What vitamins not to take while 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, some should be approached with caution. Here’s a detailed look at which vitamins to avoid or limit during breastfeeding.
Vitamins to Avoid
1. High-Dose Vitamin A: While vitamin A is essential for health, excessive amounts can be harmful. High doses of vitamin A, particularly from supplements, can lead to toxicity and may affect the infant. It’s recommended that breastfeeding mothers avoid supplements containing more than the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A, which is about 1,300 mcg for lactating women.
2. Excessive Iron: Many prenatal vitamins contain iron, which is important for preventing anemia. However, breastfeeding mothers typically do not need additional iron unless they are deficient. Excessive iron can lead to gastrointestinal issues for both the mother and the baby, including constipation and upset stomach.
3. Herbal Supplements: Certain herbal supplements can interfere with breastfeeding or may not be safe for infants. For instance, herbs like sage and parsley can reduce milk supply, while others may have unknown effects on a nursing baby. It’s crucial for mothers to consult healthcare providers before taking any herbal products.
4. Melatonin: This sleep aid is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. While it may help with sleep, melatonin can pass into breast milk and potentially affect the infant’s sleep patterns.
5. Fluoride Supplements: Some mothers have reported that fluoride supplements can cause fussiness or colic in their infants. While fluoride is important for dental health, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider regarding its necessity during breastfeeding.
Vitamins That Are Generally Safe
While there are vitamins to avoid, some are recommended for breastfeeding mothers. For instance, a daily supplement of 10 mcg of vitamin D is often advised, especially during the autumn and winter months when sunlight exposure is limited. This vitamin is crucial for both maternal and infant bone health.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding mothers should focus on maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, caution is warranted with certain vitamins and supplements. High doses of vitamin A, excessive iron, herbal supplements, melatonin, and fluoride should generally be avoided unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements to ensure both maternal and infant health are prioritized.

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.

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 can’t you take 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

What vitamins decrease milk supply?

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 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.

What vitamins are not in breast milk?

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.