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Is calcium carbonate safe during breastfeeding?

Understanding Calcium Carbonate Safety During Breastfeeding
Calcium carbonate is a widely used supplement, particularly for its role in providing essential calcium, which is crucial for bone health. For breastfeeding mothers, the question of safety regarding calcium carbonate supplementation is a common concern.
General Safety Profile
Research indicates that calcium carbonate is generally considered safe for use during breastfeeding. According to various health sources, including the World Health Organization, calcium carbonate is compatible with breastfeeding, and there are no significant precautions or risks associated with its use in nursing mothers. This aligns with findings from health organizations that suggest the risk of adverse effects from calcium carbonate at recommended doses is low.
Recommended Dosage
For breastfeeding women aged 19 and older, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for calcium is 1,000 mg per day, with an upper limit of 2,500 mg. This guideline underscores the importance of adequate calcium intake during lactation, as breastfeeding can deplete a mother’s calcium stores. Calcium carbonate can effectively help meet these nutritional needs, especially for those who may not get enough calcium from their diet.
Absorption and Impact on Infants
Experts have noted that the additional intake of calcium from supplements like calcium carbonate is unlikely to exceed the levels found in other infant foods. This suggests that the calcium consumed by breastfeeding mothers does not pose a risk of excessive exposure to their infants. Furthermore, the use of calcium carbonate as an antacid is also deemed acceptable during breastfeeding, with no significant risks reported.
Consultation with Healthcare Providers
While the general consensus supports the safety of calcium carbonate during breastfeeding, it is always advisable for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any new supplement. Individual health circumstances can vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on a mother’s specific health needs and dietary intake.
In summary, calcium carbonate is recognized as a safe option for breastfeeding mothers, helping to ensure they meet their calcium requirements without posing risks to their infants. As always, maintaining open communication with healthcare providers is key to making informed health decisions during this critical period.

Is calcium carbonate safe for breastfeeding?

Calcium carbonate Breastfeeding Warnings
Use is considered acceptable. Comments: This drug has been used without apparent harmful effects in the nursing infant. Calcium is normally excreted in human milk.

Who should avoid calcium carbonate?

Kidney disease. Stomach bleeding, obstruction or ulcer. An unusual or allergic reaction to calcium carbonate, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives. Pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Are Tums and calcium carbonate the same thing?

Tums®, Alka-Seltzer® and Rolaids® are brands of antacids made of calcium carbonate. This medication treats heartburn, indigestion and an upset stomach caused by too much stomach acid. It works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. You can take this medication by mouth.

What supplements should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Dietary Supplements and Herbs to Avoid When Breastfeeding

  • Answer: Certain herbals, high dose vitamins, and other dietary supplements can be dangerous to breastfed babies through breast milk.
  • Aloe latex.
  • Ashwagandha.
  • Berberine/goldenseal.
  • Bilberry.
  • Black cohosh.
  • Butterbur.
  • Dong quai.

What is calcium carbonate nursing considerations?

Let’s take a look at some important nursing considerations. Hemodynamics must be monitored with the administration of calcium carbonate as hypotension, bradycardia, and arrhythmias can occur. Keep in mind that hypercalcemia can occur with calcium carbonate, which can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.

What can I take for acid reflux while breastfeeding?

If these measures are insufficient, a histamine H2-blocker or PPI can be used. Famotidine appears to be the best H2-blocker for use during lactation. Information on PPIs during breastfeeding is limited to omeprazole and pantoprazole, so they are preferred.

What antacids are safe while breastfeeding?

Antacid and alginate preparations
Alginates and simeticone are also considered acceptable for use during breastfeeding.

What is the difference between calcium citrate and calcium carbonate?

Calcium citrate supplements are absorbed more easily than calcium carbonate. They can be taken on an empty stomach and are more readily absorbed by people who take acid-reducing heartburn medications. But because calcium citrate is only 21% calcium, you may need to take more tablets to get your daily requirement.

Is it OK to take calcium supplement while breastfeeding?

The amounts of calcium that women need do not change when they are pregnant or nursing. The recommended amount for teen girls age 14 to 18 is 1,300 mg a day. Women who are older than age 18 should get 1,000 mg of calcium a day.

Is calcium carbonate ok during pregnancy?

When used as directed and within the recommended amounts, taking calcium carbonate is not expected to increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth).

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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