Do you need to take vitamins or supplements while breastfeeding? Is it safe to take vitamins and supplements like biotin, collagen, and melatonin while you are breastfeeding or pumping? Find out which vitamins are safe for nursing moms and which ones should be avoided.
While you were pregnant, you carefully read every ingredient and label on all products. Do you have to be vigilant while breastfeeding or pumping?
Are you allowed to take vitamins while nursing?
Can I take emergen c while breastfeeding like biotin, collagen, and melatonin while you are pumping? It was essential to have a healthy diet while you were pregnant. Now, you need to make milk for your baby. Does that mean you should take a vitamin? Not necessarily.
Supplements are not a necessity for all mothers. It is worth looking at how you are getting nutrients such as calcium, folic acid, and magnesium while nursing.
Do your research to make sure you are buying safe products. Only purchase supplements that have been approved by NSF International and USP. Talk to your doctor before purchasing. Learn more about can you take Emergen c while pregnant.
What vitamins and supplements can you safely take while breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding mothers are often advised to take daily multivitamins or prenatal vitamin supplements. These are recommended because they are not able to get enough nutrition from food alone. What about herbal supplements or standalone vitamins? Are they safe for nursing mothers?
Biotin
Biotin (or vitamin B7) is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in metabolism and can be found in foods such as beef, eggs, and salmon. Research shows it won’t make your hair look back to its pre-pregnancy glory, contrary to what you may have heard. Experts don’t know why many breastfeeding women have lower levels than others.
Collagen
You might be interested in this popular supplement for your nails or skin. Studies have shown that collagen is safe for the general public, but not enough research has been done to specifically address breastfeeding or pregnant women. It’s best to wait until you have weaned.
Echinacea
Echinacea is often referred to as a natural remedy for the flu and cold. It’s believed that echinacea may help protect against infections. However, it is best to wait to take it for now. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health(NCCIH), there has not been enough research to establish if echinacea can be used during breastfeeding or pregnancy.
Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical functions in the body, including getting Calcium into your bones. According to the National Institutes of Health, it is important to ensure that you are getting enough magnesium daily for breastfeeding.
Supplemental magnesium can also be dangerous in high doses. You should eat plenty of magnesium-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, peanut butter, and black beans. Talk to your doctor if you feel you aren’t getting enough.
Melatonin
Are you having trouble with the old advice to sleep when your baby sleeps (even if you are exhausted)? Melatonin can be used to aid sleep, but it’s best to use non-supplement sleep strategies to get you to sleep. The NCCIH states that there is not enough evidence to determine if melatonin is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Turmeric
If you like, add a teaspoon of ground turmeric to your cooking. Take turmeric supplements or capsules for a health boost only after your baby is old enough to stop taking them. The NCCIH states that while the spice is safe to be used in cooking, there are no data available about the safety and risks of taking turmeric pills.
