^

Can a breastfeeding mom take vitamins?

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

After pregnancy, the immune system is weakened, so it needs useful macro and microelements. This is also relevant for women who are breastfeeding, because together with milk the body uses up vitamin reserves at an accelerated rate.

The increased need for nutrients during lactation is due to factors such as:

  • Partial loss of them due to transmission to the baby through breast milk.
  • Increased stress on the body during the postpartum period.
  • Active work of the endocrine glands.
  • Accelerated metabolic processes due to milk production.

According to research, the composition of breast milk is stable. Regardless of the mother's diet, the child receives all the necessary substances. But the lactation process negatively affects the woman, who for a certain period becomes a source of useful components for the infant. Since the resources of the female body are not unlimited, it is very important to fully replenish them.

Most vitamins and minerals are obtained from food, some are synthesized in the body. A balanced diet allows you to fully get all the necessary micro and macronutrients. But in some cases, the body does not receive enough useful substances with food. In this case, synthetic multivitamin complexes designed specifically for pregnant and nursing mothers are prescribed.

The main indications for taking vitamins during breastfeeding are:

  • The pregnancy and labor process proceeded with complications.
  • Anemia.
  • Pregnancy with severe or late toxicosis.
  • Recovery from childbirth.
  • Less than 1.5-2 years elapsed between the two pregnancies and delivery.
  • A woman cannot get adequate nutrition due to diet, food allergies and other reasons.
  • Increased weakness and fatigue, drowsiness.
  • Deterioration of skin, hair and nails.
  • Weakened immune system and health problems.

In the postpartum period and during lactation, a woman's body needs these vitamins:

  • Vitamin A - takes part in the construction of tissues of teeth and bones, visual pigments. It supports healthy skin and mucous membranes, hair and nails. It is found in butter, milk, eggs, carrots, cheese, liver and kidneys.
  • Group B - B1 is responsible for the normal functioning of the central nervous system, takes part in carbohydrate metabolism. B2 is a growth vitamin, contributes to the normal development of the skeleton, muscular and nervous system, affects the functioning of the liver. B6 takes part in the process of hematopoiesis, ensures the proper development of the brain and spinal cord in the child, regulates the functions of the CNS. B12 supports the work of the liver, nervous and hematopoietic system.
  • Ascorbic acid - strengthens the walls of blood vessels and connective tissue. Increases the body's resistance to infectious agents. Reduces inflammatory reactions in the body, improves iron absorption in the digestive tract. Protects cells from free radical damage.
  • Vitamin D - responsible for the process of mineralization of bone tissue and tooth rudiments, optimizes the cardiovascular system. Prevents the development of rickets in the child.
  • Vitamin E - has antioxidant properties, stimulates the function of sex glands, synthesizes lactation hormones.
  • Vitamin PP - takes part in oxidative processes, metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Normalizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract, controls the level of cholesterol in the body. Improves blood circulation and reduces blood pressure. Affects the functioning of connective and muscle tissue, cardiovascular system.

Essential Minerals:

  • Calcium is involved in blood clotting and regulation of heart rhythm. Necessary for the normal functioning of internal organs, nerve cells and body tissues.
  • Phosphorus - takes part in energy metabolism at the cellular level, affects kidney and heart function. It is part of bone tissue and proteins.
  • Iron - involved in the formation of hemoglobin, carries oxygen to all organs and tissues.
  • Magnesium - takes part in the formation of bones, regulates carbohydrate and energy metabolism, supports the functioning of the CNS.
  • Zinc - involved in the synthesis of proteins and insulin (pancreatic hormone), regulates appetite and digestion.
  • Iodine - supports proper thyroid function of mother and baby.
  • Glycine

Before using vitamins and multivitamin complexes, it is necessary to consult with the attending physician, especially in case of allergic status. The doctor determines the appropriateness of vitamin therapy and selects the necessary substances, depending on the needs of the female body.

Can breastfeeding moms drink calcium?

When breastfeeding, the female body works in a special mode, as it shares all nutrients, micro and macronutrients with the baby through milk. That is why the mother must take care of her health and maintain a balance of useful substances in the body. Special attention should be paid to calcium, which is responsible for the normal development of bone tissue, teeth, hair nails.

Calcium prevents excessive synthesis of parathyroid hormone, well absorbed in the GI tract. It takes part in hematopoiesis, affects blood coagulation, maintains vascular elasticity. Its bioavailability is about 30%. Metabolizes in the liver, forming active metabolites. Excreted by the intestine and kidneys.

  • Indications for use: prevention of osteoporosis, calcium/cholecalciferol deficiency, complex therapy of osteoporosis of various origins.
  • How to use: orally 1 tablet 2-3 times a day.
  • Side effects: stool disorders, pain in the epigastric region, decreased appetite, skin allergic reactions. Development of hypercalciuria, hypercalcemia is also possible. Overdose has similar signs, treatment is symptomatic.
  • Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, phenylketonuria, hypervitaminosis, elevated plasma/urine calcium level, urolithiasis with the formation of calcium concretions, severe renal failure, sarcoidosis.

During lactation, the drug should be taken in consultation with the attending physician. It should take into account the amount of calcium entering the body of the mother and baby with food. The mineral is allowed during pregnancy.

Form of release: tablets, capsules, chewable tablets of 20, 30 and 50 pieces in a package.

Can I take elevit for breastfeeding moms?

One of the most popular vitamin products allowed during breastfeeding is Elevit Pronatal. It contains the following vitamins and minerals: A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D3, E, folic acid, copper, nicotinamide, manganese, biotin, magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, iron.

  • Indications: avitaminosis, hypovitaminosis, deficiency of minerals and trace elements in the body. Preparation for pregnancy, breastfeeding and recovery from diseases, surgery.
  • How to use: orally, 1 capsule once a day 15 minutes after meals. The drug should be washed down with a sufficient amount of water. Duration of treatment depends on the patient's condition and is prescribed by a doctor.
  • Side effects: allergic reactions, GI disorders, constipation. Overdose has similar signs. Cancellation of the drug is indicated for treatment.
  • Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the drug components, impaired renal, hepatic function. It is not used in disorders of calcium or iron utilization, hypervitaminosis of retinol or vitamin D.

The use of Elevit during lactation maintains the balance of useful substances in the female body, saturates folic acid and prevents the development of iron deficiency anemia. In the planning period of pregnancy, vitamin remedy increases the likelihood of a healthy conception and provides optimal nutrition for the fetus at all stages of its development.

Form of release: coated tablets 10, 20 capsules in a blister, 3, 5, 10 blisters in a package.

Can breastfeeding moms take Complivit?

Complivit is a combined multivitamin preparation, which is allowed to take during lactation and pregnancy. The composition of the drug includes macro and microelements, the compatibility of which provides a complex effect on the body. Complivit includes such vitamins and minerals: A, E, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, B12, PP, C, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, phosphorus.

  • Indications for use: pregnancy and lactation, preparation for conception. Prevention of hypovitaminosis and mineral deficiency in the body.
  • How to use: orally 1 capsule per day. Vitamins are best taken after breakfast, drinking plenty of liquid. Duration of treatment is determined by the attending physician.
  • Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, hypervitaminosis A, urolithiasis, pernicious B12-deficiency anemia, high iron and calcium, pediatric patients.
  • Side effects: allergic reactions, yellow coloring of urine. Overdose has similar signs. For treatment, temporary discontinuation of the drug, gastric lavage and intake of activated charcoal are indicated.

Form of release: tablets for oral administration of 30 and 60 pieces in a package.

Can vitrum prenatal be taken by breastfeeding moms?

A multivitamin preparation designed to support the normal functioning of all organs and systems of a woman during pregnancy and lactation. Vitrum prenatal regulates lipid, protein, energy and carbohydrate metabolism. Improves metabolic processes, stimulates the elimination of toxins from the body. Strengthens defense functions, takes part in the synthesis of enzymes.

  • Indications for use: treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy and lactation. Preparation for conception, deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the body.
  • How to use: orally, after meals. The drug is taken 1 capsule, drinking water.
  • Side effects: skin allergic reactions. Overdose has similar symptoms. Withdrawal of the drug is indicated for treatment.
  • Contraindications: individual intolerance to the components of the drug, pernicious anemia, hypervitaminosis cholecalciferol, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria.

Breastfeeding mothers who take Vitrum Prenatal, note an improvement in the condition of hair, skin and nails. The drug helps to cope with postpartum anemia, does not have a negative impact on children's bodies.

Form of release: capsules of 30, 60, 75, 100 pieces in a bottle, 1 bottle in a package.

Can a breastfeeding mom take folic acid?

Vitamin B9 or folic acid is a substance that enters the body with food and is synthesized by intestinal microflora. This coenzyme takes part in important metabolic processes in the body: formation of nucleic and amino acids, purines, pyrimidines, stimulates blood formation.

The use of folic acid during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of teratogenic factors affecting the fetus. After ingestion, the drug is completely absorbed in the duodenum and intestine. About 98% of the taken dose is determined in the blood after 3-6 hours.

  • Indications for use: a stimulant of hematopoiesis in hyperchromic macrocytic and megaloblastic anemia, leukopenia, to normalize erythropoiesis, pellagra, pernicious anemia. Preventive therapy during pregnancy and lactation.
  • How to use: orally, 1-2 tablets after meals. Daily dosage of 5 capsules. Duration of treatment 20-30 days.
  • Side effects: allergic reactions. For treatment, reduction of the drug dose or its withdrawal is indicated.
  • Contraindications: individual intolerance to folic acid. Cases of overdose have not been recorded.

Folic acid is allowed to be taken during breastfeeding. Moreover, the drug is recommended during pregnancy planning, as it accelerates conception. The vitamin penetrates with breast milk into the child's body, preventing the development of anemia in the child and ensuring the normal development of his body.

Form of release: 10 mg tablets, 10, 30 capsules in a package.

Can iodomarin be taken by breastfeeding moms?

Iodomarin is a medicine that contains iodine. This trace element is necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland and the entire body. Iodine is not synthesized in the body, so it must come from outside.

  • Indications for use: prevention and treatment of thyroid disease, goiter (nontoxic, diffuse). Prevention of iodine deficiency during pregnancy and lactation, in children and adolescents.
  • How to use: orally 50-200 mcg per day. Duration of therapy is determined by the attending physician.
  • Side effects: transition of latent hyperkeratosis into manifest form, hyperkeratosis, allergic reactions on the skin and mucous membranes. Overdose has similar signs, treatment is symptomatic.
  • Contraindications: intolerance to iodine preparations, toxic thyroid adenoma, hyperthyroidism, Duhring's dermatitis herpetiformis.

Iodomarin is allowed during breastfeeding. The drug is recommended to take in the first months of lactation, especially if the baby is premature. Iodine accelerates growth and weight gain of the baby, accelerates its mental and intellectual development, contributes to the normal development of internal organs.

Iodine supplied with breast milk reduces the risk of anemia, strengthens the immune system, protects against viruses and germs, increases hemoglobin levels, stabilizes the digestive system.

Form of release: tablets in bottles of 50, 100 and 200 pieces.

Can a nursing mom drink fish oil?

Fish oil is a mixture of various fatty acids, vitamins and mineral complexes. The main value of the preparation is essential omega-3 and omega-6, which the body does not synthesize on its own, but is in dire need of them.

The drug is used for the treatment and prevention of hypovitaminosis, avitaminosis A, rickets. General tonic accelerates recovery from fractures. Fish oil can be used externally for thermal and chemical burns, damage to mucous membranes, wounds.

Lactating women should use fish oil with special caution, as it increases the fat content of milk. This negatively affects the digestive system of the baby and increases the risk of lacostasis. Breastfeeding mothers are recommended to take no more than a teaspoon of fat per day, minimizing the amount of fatty foods in the diet.

Can breastfeeding moms drink iron?

According to research, about 90% of pregnant and lactating women suffer from iron deficiency anemia of varying severity. Iron preparations are taken to compensate for the painful condition.

  • Ionic and non-ionic preparations - in the first case they are compounds of divalent iron, and in the second case - of trivalent iron. The human body assimilates iron from divalent salt preparations much more easily, as they have a high penetration capacity and dissolve well. Trivalent preparations are more difficult to absorb and may cause adverse reactions.
  • Monocomponent and polycomponent - contain iron salts, various acids and trace elements. If the drug has auxiliary components, they facilitate iron absorption and reduce the risk of unpleasant symptoms.
  • Long-acting and fast-acting - the first drugs smoothly increase the concentration of iron in the blood and maintain it. They are more effective, but may cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Fast-acting agents may include salts of organic acids and substances with more complex chemical formulas.

During pregnancy and lactation, women are most often prescribed Gyno-Tardiferon or Tardiferon. The drugs have a tablet form of release. They are taken orally on an empty stomach, drinking water, for a long period of time. At the same time, iron can not be combined with some antibacterial agents, since they reduce the effect of each other.

Can a nursing mom drink calcium gluconate?

Calcium gluconate (calcium salt of gluconic acid) is a medicinal product with 9% calcium. Calcium ions take part in the transmission of nerve impulses, contraction of skeletal and smooth muscles, blood clotting processes, myocardial function.

After oral administration the drug is partially absorbed in the small intestine. Maximum concentration in blood plasma occurs in 1-1.5 hours. The drug elimination half-life is 6-7 hours. Calcium ions penetrate through the placental barrier and into breast milk. They are excreted in the form of urine and feces.

  • Indications for use: hypocalcemia, increased permeability of cell membranes, hypoparathyroidism, disorders of vitamin D metabolism, increased need for calcium, calcium deficiency in food, metabolic disorders. Complex therapy for bleeding of various etiologies, allergic diseases, bronchial asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, toxic liver damage. The drug is also used in various intoxications of the body.
  • The method of administration and doses depend on the form of release of the medicine and are calculated by the attending physician, individually for each patient.
  • Contraindications: intolerance to the drug components, marked hypercalciuria, hypercoagulability, hypercalcemia, tendency to thrombosis, atherosclerosis, severe renal failure, sarcoidosis.
  • Overdose: hypercalcemia with deposition of calcium salts in the body, dyspeptic disorders. For treatment, drug withdrawal and parenteral administration of calcitonin at a dose of 5-10 IU/kg per day is indicated.
  • Adverse reactions: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the epigastric region, bradycardia, metabolic disorders, disorders of the urinary system, allergic reactions.

Calcium gluconate to a nursing mother is necessary to fill the deficit of calcium in the body, which goes with milk. The drug is used only when prescribed by a doctor. The doctor compares the expected benefit for the mother and the potential risk to the fetus, since the active components of the drug penetrate into breast milk.

Form of release: powder, tablets of 500 mg for 10 pieces in a package, ampoules of 10 ml of 10% solution in a package of 10 pieces.

Can eco slim be drunk by breastfeeding moms?

Eco Slim is a preparation developed on the basis of B vitamins, which contribute to the breakdown of fats. According to the manufacturers, this remedy has a 100% natural composition, which allows you to lose about 10-12 kg of excess weight per month. At the same time, it does not affect the cardiovascular and nervous system, but has a spot effect on fat deposits.

The composition of Eco Slim includes the following components: acidity regulators (citric acid, sodium hydrogen carbonate), dextrose, taurine, stabilizer polyethylene glycol, succinic acid, dry guarana extract, flavoring, caffeine, inositol, sweetener aspartame, calcium D-pantothenate, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, cyanocobalamin. The drug acts as an additional source of vitamins B2, B6, B12, PP.

The drug is taken 1 tablet per day before or after meals. Before use, the capsule is dissolved in a glass of warm water. Eko Slim has the following contraindications: individual intolerance to the components, phenylketonuria. Patients under 18 years of age, pregnancy and lactation, increased nervous excitability, insomnia, arterial hypertension, glaucoma, marked atherosclerosis, angina pectoris.

Can a breastfeeding mom take calcemin?

Calcemin is a mineral-vitamin complex, the main component of which is calcium. The active substance is a building element for bone tissue, regulates the permeability of vascular walls, participates in the regulation of neuromuscular connections and the process of blood coagulation. In addition to calcium, the drug contains vitamin D, zinc, manganese, copper, boron and other substances.

  • Indications for use: prevention of dental diseases, osteoporosis and pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. Deficiency of vitamins and minerals in a poor diet. Period of active growth, pregnancy and lactation.
  • How to use: orally 1 tablet twice a day. Duration of treatment is determined by the attending physician.
  • Side effects: hypersensitivity reactions, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria.
  • Contraindications: intolerance to the drug components, renal stone disease, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria.

Calcemin is recommended for use during breastfeeding, but only by doctor's prescription. Its components penetrate into breast milk and affect the child's body. After taking the medicine, it is necessary to observe the condition of the child and if adverse reactions occur, stop taking the mineral-vitamin complex.

Form of release: tablets of 250 mg of active ingredient, 30, 60, 120 pieces in a package.

Can a nursing mom take vitamin E?

Tocopherol takes part in important metabolic processes in the body. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties and is a catalyst for biochemical processes. It is allowed for use in lactating women, as it reduces capillary fragility, participates in the synthesis of hemoglobin and tissue respiration. It improves reproductive functions, regulates protein and collagen synthesis.

  • Indications for use: hypo- and avitaminosis tocopherol, recovery from infectious diseases and pathologies with febrile state. Increased physical and mental stress, muscle trophic disorder, degenerative changes in connective tissue, asthenic conditions. Dermatitis, psoriasis, skin and ophthalmologic diseases. Complex therapy of coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis. Decreased function of the sex glands, menopause.
  • How to use: orally, 1 capsule per day after meals. Duration of treatment is established by the attending physician.
  • Side effects: allergic reactions. The drug is contraindicated in hypersensitivity to its components. Overdose is manifested by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain. Treatment is symptomatic with withdrawal of the drug.

Form of release: capsules of 12, 24 and 60 pieces in a package.

Can breastfeeding moms drink elcar?

Elcar is a remedy correcting metabolic processes in the body. It contains the amino acid L-carnitine, which is similar in structure to B vitamins. It takes part in lipid metabolism, normalizes protein metabolism, stimulates the secretion of gastric and intestinal juices, enzymatic activity.

The drug has anabolic and lipolytic effect. After oral administration it is well absorbed in the digestive tract. Maximum concentrations in blood plasma are observed 3 hours after ingestion. Therapeutic activity persists for 6-9 hours. Metabolized and excreted by the kidneys with urine.

  • Indications for use: chronic gastritis, pancreatitis with reduced secretory activity, various dermatologic diseases. Increased physical and psychoemotional stress, reduced efficiency, increased fatigue. The state after severe injuries and surgical interventions. Complex therapy of anorexia nervosa, myopathy, cardiomyopathy. Intensive training, improving speed and strength performance, reduction of body fat, prevention of post-training syndrome.
  • Method of administration: orally, dosage and duration of therapy is determined by the attending physician, individually for each patient.
  • Side effects: dyspeptic disorders, systemic allergic reactions, myasthenia gravis, gastralgia.
  • Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, patients under 3 years of age, pregnancy and lactation.
  • Overdose: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, myasthenia gravis. There is no specific antidote, treatment is symptomatic.

Elcar is not recommended for use in breastfeeding due to the lack of clinical studies confirming its safety.

Form of release: solution for oral administration of 25, 50 and 100 ml in vials with a dosing device.

Can a breastfeeding mom take calcium d3?

Calcium d3 (cholecalciferol) - regulates phosphorus-calcium metabolism and fills calcium deficiency in the body. Takes part in the formation of bone tissue, blood clotting processes, mineralization of teeth and bones, transmission of nerve impulses. Prevents excessive production of parathyroid hormone, which increases bone resorption. Regulates the absorption of calcium in the GI tract and its distribution in the body.

When administered orally, it is well absorbed in the small intestine. Bioavailability of the drug is 30%. Partially metabolized in the liver, forming pharmacologically active metabolites. Excreted by intestine, kidneys, through sweat glands.

  • Indications for use: prevention of osteoporosis, calcium deficiency, cholecalciferol. Complex therapy of osteoporosis of various origins. Calcium d3 is recommended during pregnancy and lactation, for pediatric patients. The drug is taken orally 1 capsule 1-3 times a day. Duration of treatment from 4 to 6 weeks.
  • Side effects: stool disturbance, nausea, pain in the epigastric region, decreased appetite, skin allergic reactions, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria.
  • Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the drug components, phenylketonuria, hypervitaminosis D3, increased calcium levels in urine and blood plasma. Urolithiasis, marked renal failure, sarcoidosis, patients under 5 years of age. With caution it is prescribed in moderate renal insufficiency, for elderly patients.
  • Overdose: nausea, vomiting, increased weakness, decreased appetite and other signs of hypercalcemia. In hypercalciuria there is an increase in plasma creatinine, coma. Treatment is symptomatic with withdrawal of the drug. In severe overdose, specific therapy with glucocorticosteroids is carried out.

Medication and breastfeeding are compatible if the medication is prescribed by the attending physician for strict indications. It is contraindicated for lactating women to take any medication on their own, as there is a risk of side effects in the baby. When using prohibited drugs, lactation is stopped for the duration of treatment.

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.