What vitamins cannot be taken while breastfeeding?

Understanding Vitamin Intake While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial period for both mothers and infants, and maintaining proper nutrition is essential. While many vitamins and supplements can support a breastfeeding mother’s health, there are specific vitamins and supplements that should be approached with caution or avoided altogether.
Vitamins to Avoid
1. High-Dose Vitamins: While some vitamins are beneficial, taking them in excessive amounts can be harmful. For instance, high doses of vitamin A can pose risks to both the mother and the infant. Excessive vitamin A can lead to toxicity, which may affect the baby’s development. Therefore, it’s advisable for breastfeeding mothers to avoid high-dose vitamin A supplements unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.
2. Certain Herbal Supplements: Many herbal supplements, while natural, can have potent effects that may not be safe during breastfeeding. For example, supplements containing medicinal herbs like sage, parsley, and peppermint can potentially decrease milk supply or have other adverse effects on the infant.
3. Soy and Flaxseed: These are often included in dietary supplements but can interfere with hormonal balance and may not be suitable for breastfeeding mothers. They can also affect the infant’s digestive system.
4. Fluoride Supplements: While fluoride is important for dental health, excessive fluoride intake during breastfeeding can lead to dental fluorosis in infants. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid fluoride supplements unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
Vitamins That Are Generally Safe
On the other hand, certain vitamins are recommended for breastfeeding mothers. For instance, vitamin D is crucial, as breast milk alone may not provide sufficient amounts for the infant. Health guidelines suggest that breastfeeding mothers consider taking a daily supplement of 10 micrograms of vitamin D.
Additionally, vitamin B12 is important, especially for vegetarian or vegan mothers, as it is primarily found in animal products. A deficiency in B12 can affect both the mother and the infant.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding mothers should focus on a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, caution is warranted regarding certain vitamins and supplements. High doses of vitamins A and certain herbal supplements should be avoided, while vitamin D and B12 are generally recommended. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements to ensure both maternal and infant health are prioritized.

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 pills stop breast milk?

Taking drugs such as Cabergoline or Dostinex® to stop breast milk works best for mothers who have not been breastfeeding for long. Talk to your doctor, midwife or nurse if you would like more information about these drugs.

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.

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.

Is vitamin B12 safe 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 vitamins should I avoid 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.

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.

Which vitamins are not in breast milk?

Overall, human breast milk has been found to be low in certain nutrients in developed countries: vitamin D, iodine, iron, and vitamin K. Additional nutrient deficiencies have been documented in resource-poor countries: vitamin A, vitamin B 12, zinc, and vitamin B 1/thiamin.

Are any vitamins unsafe 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.

Which fruit is not good for feeding a mother?

Strawberries. Kiwifruit. Pineapple. The gassy veggies like onion, cabbage, garlic, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, and peppers.