Boosting Immunity While Breastfeeding: Vitamins and Their Safety

Staying healthy is critical for both you and your baby, especially during cold and flu season. Boosting immunity by eating nutritious food is a great place to start.

But sometimes (OK, all the time!), life gets hectic, and eating is something you do between nursing, work, and caring for other kids.

To fill the gaps, a lot of breastfeeding folks consider taking immune-boosting supplements in addition to their daily postnatal multivitamin.

But is that safe?

Here’s what you need to know about boosting immunity with supplements while pregnant.

What vitamins and nutrients do you need when breastfeeding?

Taking a multivitamin while breastfeeding is something your doctor will likely discuss with you during a prenatal visit or your 6-week checkup.

Since many people continue taking their prenatal vitamin while breastfeeding, most of the key nutrients needed during the postpartum period are already covered.

That said, there are some essential nutrients breastfeeding moms should make sure they are getting daily. According to Sherry Ross, MD, an OB-GYN in Santa Monica, California, if you’re breastfeeding, you should focus on the following essential nutrients:

  • calcium
  • folic acid
  • iodine
    • iron
  • vitamin A
  • vitamin B6
  • vitamin B12
  • vitamin C
  • vitamin D
  • DHA — docosahexaenoic acid, a type of omega-3 fat

To help boost immunity, check the label of your multivitamin for vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B complex, probiotics, and zinc.

Some immune-boosting supplements also contain echinacea and elderberry, but according to the National Library of Medicine’s Drug and Lactation Database, no data exists on the safety and efficacy of elderberry or echinacea in nursing mothers or infants.

In addition to a multivitamin or additional supplements, making healthy food choices can also boost your nutrient intake. Mary Gollan, RD, a certified lactation consultant on the team at Preg Appetit!, recommends that breastfeeding moms follow these dietary guidelines when preparing a meal:

  • 1/2 plate fruits and veggies
  • 1/2 cup whole grains
  • 3 ounces lean protein
  • dairy at every meal

To help with energy and keep you producing milk, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend breastfeeding moms eat about 450 to 500 extra calories a day. Generally speaking, for most women this equates to about 2,500 calories per day.

Is it safe to use additional immunity-boosting supplements while taking a multivitamin?

Whether or not you should take supplements is a conversation you need to have with your doctor or a registered dietitian.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says if you follow a restrictive diet, you may not get adequate nutrients through food, which increases the risk of nutritional deficiencies.

With that in mind, Ross says that supplementing with certain immune-boosting supplements, in addition to a multivitamin, is safe as long as you take a well- established brand that delivers safe dosages.

The key is not to exceed the recommended daily amount and to only take supplements that are proven safe to consume while breastfeeding.

Moreover, Rachel Borton, PhD, director of the Family Nurse Practitioner Online Program and assistant professor of nursing at Bradley University, reminds us that each mom and baby has a unique individual health history.

Because of this, you cannot assume that every over-the-counter supplement is safe to consume, since breastfeeding moms will also be sharing the supplements through their breast milk with the infant.

“There are some supplements that mothers want to avoid (for their own health safety or for milk production effects), and their provider will have the best knowledge as to what is appropriate for both mom and baby,” Borton says.

Airborne and Emergen-C

Ross says dietary supplements like Airborne and Emergen-C are not recommended while breastfeeding since adequate medical studies have not been performed to show their effectiveness and safety.

“The amount of vitamin C in Emergen-C exceeds the recommended dose for breastfeeding moms,” she adds.

If you’re concerned about getting sick, Ross says it’s probably best to take a probiotic and eat a healthy, well-balanced diet to help prevent illness while breastfeeding.

The bottom line

Taking immune-boosting supplements while breastfeeding can provide health benefits to both mom and baby. At a minimum, you should take a postnatal multivitamin or a product that includes the necessary nutrients for breastfeeding.

If you want to take additional supplements, check for safety, and make sure you are not exceeding the daily recommended dose. But before you take any supplements while breastfeeding, make sure to talk with your doctor.

  • Parenthood
  • Postpartum Care
  • Products & Gear
  • Post Delivery
  • Cat 1
  • prepostnatalvitamins
Read this next

Postnatal vitamins are crucial to feeling your best after giving birth. But did you know they can help your hair, milk supply, and mental health, too?

Taking birth control and prenatal vitamins at the same time isn’t harmful but shouldn't be done for a long period. Learn more about when to use them…

Normally, you don't need extra vitamin A while breastfeeding, though you'll want to continue taking your prenatal vitamin.

If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, you’ll need folic acid supplements. Here’s why folic acid is important and how much you’ll need.

Learn the definition of dyskinesia, along with its symptoms and causes.

Read more on: vitamin