Is it safe to take vitamin C (Vit C) and zinc while breastfeeding?

Safety of Vitamin C and Zinc During Breastfeeding

Yes, it is safe to take vitamin C and zinc while breastfeeding, and supplementation may be beneficial to ensure adequate levels for both mother and infant. 1

Vitamin C During Breastfeeding

Recommendations and Safety

• The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends lactating women consume 155 mg/day of vitamin C (95 mg/day base requirement plus 60 mg/day additional for lactation) 1
• Vitamin C concentration in breast milk reflects maternal intake more than infant requirements 1
• Breast milk from mothers not taking supplements typically contains 35-90 mg/L of vitamin C 1

Benefits and Considerations

• Exclusively breastfed infants maintain adequate plasma vitamin C levels, often at concentrations twice as high as their mothers 2
• Some lactating mothers (approximately 6%) may have subnormal vitamin C levels without symptoms, with lowest concentrations occurring around 2 months postpartum 2
• Supplementation can help maintain adequate vitamin C levels, especially during spring months when deficiency is more common 2

Zinc During Breastfeeding

Recommendations and Safety

• Zinc supplementation during breastfeeding is considered safe 3
• Human milk provides highly bioavailable zinc that generally meets the needs of healthy exclusively breastfed infants for the first several months 3
• Zinc intake from breast milk alone may become limiting around 6 months of age 3

Important Considerations

• Maternal zinc supplementation (40 mg daily) can increase maternal serum zinc concentration and slow the normal decline of milk zinc concentration by 6 months 4
• After 6 months, complementary foods become important sources of zinc for breastfed infants 5
• Infants with the highest growth rates may have lower serum zinc levels, suggesting efficient utilization rather than deficiency 4

Dosage Guidelines

Vitamin C

• Recommended intake for lactating women: 155 mg/day total (95 mg base + 60 mg additional for lactation) 1
• Standard supplements (typically 500-1000 mg) are generally considered safe during breastfeeding

Zinc

• Standard zinc supplements (typically 15-30 mg) are considered safe during breastfeeding
• Higher doses (40 mg) have been studied and shown to increase maternal serum zinc and maintain higher milk zinc levels 4

Potential Pitfalls and Caveats

1. Avoid excessive supplementation: While supplementation is generally safe, extremely high doses of either nutrient should be avoided

2. Consider timing of supplements: Taking supplements with food can reduce gastrointestinal side effects, particularly with zinc

3. Monitor for side effects: Excessive zinc intake may cause nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal discomfort

4. Complementary foods: After 6 months, breast milk alone may not provide sufficient zinc, making complementary foods or continued supplementation important 6

5. Individual needs vary: Mothers with poor nutritional status or those breastfeeding multiple infants may have higher requirements

In conclusion, vitamin C and zinc supplementation during breastfeeding is safe when taken at recommended doses and may help ensure adequate nutrition for both mother and infant, particularly as the infant approaches 6 months of age.