Is vitamin B6 safe when breastfeeding?

Understanding Vitamin B6 Safety During Breastfeeding
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including metabolism and the production of neurotransmitters. For breastfeeding mothers, the safety and necessity of vitamin B6 supplementation is a common concern, especially regarding its effects on both maternal health and infant development.
Safety and Compatibility with Breastfeeding
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, vitamin B6 is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. This means that when taken in recommended amounts, it is unlikely to pose any risk to nursing infants. In fact, vitamin B6 is naturally present in human milk, and maternal supplementation can increase its levels in breast milk in a dose-dependent manner. The recommended daily intake for lactating women is around 2 mg, which is sufficient to meet both the mother’s and the baby’s needs.
Dietary Sources and Supplementation
For most breastfeeding mothers, a well-balanced diet typically provides adequate amounts of vitamin B6. Foods rich in this vitamin include cereals, eggs, poultry, fish, and various fruits and vegetables. Therefore, supplementation may not be necessary unless a mother has specific dietary restrictions or deficiencies. In such cases, consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable to determine the need for additional vitamin B6.
Potential Risks of High Doses
While vitamin B6 is safe in recommended amounts, caution is warranted with high doses. Excessive intake can lead to adverse effects, including potential inhibition of prolactin secretion, which is essential for milk production. This highlights the importance of adhering to recommended dosages and avoiding self-prescribing high-dose supplements without medical guidance.
Conclusion
In summary, vitamin B6 is safe for breastfeeding mothers when consumed in appropriate amounts. It supports both maternal health and contributes beneficially to breast milk composition. However, as with any supplement, it is crucial for mothers to consult healthcare professionals before making any changes to their vitamin intake, especially if considering high doses. A balanced diet usually suffices to meet the nutritional needs during breastfeeding, ensuring both mother and baby remain healthy.

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.

Can I breastfeed while taking vitamin B6?

There is some evidence that high doses of B6 (600 mg/day) can cause suppression of lactation. While the body of evidence is not robust, because B6 levels in milk are easily impacted, do not advise mothers to avoid pyridoxine.

Do you have to wean off vitamin B6?

A vitamin B6 substance dependency may exist in daily dosages of 200 mg or more, making a drug withdrawal effect possible when discontinued.

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

Why avoid vitamin B6?

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. Heartburn and nausea.

Who cannot take vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 supplements might interact with cycloserine (Seromycin), an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis, and worsen any seizures and nerve cell damage that the drug might cause. Taking certain epilepsy drugs could decrease vitamin B6 levels and reduce the drugs’ ability to control seizures.

Is vitamin B6 safe while 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.

What are the symptoms of too much vitamin B6?

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.
• Heartburn and nausea.
• Sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
• Numbness.
• Reduced ability to sense pain or extreme temperatures.

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.

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.