What vitamins are not safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Vitamin Safety During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a critical period for both mothers and infants, and while many vitamins and supplements can support maternal health, some may pose risks to nursing infants. It’s essential for breastfeeding mothers to be informed about which vitamins are safe and which should be avoided.
Vitamins to Approach with Caution
Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Vitamins A and E are fat-soluble vitamins that can accumulate in the body and concentrate in breast milk. Excessive intake of these vitamins can lead to toxicity in infants. For instance, while vitamin A is vital for vision and immune function, too much can cause serious health issues, including liver damage and developmental problems in babies. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers should be cautious about taking high doses of these vitamins.
Herbal Supplements: Certain herbal supplements, such as Dong quai (Angelica sinensis), lack sufficient research to confirm their safety during breastfeeding. Due to potential risks, it is advisable for nursing mothers to avoid such herbs. The effects of many herbal products on breast milk composition and infant health are not well understood, making them a risky choice.
Melatonin and Collagen: While not traditional vitamins, supplements like melatonin and collagen have raised concerns among healthcare professionals. Melatonin, often used for sleep regulation, may affect a breastfeeding infant’s sleep patterns and overall development. Similarly, collagen supplements have not been extensively studied for safety during lactation.
Vitamins Generally Considered Safe
Despite the caution surrounding certain vitamins, many healthcare providers recommend that breastfeeding mothers continue taking prenatal vitamins, which typically contain essential nutrients like folic acid and iron. These vitamins support the mother’s health and help ensure that the infant receives adequate nutrition through breast milk.
Moreover, vitamin D is crucial for both mothers and infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfed infants receive a daily supplement of 400 IU of vitamin D to prevent deficiency.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding mothers should prioritize their nutritional intake, they must also be vigilant about the vitamins and supplements they choose. Fat-soluble vitamins like A and E, certain herbal supplements, and unverified products like melatonin should be approached with caution. Consulting with a healthcare provider is always recommended to tailor vitamin intake to individual health needs and ensure the safety of both mother and child.

What vitamins are most deficient in breast milk?

Vitamin B12 is most commonly found in food from animals, primarily meat, fish, milk, milk products, and eggs. Therefore, infants who receive only breast milk from mothers who do not consume animal products are at greater risk for developing vitamin B12 deficiency shortly after birth.

Is vitamin C and zinc safe while breastfeeding?

Is this safe? Most mineral supplements (e.g., iron, calcium, copper, chromium, zinc) taken by the mother do not affect breastmilk levels. Water soluble vitamin supplements (e.g., B vitamins, vitamin C) taken by the mother usually increase breastmilk levels.

Why avoid vitamin C while breastfeeding?

The recommended vitamin C intake in lactating women is 120 mg daily, and for infants aged 6 months or less is 40 mg daily. [1] High daily doses up to 1000 mg increase milk levels, but not enough to cause a health concern for the breastfed infant and is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.

Is it safe to take vitamin B12 while breastfeeding?

It’s OK to take cyanocobalamin if you’re breastfeeding. Vitamin B12 (including cyanocobalamin) is a natural part of breast milk. Cyanocobalamin does pass into breast milk, but it’s unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby.

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.

What vitamin dries up breast milk?

Vitamin B. 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.

Why avoid cinnamon while breastfeeding?

Coumarin, an ingredient in some cinnamon products, can cause liver problems, but the amount you’d get is so small that it probably won’t be a problem. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, children, pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding should avoid cinnamon as a treatment.

What vitamins do breastfed babies lack?

Breast milk alone does not provide infants with enough vitamin D. Shortly after birth, most breastfed infants will need an additional source of vitamin D through a supplement.

What vitamins stop breastfeeding?

Use Vitamin B.
Research shows that — in women who have not yet started producing breast milk — vitamin B can limit lactation. Always consult with your physician before trying to reduce or prevent your milk production.

What vitamins should I stay away from while breastfeeding?

Daily ingestion of 400mg of vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) should be avoided due to safety concerns for the infant. A high dose of vitamin B-6, such as 200mg-600mg daily for many months/years can increase the risk of neuropathy in the mother.