Is it safe to take zinc while breastfeeding?

Is It Safe to Take Zinc While Breastfeeding?
As new mothers navigate the complexities of breastfeeding, one common concern is whether it is safe to continue taking zinc supplements. The short answer is yes, taking zinc while breastfeeding is generally considered safe for both mothers and their infants when consumed in normal amounts.
The Role of Zinc in Breastfeeding
Zinc is an essential trace element that plays a crucial role in numerous biological processes, including immune function and cellular metabolism. During breastfeeding, zinc is naturally present in breast milk, making it a vital nutrient for infants. In fact, breast milk serves as the primary source of zinc for exclusively breastfed infants, and it remains important for older infants who continue to breastfeed .
Research indicates that the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for zinc during breastfeeding is different from that during pregnancy, reflecting the unique nutritional needs of nursing mothers. A Polish study highlighted that a diet rich in zinc and iron can enhance the concentration of these minerals in breast milk, suggesting that maternal nutrition directly influences the nutritional quality of breast milk.
Safety and Recommendations
According to health experts, taking zinc supplements or multivitamins containing zinc while breastfeeding is safe when done in moderation. The typical additional zinc exposure for an exclusively breastfed infant from a mother taking supplements is minimal and not considered a health concern .
However, it is essential for breastfeeding mothers to be mindful of their overall zinc intake. Excessive zinc can lead to adverse effects, including potential copper deficiency in infants, as high levels of zinc can interfere with copper absorption. Therefore, while supplementation can be beneficial, it should be approached with caution and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
In summary, zinc is not only safe but also beneficial for breastfeeding mothers and their infants when taken in appropriate amounts. It supports both maternal health and the nutritional needs of growing babies. As always, consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen is advisable to ensure that both mother and child receive optimal nutrition without any risks.

What are the risks of taking zinc supplements?

Adverse effects of high zinc intake include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. Intakes of 150–450 mg of zinc per day have been associated with such chronic effects as low copper status, altered iron function and reduced immune function.

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.

What vitamins decrease milk supply?

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.

How does zinc affect babies?

Zinc is important for cellular growth, cellular differentiation and metabolism and deficiency limits childhood growth and decreases resistance to infections. Although severe zinc deficiency is rare in humans, mild to moderate deficiency may be common worldwide.

Can low zinc cause miscarriage?

Zinc (Zn) deficiency has been observed to disrupt the synthesis of sex hormones, leading to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and abortion.

How much zinc is too much for a baby?

Too much zinc over the long run can cause long-term toxic effects, as well. The maximum amount considered safe by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine for children 1 to 3 years old is 7 mg. For children 4 to 8 years, it’s 12 mg. (This is called the tolerable upper intake level or UL.)

Does zinc interact with milk?

Milk has been suggested to increase zinc absorption. The effect of processing and the ability of milk to enhance zinc absorption from other foods has not been measured directly in humans.

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 the best vitamin for breastfeeding mothers?

Vitamin D is made when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Good food sources of vitamin D include fortified low-fat or fat-free milk, fortified orange juice, egg yolks, and salmon. Experts recommend that pregnant and breastfeeding women get 600 international units of vitamin D daily.

Can a breastfeeding mom take zinc?

To reduce zinc loss via breast milk, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Latvia recommends that a woman’s dietary intake of zinc during lactation should be increased: from 7 to 11 mg per day [7,15].