What vitamins can you not take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Vitamin Intake While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial period for both mothers and their infants, and maintaining a balanced diet is essential for the health of both. While many vitamins and supplements can be beneficial, there are specific vitamins and substances that nursing mothers should approach with caution or avoid altogether.
Vitamins and Supplements to Avoid
1. High Doses of Certain Vitamins: While vitamins are important, excessive intake can be harmful. For instance, fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K can accumulate in the body and potentially lead to toxicity. High doses of vitamin A, in particular, can pose risks to the nursing infant, including potential developmental issues.
2. Herbal Supplements: Many herbal supplements are not well-studied in breastfeeding contexts. Some herbs can affect milk supply or may be harmful to the infant. For example, sage and parsley in large amounts can decrease milk production, while others like ginseng and fenugreek may have unknown effects on breastfeeding.
3. Melatonin: Often used as a sleep aid, melatonin is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. Its effects on infants are not well understood, and it could potentially disrupt the infant’s sleep-wake cycle.
4. Collagen and Biotin: While these supplements are popular for skin and hair health, there is limited research on their safety during breastfeeding. It’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider before taking these.
5. Soy and Flaxseed: These are often included in dietary supplements but can have hormonal effects that may not be suitable for breastfeeding mothers. They should be consumed with caution.
General Recommendations
For most breastfeeding mothers, a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins typically provides the necessary nutrients without the need for additional supplements. The NHS suggests that if a mother is eating a varied diet, vitamin supplements are generally not necessary. However, specific populations, such as those with dietary restrictions or certain health conditions, may require additional guidance from healthcare professionals.
Conclusion
While breastfeeding, it’s essential for mothers to be mindful of their vitamin and supplement intake. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help ensure that both mother and baby receive the necessary nutrients without the risks associated with certain vitamins and supplements. By focusing on a balanced diet and being cautious with additional supplements, nursing mothers can support their health and that of their infants effectively.

What vitamins are not safe while 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.

Why no ashwagandha while breastfeeding?

Although it is rare, there have been a number of cases that link liver injury to ashwagandha supplements. Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding.

Can I take regular vitamins while breastfeeding?

It’s probably good to ask your doctor in case you have any specific vitamin needs, but generally, yes. Prenatal vitamins tend to have higher amounts of certain vitamins in them, but taking a regular multivitamin will help replace what you’re losing by breastfeeding and will not hurt your baby.

What negatively affects breast milk?

Stress is the No. 1 killer of breastmilk supply, especially in the first few weeks after delivery. Between lack of sleep and adjusting to the baby’s schedule, rising levels of certain hormones such as cortisol can dramatically reduce your milk supply.

What vitamin dries up 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 can you not take while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

Why avoid vitamin C while breastfeeding?

Although prolonged high doses can cause neuropathy in the mother, no negative effects have been reported in infants. Vitamin C has been shown to be safe in high doses, such as 1000mg a day, and does not appear to significantly increase the breastmilk level, unless mom was deficient before taking the supplement.

Is it safe to take vitamin D while breastfeeding?

Vitamin D loading doses of up to 300,000 units given over 6–10 weeks can be used during breastfeeding for rapid treatment. Infant monitoring is required. Long term maintenance doses up to 4000 units daily can also be used during breastfeeding but do not require any infant monitoring.

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 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.