affect breasts?

In our study, doubling of magnesium is associated with greater breast density, which could be a reflection of estradiol effects on breast tissue, magnesium reabsorption, and subsequent effects of the latter on normal cell proliferation (13).

Is magnesium safe postpartum?

In order to decrease the risk of eclampsia, magnesium sulfate is administered to women with pre-eclampsia with severe features through continuous intravenous (IV) infusion or intramuscular (IM) injections intrapartum, and may be continued postpartum.

Can you take magnesium while breastfeeding NHS?

Magnesium is a natural component of breast milk and does not accumulate in breast milk; low levels are anticipated in milk due to the medicine’s properties. Magnesium has poor oral bioavailability so any present in breast milk is unlikely to be absorbed by the breastfed infant.

Does magnesium transfer to breast milk?

Furthermore, breastfed babies are less likely to develop allergies, diabetes or obesity. During breastfeeding, mothers pass some magnesium on to their babies – an average of 3 mg of magnesium per 100 ml of breast milk. This is why it is important to ensure an adequate supply of magnesium even after giving birth.

What vitamins should I avoid when 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.

What vitamins pass through breast milk?

They were kind enough to respond with a very firm yes. It is fine to add vitamins to your breast milk It turns out, according to the Pediatric Clinicians of North America, while mom’s mammary milk is rich in so much, it is mostly fat and sugar, so it doesn’t adversely affect the absorption of the nutrients.

Can you take magnesium while breastfeeding on your period?

Although there is no research to support this suggestion, some nursing parents find it helpful to take a supplement of between 500 mg calcium/250 mg magnesium and 1000 mg calcium/500 mg magnesium for three days before their period until three days after their period starts (Marasco & West; 2020).

Does magnesium sulfate pass into breast milk?

Intrapartum magnesium sulfate treatment increases breast milk/colostrum magnesium levels significantly for only 24 hours after discontinuation of the infusion. After 24 hours, milk magnesium levels are the same as those of control subjects.

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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