Which vitamin decreases milk supply?

The Impact of Vitamins on Milk Supply
Breastfeeding is a complex process influenced by various factors, including maternal nutrition. Among the many nutrients that play a role in lactation, vitamin E has been identified as a potential factor that may decrease milk supply. Research suggests that the transition from colostrum to mature milk involves a decrease in vitamin E levels, which could correlate with changes in the composition of milk fat globules. This alteration might affect the overall quality and quantity of breast milk produced.
Understanding Vitamin E’s Role
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that is crucial for maintaining cellular health and protecting against oxidative stress. In the context of breastfeeding, adequate levels of vitamin E are essential not only for the mother’s health but also for the infant’s development. However, a deficiency or imbalance in vitamin E could lead to a reduction in milk production. The hypothesis is that as the diameter of fat globules in milk increases, the concentration of tocopherol (the active form of vitamin E) decreases, potentially impacting the milk’s nutritional profile.
Other Nutritional Considerations
While vitamin E is a notable factor, it is essential to consider that other vitamins and minerals also play significant roles in lactation. For instance, vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health, but its direct impact on milk supply is less clear. Some studies suggest that while vitamin D is vital for overall health, it does not have a direct correlation with milk production.
Moreover, the balance of other nutrients, such as vitamin A and B vitamins, is also important for breastfeeding mothers. Although excessive intake of certain vitamins can lead to complications, maintaining a well-rounded diet rich in essential nutrients is key to supporting lactation.
Conclusion
In summary, while vitamin E has been linked to a decrease in milk supply due to its changing levels during the transition from colostrum to mature milk, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to focus on a balanced diet that includes a variety of vitamins and minerals. This holistic approach not only supports milk production but also ensures the health and well-being of both mother and child.

Can you take too much B12 while breastfeeding?

High doses of vitamin C, B-2, B-6, B-12, K, biotin and vitamin D are unlikely to be harmful during lactation. What vitamins, in high doses, are safe during breastfeeding? High doses of some vitamins has made it into mainstream medical therapy for various health conditions.

What vitamins should I avoid 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. There are no studies on the safety of high dose intra-venous (IV) vitamin drips in breastfeeding mothers.

What vitamin deficiency causes low milk supply?

Deficiencies in certain key nutrients can also play a role in low milk supply. Many in the United States are low in iron, putting breastfeeding parents at risk for exhaustion and depression. Low iron levels are also a risk factor. Mothers may be low in other important nutrients as well: vitamins D and B12.

What vitamins decrease breast milk?

Top 5 food / drinks to avoid if you have a low milk supply:

• Carbonated beverages.
• Caffeine – coffee, black tea, green tea, etc.
• Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.)

What depletes breast milk?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

• Smoking or drinking.
• Some medicines and herbs.
• Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
• Nursing or pumping less often.
• Getting sick.
• Feeling stressed.
• Getting pregnant again.

Does vitamin B12 decrease milk supply?

There have been anecdotal reports of low milk supply in vitamin B12 deficient mothers, which improved when the B12 deficiency was corrected. Mothers with pernicious anemia are also at higher risk for thyroid problems, which can affect milk supply.

What medicine will dry up breast milk?

Birth control methods with estrogen, cold medications with pseudoephedrine, and the fertility medication clomiphene can all dry up your breast milk supply. Some people have suggested that diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may affect breast milk supply, too.

Can I take vitamin D instead of giving it to my baby?

Thus, when compared with infants receiving a daily oral vitamin D supplement of 400 IU/day, infants whose mothers were taking 6400 IU vitamin D daily (as their sole source of vitamin D) achieved equivalent vitamin D status.

Does Plan B decrease milk supply?

Studies indicate that levonorgestrel does not affect the composition or amount of breastmilk, or the growth and development of the breastfed infant.

Which supplements increase milk supply?

Types of Supplements for Lactation

• Fenugreek.
• Blessed thistle.
• Milk thistle.
• Fennel.
• Brewer’s yeast.
• Moringa.
• Goat’s rue.
• Lecithin.