What vitamins should you avoid while breastfeeding?

Understanding Vitamin Intake While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a critical period for both mothers and infants, and while many vitamins and supplements can be beneficial, there are specific vitamins and substances that should be approached with caution or avoided altogether. This article delves into which vitamins and supplements breastfeeding mothers should be wary of, ensuring both maternal health and infant safety.
Vitamins to Avoid
1. Excessive Iron: While iron is essential for health, many prenatal vitamins contain higher doses than necessary for breastfeeding mothers. Excessive iron can lead to gastrointestinal issues and may interfere with the absorption of other essential nutrients. It is generally recommended that breastfeeding women avoid high-dose iron supplements unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider.
2. High-Dose Vitamin A: Vitamin A is crucial for health, but excessive amounts can be harmful, particularly in the form of supplements. High doses of vitamin A can lead to toxicity, which may affect both the mother and the breastfeeding infant. It is advisable for breastfeeding mothers to avoid supplements that contain more than the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A.
3. Certain Herbal Supplements: Many herbal supplements can have potent effects and may not be safe during breastfeeding. For instance, herbs like sage and parsley can reduce milk supply, while others may have unknown effects on infants. It is essential for breastfeeding mothers to consult healthcare professionals before taking any herbal supplements.
4. Soy and Flaxseed: These substances, often found in various supplements, can have hormonal effects that may not be suitable for breastfeeding mothers. They can potentially affect milk supply and the hormonal balance in both mothers and infants.
Vitamins That Are Generally Safe
While there are vitamins to avoid, some are recommended for breastfeeding mothers. For instance, vitamin D is crucial, as breast milk may not provide sufficient amounts for infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfed infants receive a daily supplement of 400 IU of vitamin D. Additionally, vitamin B12 is particularly important for vegetarian and vegan mothers, as it is primarily found in animal products.
Conclusion
Navigating vitamin and supplement intake while breastfeeding can be complex. Mothers should prioritize a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients and consult healthcare providers before introducing any new supplements. By being mindful of what to avoid, breastfeeding mothers can support their health and that of their infants effectively.

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 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.

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.

Can I take B12 while breastfeeding?

It’s OK to take cyanocobalamin if you’re breastfeeding. Vitamin B12 (including cyanocobalamin) is a natural part of breast milk.

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.

Does B12 affect breastfeeding?

If a breastfeeding mother is deficient in vitamin B12, her infant may also become deficient. Vitamin B12 is most commonly found in food from animals, primarily meat, fish, milk, milk products, and eggs.

What vitamins do breastfed babies lack?

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.

Which vitamin decreases milk supply?

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 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 should I 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.