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Is it okay to drink vitamin C while breastfeeding?

The Role of Vitamin C During Breastfeeding
As new mothers navigate the complexities of breastfeeding, one common question arises: Is it safe to consume vitamin C while breastfeeding? The answer is a resounding yes, with several important considerations regarding its benefits and recommended intake.
Essential Nutrient for Mother and Baby
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a vital micronutrient that plays a crucial role in the health of both breastfeeding mothers and their infants. It is naturally present in human milk, serving as a key antioxidant that supports the infant’s immune system and overall development. For lactating women, the recommended daily intake of vitamin C is 120 mg, while infants under six months require about 40 mg daily. This nutrient is particularly important as it aids in the absorption of non-heme iron, which is essential for preventing iron deficiency anemia—a condition that breastfeeding mothers may be at risk for.
Health Benefits of Vitamin C
The benefits of vitamin C extend beyond mere nutritional support. It is instrumental in tissue growth and repair, which is vital for the proper development of bones, teeth, and collagen in infants. This makes it an essential component of a breastfeeding mother’s diet, as it not only supports her health but also contributes to the healthy growth of her child.
Safety and Dosage Considerations
While vitamin C is generally safe, it is important to be mindful of dosage. High daily doses, up to 1000 mg, can increase the levels of vitamin C in breast milk, but studies indicate that this does not pose a health risk to the infant. However, moderation is key, and mothers should aim to meet the recommended intake without excessive supplementation unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
In summary, consuming vitamin C while breastfeeding is not only safe but beneficial for both mother and child. It supports essential bodily functions, enhances iron absorption, and contributes to the healthy development of the infant. As always, breastfeeding mothers should consult with healthcare providers to tailor their dietary needs appropriately, ensuring both they and their babies receive the nutrients necessary for optimal health.

Does Emergen C pass through breast milk?

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

Can I drink 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.

What vitamins stop breastfeeding?

If you haven’t nursed your infant yet, high doses of vitamins B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin) may work to suppress lactation. One older study from the 1970s suggested that high doses B6, B1, and B12 suppressed lactation for 96% of the participants, with no unpleasant side effects.

Is it safe to use vitamin C serum while breastfeeding?

Can you use a Vitamin C serum while breastfeeding? You sure can! Incorporate some Vitamin C into your skincare regime, such as Aspect Dr Active C serum. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that stabilises free-radicals (unstable molecules that inflame the skin), improving dryness, collagen damage, fine lines and wrinkles.

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 I take 1000mg of vitamin C while 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.

How much vitamin C can you take nursing?

Yes, the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements say the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin C in a breastfeeding mother over age 19 is 120 mg/day with a tolerable upper intake level of 2000 mg [accessed 25 July 2023].

How much time should we wait after taking vitamin C to drink milk?

This medication is best taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. If stomach upset occurs, you may take this medication with food. Avoid taking antacids, dairy products, tea, or coffee within 2 hours before or after this medication because they will decrease its effectiveness.

What decreases milk supply?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

  • Smoking or drinking.
  • Some medicines and herbs.
  • Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
  • Nursing or pumping less often.
  • Getting sick.
  • Feeling stressed.
  • Getting pregnant again.
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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