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How much B6 should I take to stop lactation?

Understanding Vitamin B6 and Lactation
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a crucial nutrient that plays various roles in the body, including supporting metabolism and the production of neurotransmitters. For nursing mothers, the relationship between Vitamin B6 and lactation is particularly interesting, as it can influence milk production.
Recommended Intake During Lactation
The recommended daily intake of Vitamin B6 for lactating women is generally around 2 mg. This amount is considered sufficient to meet the nutritional needs of both the mother and the infant, as maternal supplementation can increase the levels of B6 in breast milk in a dose-dependent manner. However, when it comes to reducing or stopping lactation, the situation becomes more nuanced.
B6 and Milk Production
Some anecdotal evidence suggests that higher doses of Vitamin B6 may help in reducing milk supply. For instance, a common recommendation is to take 100 mg of Vitamin B6 daily to assist in drying up breast milk. This approach is often mentioned alongside other methods such as using cabbage leaf compresses and sage tea, which are also believed to help reduce lactation.
However, it is essential to approach this method with caution. While some mothers report success with higher doses, the scientific backing for using Vitamin B6 specifically to stop lactation is limited. The effects can vary significantly from person to person, and what works for one individual may not work for another.
Safety Considerations
Before considering high doses of Vitamin B6, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. Excessive intake of Vitamin B6 can lead to toxicity, with symptoms including nerve damage and other health issues. Therefore, while some sources suggest that taking around 100 mg may help in reducing milk supply, it is vital to ensure that this approach is safe and appropriate for your specific situation.
Conclusion
In summary, while the standard recommendation for lactating women is 2 mg of Vitamin B6, some anecdotal evidence suggests that higher doses, such as 100 mg, may assist in stopping lactation. However, due to the potential risks associated with high doses, it is essential to seek medical advice before making any changes to your vitamin intake. Always prioritize safety and individual health needs when considering supplementation.

What is a toxic level of B6?

(Pyridoxine Toxicity)
Vitamin B6 toxicity may be caused by ingestion of megadoses (> 500 mg/day) of pyridoxine. Toxicity may cause peripheral neuropathy.

How much B6 is safe while breastfeeding?

How much vitamin B6 do I need?

Life Stage Recommended Amount
Adults 51+ years (men) 1.7 mg
Adults 51+ years (women) 1.5 mg
Pregnant teens and women 1.9 mg
Breastfeeding teens and women 2.0 mg

How do I dry up breast milk asap?

Tips for Drying Up Your Breast Milk

  1. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen.
  2. Put cold packs on your breasts.
  3. Use cold cabbage leaves (wash fresh cabbage and refrigerate; pull off one leaf at a time and lay them over your breasts; keep the leaves on your skin until they get soft).

How to stop breastfeeding quickly?

Suppressing milk supply after weeks or months of breastfeeding

  1. Start by expressing as many times as you had been breastfeeding, or less depending on your own comfort.
  2. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you express each time and/or drop one expression every 3 to 4 days.
  3. When you are ready, simply stop expressing.

How much B6 can I safely take a day?

Based on systematic reviews that examined associations between vitamin B6 and peripheral neuropathy, the panel set an upper limit for vitamin B6 of 12 mg/day for all adults, including those who are pregnant or lactating, with lower amounts ranging from 2.2 to 10.7 mg/day for infants and children, depending on age.

Is 50mg of B6 too much?

Taking vitamin B6 in doses of 100 mg daily or less is generally considered to be safe. Vitamin B6 is possibly safe when taken in doses of 101-200 mg daily. In some people, vitamin B6 might cause nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, headache, and other side effects.

How much vitamin B6 to dry up breast milk?

High doses of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) may inhibit the body’s production of plasma prolactin. Prolactin aids in the production of breast milk. At a dose of 200mg three times a day Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) may decrease milk production thereby stopping lactation.

Is it OK to take 1000 mcg of B6?

Larger doses have been used in some studies. But you should not take doses above 100 mg per day without a doctor’s supervision. Large doses of B6 may cause nerve damage.

How quickly does B6 work for morning sickness?

Taking a supplement of vitamin B6 (10 mg 3-4 times daily) may be helpful, although it can take up to a week to experience results.

Is 100 mg of B6 too much for pregnancy?

There has been no sign of harm to the fetus with vitamin B6 use. A typical dose of vitamin B6 for morning sickness is 10 mg to 25 mg, 3 times a day. Talk to your doctor or midwife before you take vitamin B6 for morning sickness. Don’t take more than 200 mg a day without talking with your doctor or midwife.

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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