Is it safe to take vitamin B6 while breastfeeding?

Is It Safe to Take Vitamin B6 While Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding mothers often seek guidance on dietary supplements, particularly regarding the safety and efficacy of vitamins. One such vitamin, Vitamin B6, has garnered attention for its potential benefits and risks during lactation.
Understanding Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and the production of hemoglobin. For breastfeeding mothers, maintaining adequate levels of this vitamin is essential not only for their health but also for the nutritional quality of their breast milk.
Safety of Vitamin B6 During Breastfeeding
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, Vitamin B6 is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. This means that it is typically safe for nursing mothers to take Vitamin B6 supplements, especially when taken in recommended doses.
Most dietary guidelines suggest that breastfeeding mothers can obtain sufficient Vitamin B6 through a balanced diet, which includes foods such as cereals, eggs, poultry, and fish. However, in cases where dietary intake may be insufficient, supplementation can be beneficial.
Recommended Dosage
While the standard recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for Vitamin B6 in breastfeeding women is around 2 mg per day, some sources indicate that doses up to 25 mg are considered safe. However, caution is advised with higher doses. Research indicates that doses exceeding 200 mg can lead to adverse effects, including neuropathy. Therefore, it is crucial for mothers to consult healthcare providers before starting any supplementation, particularly at higher doses.
Potential Effects on Milk Supply
There is some debate regarding the impact of Vitamin B6 on milk production. Some studies suggest that high doses may inhibit prolactin secretion, potentially affecting milk supply. However, typical dietary or supplemental amounts are unlikely to have such an effect.
Conclusion
In summary, Vitamin B6 is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, especially when taken within recommended limits. A well-balanced diet typically provides adequate amounts of this vitamin, but supplementation can be considered if necessary. As always, it is advisable for mothers to discuss any supplementation with their healthcare provider to ensure both their health and that of their infant.

How much B6 should I take to stop lactation?

According to the 2017 review, study participants received a B6 dosage of 450 to 600 mg over 5 to 7 days. Two of the studies included found that vitamin B6 was effective in suppressing lactation, but the other five studies did not.

Is vitamin B6 safe for babies?

Too much vitamin B6 is harmful to health, and your child needs just enough. The National Institutes of Health recommends the following doses for different age groups: Birth to 6 months: 0.1 mg. 7-12 months: 0.3 mg.

Does vitamin B6 burn breast milk?

High doses of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) may inhibit the body’s production of plasma prolactin. Prolactin aids in the production of breast milk. At a dose of 200mg three times a day Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) may decrease milk production thereby stopping lactation.

Does pyridoxine stop breast milk?

PIP: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) is contained in most prenatal and multivitamin preparations. Available research states that pyridoxine blocks lactation and inhibits the secretion of breast milk in nursing mothers by suppressing the normally elevated prolactin hormone levels encountered during puerperium.

What happens if you take vitamin B6 everyday?

When used as a supplement in appropriate doses, vitamin B-6 is likely safe. However, taking too much vitamin B-6 from supplements can cause: A lack of muscle control or coordination of voluntary movements (ataxia) Painful, disfiguring skin lesions.

Who should not take vitamin B6?

You should not use pyridoxine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use Vitamin B6 if: you have any other medical conditions; you take other medications or herbal products; or.

Is vitamin B6 safe during breastfeeding?

Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin B6 in breastfeeding women is 2 mg/day and daily prenatal supplements usually contain 10 mg. Vitamin B6 supplements are sometimes recommended for helping nipple vasospasm.

Is too much vitamin B6 bad for baby?

B6 is agreed to be safe for pregnant women, but you’re still best off following the recommended guidelines outside of a specific medical recommendation—remember, an excess of B6 or any other vitamin can have dire consequences for you or your baby.

Is 100 mg of B6 too much for pregnancy?

There has been no sign of harm to the fetus with vitamin B6 use. A typical dose of vitamin B6 for morning sickness is 10 mg to 25 mg, 3 times a day. Talk to your doctor or midwife before you take vitamin B6 for morning sickness. Don’t take more than 200 mg a day without talking with your doctor or midwife.

What vitamins should I avoid when 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.