Does vitamin C get transferred through breast milk?

The Transfer of Vitamin C Through Breast Milk
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, plays a crucial role in the health of both mothers and their breastfeeding infants. Research indicates that vitamin C is indeed transferred through breast milk, making it an essential nutrient for nursing mothers to consider.
Vitamin C Levels in Breast Milk
Breast milk naturally contains vitamin C, which serves as a significant antioxidant. The concentration of vitamin C in breast milk can vary based on the mother’s dietary intake. The recommended daily intake for lactating women is 120 mg, while infants aged six months or younger require about 40 mg daily. Interestingly, studies have shown that higher maternal intake—up to 1000 mg daily—can increase the levels of vitamin C in breast milk, although this does not pose any health risks to the mother or child.
Benefits for Infants
The presence of vitamin C in breast milk is not just a matter of nutrition; it also has protective health benefits. Research suggests that adequate levels of vitamin C in breast milk may help reduce the risk of atopy, a type of allergic condition, in infants. This protective effect is attributed to the antioxidant properties of vitamin C, which can bolster the infant’s immune system during a critical period of development.
Maternal Considerations
For breastfeeding mothers, ensuring sufficient vitamin C intake is vital. While the body can absorb and utilize vitamin C effectively, the benefits of supplementation should be approached with caution. High doses of vitamin C may not significantly enhance the health benefits for the infant beyond what is naturally present in breast milk. Therefore, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which are natural sources of vitamin C, is generally recommended.
Conclusion
In summary, vitamin C is a key component of breast milk, contributing to the nutritional needs of infants and offering protective health benefits. Lactating mothers should aim for the recommended daily intake to ensure that their breast milk contains adequate levels of this essential vitamin, supporting both their health and that of their baby.

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 vitamins should you 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.

Does emergen C pass through breast milk?

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. This medication passes into breast milk.

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.

Can I use retinol and vitamin C while breastfeeding?

Retinol is not safe for use by breastfeeding moms because it can be absorbed into your bloodstream through your skin – and if Retinol does pass into your bloodstream, from there it can also pass into your breast milk. This means that your baby could potentially ingest Retinol through your breast milk.

What is the effect of vitamin C on breast?

Although selected studies have found that women who consume higher amounts of vitamin C have a lower risk of breast cancer, research in general has not shown a strong connection.

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.

Can anything be passed through breast milk?

Three viruses (CMV, HIV, and HTLV-I) frequently cause infection or disease as a result of breast-milk transmission.

Can vitamins be passed through breast milk?

Vitamin B12 is transferred through the placenta to the fetus during pregnancy and through breast milk after birth. Infants will receive enough vitamin B12 if they: Drink breast milk from a mother who consumes adequate amounts of vitamin B12.

Does vitamin C transfer through breast milk?

Vitamins vary in their ability to transfer into breastmilk. Fat soluble vitamins, such as vitamin D and E, easily transfer into breastmilk and reliably increase their levels. Water soluble vitamins, such as B and C are more variable in their transmission into breastmilk.