Does vitamin B12 affect breast milk?

The Impact of Vitamin B12 on Breast Milk
Vitamin B12, an essential nutrient primarily found in animal products, plays a crucial role in the health of both breastfeeding mothers and their infants. Its influence on breast milk composition is significant, particularly in the context of maternal dietary intake and nutritional status.
Maternal Deficiency and Infant Health
Research indicates that if a breastfeeding mother is deficient in vitamin B12, her infant is at risk of developing a deficiency as well. This is particularly concerning because vitamin B12 is vital for infant development, affecting neurological function and overall growth. Infants rely on their mothers to provide adequate levels of this nutrient through breast milk, which means that maternal dietary choices can directly impact their health.
Breast Milk Concentrations of Vitamin B12
The concentration of vitamin B12 in breast milk is closely linked to the mother’s dietary intake and her own vitamin B12 status. Studies have shown that mothers who are supplemented with vitamin B12 have significantly higher levels of this nutrient in their breast milk compared to those who are not supplemented. For instance, a study found that vitamin B12 concentrations in the milk of supplemented mothers were markedly higher than those in the milk of mothers who received a placebo. This suggests that adequate supplementation during pregnancy and lactation is essential for ensuring that breast milk contains sufficient levels of vitamin B12.
Supplementation Recommendations
For breastfeeding mothers, particularly those who may be at risk of deficiency—such as vegans or vegetarians—higher doses of vitamin B12 (ranging from 50 to 250 mcg daily) are recommended to ensure that breast milk levels are adequate. Lower doses, typically found in prenatal vitamins, may not significantly increase milk levels. This is critical because infants who are exclusively breastfed may not receive enough vitamin B12 if their mothers are deficient, leading to potential developmental issues.
Variability in Breast Milk Composition
The vitamin B12 content in breast milk can vary significantly among women, influenced by factors such as maternal diet and nutritional status. For example, a study highlighted that the nutritional profile of human milk differs based on whether the mother follows a vegan, vegetarian, or non-vegetarian diet. This variability underscores the importance of tailored nutritional guidance for breastfeeding mothers to ensure optimal infant health.
Conclusion
In summary, vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient that significantly affects breast milk composition. Maternal deficiency can lead to inadequate levels in breast milk, posing risks to infant health. Therefore, it is essential for breastfeeding mothers to be aware of their vitamin B12 status and consider appropriate dietary adjustments or supplementation to support both their health and that of their infants. Ensuring adequate vitamin B12 levels during lactation is not just a matter of personal health; it is a critical factor in the healthy development of the next generation.

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 vitamin deficiencies cause low milk supply?

Deficiencies in certain key nutrients can also play a role in low milk supply. Many in the United States are low in iron, putting breastfeeding parents at risk for exhaustion and depression. Low iron levels are also a risk factor. Mothers may be low in other important nutrients as well: vitamins D and B12.

What vitamins decrease breast milk?

Top 5 food / drinks to avoid if you have a low milk supply:

• Carbonated beverages.
• Caffeine – coffee, black tea, green tea, etc.
• Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.)

What vitamins decrease milk supply?

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.

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency in babies?

Symptoms and signs of vitamin B12 deficiency appear between 2 to 12 months and include vomiting, lethargy, failure to thrive, hypotonia, and arrest or regression of developmental skills. Treatment with vitamin B12 corrects these metabolic abnormalities very rapidly within a few days.

Which vitamin decrease milk supply?

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.

Can a breastfeeding mom take vitamin B12?

There is a scarcity of research on the effects of oral supplementation of Vitamin B12 during lactation, however the recommended dietary amount of Vitamin B12 for lactating women is 2.8 mcg.

Which vitamin is most deficient in breast milk?

While breast milk is highly nutritive, containing important immunological and growth factors, scientific investigation reveals a few short-falls. Overall, human breast milk has been found to be low in certain nutrients in developed countries: vitamin D, iodine, iron, and vitamin K.

Does vitamin B reduce breast milk?

There is some evidence that high doses of B6 (600 mg/day) can cause suppression of lactation. While the body of evidence is not robust, because B6 levels in milk are easily impacted, do not advise mothers to avoid pyridoxine.