What vitamins should I stay away from while breastfeeding?

Understanding Vitamin Intake While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a critical period for both mothers and infants, and maintaining proper nutrition is essential. While many vitamins are beneficial during this time, there are specific vitamins and supplements that breastfeeding mothers should approach with caution or avoid altogether.
Vitamins to Be Cautious About
1. Iron Supplements: While iron is vital for overall health, many prenatal vitamins contain higher doses of iron than necessary for breastfeeding mothers. Excessive iron can lead to gastrointestinal issues and may not be needed if the mother has a balanced diet. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before continuing high-dose iron supplements during breastfeeding.
2. Vitamin A: High doses of vitamin A can be harmful. While this vitamin is essential for health, excessive intake can lead to toxicity, which may affect both the mother and the infant. It’s crucial to monitor vitamin A levels and avoid supplements that exceed the recommended dietary allowance.
3. Herbal Supplements: Many herbal supplements can interfere with breastfeeding or may not be safe for infants. For instance, certain herbs can affect milk supply or have adverse effects on the baby. It’s best to avoid unregulated herbal products and consult a healthcare professional before taking any herbal supplements.
4. Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Vitamins such as E and K, which are fat-soluble, can accumulate in the body and potentially reach harmful levels if taken in excess. Mothers should be cautious with these vitamins and ensure they are not exceeding recommended dosages.
Recommended Vitamins
While there are vitamins to avoid, some are essential during breastfeeding:
– Vitamin D: This vitamin is crucial for both mother and baby, and many health professionals recommend a daily vitamin D supplement to prevent deficiency.
– Vitamin C: Important for tissue repair and iron absorption, breastfeeding mothers should aim for the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, which can typically be met through a balanced diet.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding, mothers should be mindful of their vitamin intake. Avoiding high doses of iron, vitamin A, certain herbal supplements, and excessive fat-soluble vitamins is advisable. Instead, focusing on essential vitamins like D and C, ideally through a balanced diet, can help ensure both mother and baby remain healthy. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice tailored to individual health needs.

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.

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.

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 you not take while breastfeeding?

Fat soluble vitamin supplements (e.g., vitamins A & E) taken by the mother can concentrate in human milk, and thus excessive amounts may be harmful to a breastfeeding baby.

How can I supplement without losing my milk supply?

Supplementing with formula with a low supply
If you find your supply is dropping as you supplement or you can’t establish enough milk to satisfy your infant, pumping each time you offer a bottle is the best way to keep your milk production flowing (and possibly increase the amount you can make).

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 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.

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.

Is vitamin C and zinc safe while breastfeeding?

Vitamin C is also secreted in breast milk — thus, a higher dietary intake is recommended for lactating women to make up for this loss. The recommended dietary amount for lactating women ages 19-50 is 120 mg and pregnant women is 85 mg.