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Is Emergen-C okay to take while breastfeeding?

Is Emergen-C Safe While Breastfeeding?
For nursing mothers, maintaining optimal health is crucial, especially during cold and flu season. Many may wonder whether taking supplements like Emergen-C is a safe choice while breastfeeding. The consensus among health experts is that Emergen-C is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, but there are important considerations to keep in mind.
Understanding Emergen-C
Emergen-C is a popular dietary supplement that primarily contains vitamin C, along with other vitamins and minerals. It is often marketed as an immune booster, which can be particularly appealing to new mothers who may feel more susceptible to illness while breastfeeding.
Safety and Dosage
Research indicates that high doses of vitamin C, up to 1000 mg, can increase the levels of vitamin C in breast milk. However, this increase is not significant enough to pose any health risks to breastfed infants. This means that while nursing mothers can benefit from the immune support that Emergen-C offers, they should be mindful of their overall vitamin and mineral intake.
Experts recommend that breastfeeding mothers stay within the established upper limits for vitamins and minerals to avoid potential side effects for both themselves and their babies. Therefore, moderation is key.
Consultation with Healthcare Providers
While the general advice is reassuring, it is always prudent for nursing mothers to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, including Emergen-C. This is particularly important for those with underlying health conditions or those taking other medications, as interactions can occur.
Conclusion
In summary, Emergen-C can be a safe option for breastfeeding mothers looking to support their immune health, provided they adhere to recommended dosages and consult with their healthcare provider. As always, prioritizing a balanced diet and staying hydrated are fundamental components of maintaining health during this critical time.

Can I take 1000mg of vitamin C when pregnant?

You can easily get the vitamin C you need from fruits and vegetables, and your prenatal vitamins also contain vitamin C. It’s not a good idea to take large doses of vitamin C when you’re pregnant. The maximum daily amount that’s considered safe is 1800 mg for women 18 and younger and 2000 mg for women 19 and over.

Which emergency pill is safe during breastfeeding?

Studies indicate that levonorgestrel does not affect the composition or amount of breastmilk, or the growth and development of the breastfed infant. 6 Levonorgestrel is the same hormone found in the “Mini Pill”, which is considered the oral contraceptive of choice for breastfeeding mothers.

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 you use Emergen-C when breastfeeding?

The restrictions are slightly more lax for nursing mothers, though there are things to know there, too. According to the Drugs and Lactation Database , you can take a high daily dose of 1,000 milligrams — like what you would find in Emergen-C — without any adverse effects for you or your baby.

Why can’t you take Airborne while breastfeeding?

Some of the ingredients in Airborne, including Vitamin A, Echinacea, and Zinc, may cause adverse effects if taken in large amounts. There is not sufficient scientific evidence for the safety of Airborne for lactating women.

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.

Can I take vitamin C while breastfeeding?

The recommended vitamin C intake in lactating women is 120 mg daily, and for infants aged 6 months or less is 40 mg daily. [1] High daily doses up to 1000 mg increase milk levels, but not enough to cause a health concern for the breastfed infant and is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.

Is 1000mg of vitamin C safe in pregnancy?

You can easily get the vitamin C you need from fruits and vegetables, and your prenatal vitamins also contain vitamin C. It’s not a good idea to take large doses of vitamin C when you’re pregnant. The maximum daily amount that’s considered safe is 1800 mg for women 18 and younger and 2000 mg for women 19 and over.

Who should not take Emergen-C?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: use/abuse of alcohol, liver problems, stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcer, colitis).

Is Emergen-C safe to take while pregnant?

Immunity support products, like Emergen-C, are generally safe to take during pregnancy. Emergen-C and other immunity support products don’t prevent colds. They may shorten the duration of a cold slightly. You can manage cold symptoms naturally by getting enough sleep, eating well, and keeping yourself hydrated.

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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