Is magnesium safe to take while breastfeeding?

Is Magnesium Safe to Take While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether magnesium is safe for breastfeeding mothers is one that many new parents ponder, especially given the myriad of supplements available today. The consensus among health professionals and recent studies suggests that magnesium is generally safe to take while breastfeeding, with some important considerations to keep in mind.
Safety and Benefits of Magnesium During Breastfeeding
Most forms of magnesium, including magnesium citrate and magnesium sulfate, are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Research indicates that these supplements do not pose significant risks to either the mother or the infant when taken in recommended dosages. In fact, magnesium plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of both the mother and the baby. It is essential for various bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, and it helps in the production of breast milk.
Breastfeeding mothers have increased magnesium requirements, as they provide essential nutrients, including magnesium, to their infants through breast milk. This nutrient is vital for the baby’s development, contributing to a robust immune system and overall health. Therefore, ensuring adequate magnesium intake can be beneficial for both mother and child.
Potential Concerns with Specific Forms of Magnesium
While most magnesium supplements are safe, there are some nuances to consider. For instance, magnesium citrate has been noted in some studies to potentially delay the onset of lactation when taken during pregnancy . However, once breastfeeding has commenced, magnesium citrate can be safely consumed without special precautions.
It’s also worth noting that while magnesium does not directly increase milk production, it may help improve milk flow by reducing stress and promoting relaxation in the mother. This indirect effect can be particularly beneficial for new mothers navigating the challenges of breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, magnesium is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers and can even be beneficial for both their health and that of their infants. As with any supplement, it is advisable for mothers to consult with healthcare providers to determine the appropriate dosage and form of magnesium that best suits their individual needs. By doing so, they can ensure they are supporting their health and their baby’s development effectively.

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.

Will taking magnesium help my breastfed baby sleep?

Adding magnesium to a body lacking in it, really can help your child sleep. Without sufficient magnesium, the body struggles to regulate cortisol levels, which leads to elevated alertness levels. Highly alert is NOT what we want your child to be at night.

Can too much magnesium affect baby?

In a baby, magnesium toxicity can cause low muscle tone. This is caused by poor muscle control and low bone density. These conditions can put a baby at greater risk for injuries, such as bone fractures, and even death.

Is magnesium safe postpartum?

In order to decrease the risk of eclampsia, magnesium sulfate is administered to women with pre-eclampsia with severe features through continuous intravenous (IV) infusion or intramuscular (IM) injections intrapartum, and may be continued postpartum.

How much magnesium is safe while breastfeeding?

Breast-feeding females—340 to 355 mg per day. Children 7 to 10 years of age—170 mg per day. Children 4 to 6 years of age—120 mg per day. Children birth to 3 years of age—40 to 80 mg per day.

Can magnesium relieve anxiety?

Magnesium may reduce anxiety symptoms by improving sleep quality, calming the nervous system, improving mood, and decreasing muscle tension. Research suggests that magnesium L-threonate and magnesium glycinate may be especially beneficial for improving anxiety.

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.

Does magnesium help with milk supply?

A woman’s blood calcium levels gradually decrease during this period of time, and for some women the drop in blood calcium causes a drop in milk supply. For women who have this problem, calcium/magnesium supplements may be helpful.

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.

What does magnesium do for postpartum?

Magnesium sulfate can help prevent seizures in women with postpartum preeclampsia who have severe signs and symptoms. Magnesium sulfate is typically taken for 24 hours. After treatment with magnesium sulfate, your health care provider will closely monitor your blood pressure, urination and other symptoms.