What vitamins not to take when breastfeeding?

Understanding Vitamin Intake While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial period for both mothers and infants, and while many vitamins and supplements can support maternal health and milk production, there are specific vitamins that should be approached with caution or avoided altogether. Here’s a detailed look at which vitamins to be wary of during breastfeeding.
Vitamins to Avoid or Limit
1. Vitamin A: While vitamin A is essential for health, excessive intake can be harmful. High doses of vitamin A, particularly in the form of supplements, can lead to toxicity, which may affect both the mother and the nursing infant. It’s important for breastfeeding mothers to avoid high-dose vitamin A supplements and instead focus on obtaining this vitamin through a balanced diet.
2. Vitamin E: Similar to vitamin A, high doses of vitamin E can pose risks. While some vitamin E is necessary for health, excessive amounts can interfere with blood clotting and may lead to complications. Mothers should be cautious with vitamin E supplements and consult healthcare providers for appropriate dosages.
3. Iron: Although iron is crucial for preventing anemia, many prenatal vitamins contain higher levels of iron than necessary for breastfeeding mothers. Excessive iron can lead to gastrointestinal issues and may not be beneficial for those who are not iron deficient. It’s advisable for mothers to assess their dietary intake and consult with a healthcare professional before taking iron supplements.
4. Herbal Supplements: While not vitamins in the traditional sense, many herbal supplements can interact with breastfeeding. Some herbs may affect milk supply or could be harmful to the infant. For instance, herbs like sage and peppermint can reduce milk production, while others may have unknown effects. It’s best to avoid herbal supplements unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider.
5. Melatonin: Often used as a sleep aid, melatonin is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. Its effects on infants are not well-studied, and it could potentially disrupt the infant’s sleep-wake cycle.
Safe Practices for Vitamin Intake
While there are vitamins and supplements to avoid, it’s essential for breastfeeding mothers to ensure they are getting adequate nutrition. Here are some safe practices:
– Consult Healthcare Providers: Before starting any new vitamin or supplement regimen, mothers should consult with their healthcare providers to tailor their intake based on individual health needs and dietary habits.

– Focus on a Balanced Diet: A well-rounded diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide most of the necessary nutrients without the need for excessive supplementation.
– Consider Vitamin D: While some vitamins should be limited, vitamin D is often recommended for breastfeeding mothers, especially during the autumn and winter months, to support both maternal and infant health.
In conclusion, while breastfeeding mothers should be mindful of their vitamin intake, focusing on a balanced diet and consulting healthcare professionals can help ensure both mother and baby remain healthy. Avoiding excessive supplementation and being cautious with certain vitamins can prevent potential risks associated with breastfeeding.

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.

Is vitamin D safe while breastfeeding?

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) recommends vitamin D supplementation for all those who are breastfeeding. The recommended dose is 340 to 400 units daily. Vitamin D is synthesised through skin exposed to the sun. It can also be obtained from some foods such as oily fish and fortified cereals.

Why is vitamin A bad when breastfeeding?

Fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A can concentrate in breast milk, and excessive amounts of vitamin A can be harmful to a baby. In other words, don’t take extra amounts of vitamin A unless your doctor determines you have a serious deficiency and directs you to do otherwise.

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 vitamins cannot be taken 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.

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.

What vitamins stop breastfeeding?

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 pills dry up your milk supply?

Cabergoline works by stopping your body’s production of prolactin (a hormone that the body releases to help maintain the milk supply). It comes in the form of a tablet that you take by mouth. Most women only need one dose of the medication before their milk supply dries up.

Can I take vitamin D while breastfeeding?

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) recommends vitamin D supplementation for all those who are breastfeeding. The recommended dose is 340 to 400 units daily. Vitamin D is synthesised through skin exposed to the sun. It can also be obtained from some foods such as oily fish and fortified cereals.

What not to 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.