From the Guidelines
Vitamin E supplementation during lactation is safe when taken at the recommended daily dose of 19 mg. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin E during lactation is set at 19 mg/day 1, which is higher than the RDA for non-lactating women. This increased requirement is necessary to support the health and development of both the mother and the infant. Key points to consider include:
- The RDA for vitamin E during lactation is 19 mg/day 1
- Vitamin E is essential for immune function and protection against oxidative stress
- Breastfeeding mothers should ideally obtain vitamin E through a balanced diet before considering supplements
- If supplementation is needed, natural forms (d-alpha-tocopherol) are preferred over synthetic forms (dl-alpha-tocopherol)
- High doses (above 1,000 mg daily) may potentially cause bleeding problems or interact with certain medications like anticoagulants
- It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen during lactation. Some important considerations for vitamin E supplementation during lactation include the potential for high doses to cause adverse effects, such as bleeding problems, and the importance of choosing the right form of vitamin E supplement. However, according to the most recent guideline 1, the recommended dose of 19 mg/day is considered safe and effective for supporting the health and well-being of breastfeeding mothers and their infants.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Before, during and/or after pregnancy, one softgel daily or as directed by a licensed healthcare practitioner regardless of lactation status. The safety of Vitamin E supplementation during lactation is not directly addressed in terms of potential harm, but the label suggests it can be used regardless of lactation status. This implies that Vitamin E supplementation is considered safe during lactation, but it is recommended to follow the direction of a licensed healthcare practitioner 2.
- The label does not provide information on the potential effects of Vitamin E on breast milk or the infant.
- It is essential to consult a healthcare practitioner for personalized advice on Vitamin E supplementation during lactation.
From the Research
Safety of Vitamin E Supplementation during Lactation
- The safety of vitamin E supplementation during lactation is a topic of interest, with several studies examining the effects of vitamin E on human milk and infant health 3, 4, 5.
- A literature review published in 2014 found that alpha-tocopherol concentrations in human milk were similar across most populations studied, but decreased during lactation until mature milk appeared 3.
- A longitudinal observational study published in 2017 found that alpha-tocopherol levels in human milk decreased through the progression of lactation, and that mature milk may not provide sufficient amounts of vitamin E to meet the nutritional requirements of the infant 4.
- A review of fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins in breast milk published in 2019 noted that vitamin E is an important component of human milk, but that concentrations can vary depending on maternal diet and body stores 5.
- While there is limited direct evidence on the safety of vitamin E supplementation during lactation, a study published in 2015 found that supplementation with vitamin C and E increased the total antioxidant content of breast milk and evidence of antioxidant activity in infant urine 6.
- Overall, the available evidence suggests that vitamin E supplementation during lactation may be beneficial for infant health, but further studies are needed to confirm this and to determine the optimal dosage and duration of supplementation 3, 4, 5, 6.