Why avoid vitamin C while breastfeeding?

Understanding Vitamin C and Breastfeeding
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a crucial nutrient for both mothers and their breastfeeding infants. While it is generally recognized for its health benefits, there are specific considerations regarding its intake during breastfeeding that warrant attention.
The Role of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for tissue growth and repair, playing a significant role in the development of bones, teeth, and collagen, which is vital for the structural integrity of blood vessels, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. For breastfeeding mothers, the recommended daily intake of vitamin C is about 120 mg, which is necessary to maintain adequate levels in breast milk and support the infant’s health.
Potential Concerns with High Doses
While moderate intake of vitamin C is beneficial, there are concerns associated with high doses, particularly from supplements. High daily doses, such as those exceeding 1000 mg, can increase the levels of vitamin C in breast milk, but this does not pose a significant health risk to the infant. However, excessive vitamin C can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances in both mothers and infants, such as diarrhea and stomach cramps.
Moreover, there is no evidence to suggest that vitamin C supplements can enhance breast milk supply. Instead, if a breastfeeding mother is deficient in certain vitamins, supplementation may help increase those specific vitamin levels in breast milk, but it does not affect overall milk production.
Dietary Sources vs. Supplements
The best approach for breastfeeding mothers is to obtain vitamin C from natural food sources rather than supplements. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C and provide additional nutrients that are beneficial for both mother and child. A diet rich in these foods can help ensure that both the mother and her baby receive adequate nutrition without the risks associated with high-dose supplements.
Conclusion
In summary, while vitamin C is vital for health during breastfeeding, it is important to avoid excessive supplementation. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can provide the necessary amounts of this essential nutrient without the potential side effects associated with high doses. Mothers should focus on maintaining a nutritious diet to support their health and that of their breastfeeding infants.

Can breastfeeding mothers use vitamin C serum?

Can you use a Vitamin C serum while breastfeeding? You sure can! Incorporate some Vitamin C into your skincare regime, such as Aspect Dr Active C serum. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that stabilises free-radicals (unstable molecules that inflame the skin), improving dryness, collagen damage, fine lines and wrinkles.

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.

Do breastfed babies need vitamin A and C?

Once your baby is six months old, and up until they are 5 years, daily vitamin A, C and D supplements are recommended (unless they’re having 500ml or more of first infant formula each day). When you buy your baby vitamin supplements, make sure you read the label to check they are age appropriate.

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.

Is it safe to take 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.

Can you have vitamin C and zinc when breastfeeding?

You can take vitamins and minerals at the daily recommended dietary allowance. Always read the label. Supplements sold to help the immune system often include zinc and selenium which you can take in doses not exceeding the recommended dietary allowance. You can take vitamin C at usual doses of 50-200mg daily.

What vitamins are deficient in breast milk?

Overall, human breast milk has been found to be low in certain nutrients in developed countries: vitamin D, iodine, iron, and vitamin K. Additional nutrient deficiencies have been documented in resource-poor countries: vitamin A, vitamin B 12, zinc, and vitamin B 1/thiamin.

Why can’t you use vitamin A 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 foods cause gassiness in breastfed babies?

Many mothers have reported foods such as kale, spinach, beans, onions, garlic, peppers or spicy foods cause infant gas, while many babies tolerate these foods just fine.

What vitamins should I avoid while 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.