How much magnesium and calcium should I take while breastfeeding?

Recommended Intake of Magnesium and Calcium While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often have specific nutritional needs to support both their health and the development of their infants. Among the essential minerals, magnesium and calcium play crucial roles.
Calcium Requirements
For breastfeeding mothers, the recommended daily intake of calcium is 1,300 milligrams. This higher requirement is necessary to support the increased calcium needs of both the mother and the nursing infant. Calcium is vital for the development of the baby’s bones and teeth, and it also helps maintain the mother’s bone density during this demanding period.
Magnesium Requirements
While specific guidelines for magnesium intake during breastfeeding are less frequently discussed, it is generally recommended that breastfeeding women aim for about 350 to 400 milligrams of magnesium per day. Magnesium is essential for numerous bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and bone health. It also plays a role in energy production and protein synthesis.
Safety and Absorption
When considering magnesium supplementation, it’s important to note that oral absorption of magnesium by infants is poor, meaning that maternal magnesium intake is unlikely to significantly affect the infant’s serum magnesium levels. This suggests that breastfeeding mothers can safely take magnesium supplements if needed, but they should consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage and form of magnesium that suits their individual health needs.
Moreover, it is often recommended that calcium supplements be taken in conjunction with magnesium in a 2:1 ratio to enhance absorption and utilization in the body. This means that if a mother is taking calcium supplements, she should also consider her magnesium intake to ensure a balanced approach.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers should aim for 1,300 mg of calcium and 350 to 400 mg of magnesium daily to support their health and that of their infants. As always, it is advisable for mothers to discuss their specific nutritional needs with a healthcare professional to tailor their intake based on personal health conditions and dietary habits.

Can a breastfeeding mom take calcium supplements?

Studies indicate that calcium consumption should be encouraged, especially during pregnancy and lactation, to replace maternal skeletal calcium stores that are depleted during these periods.

How can I get 1200 mg of calcium a day from food?

Calcium and diet

1. Dairy products, such as cheese, milk and yogurt.
2. Dark green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli and kale.
3. Fish with edible soft bones, such as sardines and canned salmon.
4. Calcium-fortified foods and beverages, such as soy products, cereal and fruit juices, and milk substitutes.

What are the symptoms of low calcium while breastfeeding?

Muscle Cramps and Weakness. Lactating mothers experiencing unexplained muscle cramps or weakness may be exhibiting early signs of calcium deficiency.

How much calcium and magnesium should I take while breastfeeding?

The recommended calcium supplement dosage is between 500 mg calcium/250 mg magnesium and 1500 mg calcium/750 mg magnesium (the higher dosage is generally more effective).

How much calcium do you need a day when lactating?

The daily recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for calcium in pregnancy and lactation is 1200 mg per day.

Why does a breastfeeding woman need 1300 mg of calcium?

Calcium is among the most important minerals in your diet. Your body stores of calcium (primarily from your bones) supply much of the calcium in your breast milk to meet your baby’s calcium needs. Studies show that women lose 3 to 5 percent of their bone mass when they are breastfeeding.

Can you take too much magnesium when breastfeeding?

Can I take magnesium while breastfeeding? Yes! Magnesium also doesn’t cross over into milk very well, so your baby doesn’t get too much magnesium from your supplement (plus, your baby’s digestive system doesn’t absorb it well anyways).

What is the ratio of calcium-to-magnesium in milk?

around 12-to-1
(4) In short, dairy has a calcium-to-magnesium ratio of around 12-to-1, which is the highest of any food we eat. So, drinking milk regularly may help you meet the RDAs for calcium, but it is only going to push this critical ratio into more unhealthy ranges.

Is calcium magnesium safe while breastfeeding?

While it’s worth paying attention to make sure you’re getting enough of nutrients like calcium, folic acid, magnesium, vitamin B12 and DHA while breastfeeding, supplements aren’t a must for everyone. Breastfeeding women, like all people, should aim to meet their nutritional needs primarily through healthy food choices.

What vitamins should I avoid 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.