Is it okay to take calcium supplements while breastfeeding?

Understanding Calcium Supplementation During Breastfeeding
As new mothers navigate the complexities of breastfeeding, one common question arises: Is it okay to take calcium supplements while breastfeeding? The answer is nuanced, reflecting both the nutritional needs of the mother and the baby.
Calcium Needs for Breastfeeding Mothers
Breastfeeding mothers have specific nutritional requirements to support both their health and the development of their infants. The recommended daily intake of calcium for nursing mothers is approximately 1,000 mg, which is similar to the requirement for women who are not breastfeeding. However, for those under 18 years of age, the recommendation increases to 1,300 mg per day. This calcium is crucial not only for the mother’s bone health but also for the production of breast milk, which contains calcium necessary for the baby’s growth.
The Role of Supplements
While many women can meet their calcium needs through a balanced diet rich in dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods, some may struggle to achieve this intake, particularly if they have dietary restrictions or lactose intolerance. In such cases, calcium supplements can be beneficial. Research indicates that taking calcium supplements is safe for breastfeeding mothers, especially for those whose dietary intake falls below the recommended levels.
A study highlighted that women with a dietary calcium intake below 800 mg/day may benefit from supplementation during breastfeeding. This is particularly important as lactation can lead to a transient decrease in bone mineral density, making adequate calcium intake essential for recovery.
Considerations for Supplementation
While supplementation can be helpful, it is not universally necessary. Experts suggest that most breastfeeding mothers do not require additional calcium beyond what is recommended for their age group, provided they are consuming a well-rounded diet. However, for those who cannot meet their calcium needs through food alone, supplements can play a crucial role in maintaining bone health and ensuring adequate milk production.
Moreover, when choosing a calcium supplement, it may be beneficial to select one that includes magnesium, as this mineral aids in calcium absorption.
Conclusion
In summary, taking calcium supplements while breastfeeding is generally considered safe and can be beneficial for mothers who struggle to meet their calcium needs through diet alone. It is essential for breastfeeding mothers to be mindful of their nutritional intake and consult healthcare providers to tailor their dietary and supplement needs effectively. By doing so, they can support their health and that of their growing infants during this critical period.

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.

Why can’t you eat chocolate while breastfeeding?

Caffeine. It’s not just tea and coffee that contains caffeine – it’s in chocolate, and various energy drinks and soft drinks. It’s sensible to cut caffeine out while breastfeeding because it’s a stimulant so can make your baby restless.

Can I take vitamin D and calcium while breastfeeding?

Vitamin D can be used during breastfeeding; higher doses require infant monitoring. Recommendations apply to full term, healthy infants only.

Does a baby get calcium from breast milk?

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.

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.

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 not to do when breastfeeding?

What foods and drinks should I limit or avoid while breastfeeding?

1. Alcohol. There’s no level of alcohol in breast milk that’s considered safe for a baby.
2. Caffeine. Avoid drinking more than 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of caffeinated drinks a day.
3. Fish. Seafood can be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

What dairy products should I avoid while breastfeeding?

You will need to avoid cow’s milk, soya milk and any products that contain these such as dairy and soya cheese/yogurts/custards/deserts (see Table below).

What is the best calcium supplement for breastfeeding mothers?

For postpartum women, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends 1,000 to 1,300 mg of calcium daily. Look for calcium citrate, rather than calcium carbonate, in the vitamin’s ingredients, Dr. Mathes says. “Calcium citrate is more easily absorbed than calcium carbonate.”

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

Medical Contraindications for Breastfeeding
There are a few medical contraindications to breastfeeding, and these include: An infant who has the metabolic disorder of classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency). A mother living with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I or type II.