Boosting Immunity While Breastfeeding – All Vitamins and Nutrients Needed

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of nutritional deficiencies is higher for mothers who follow restrictive diet post-delivery. In such situations, supplements come as a helping hand to ensure that lactating mothers consume the daily recommended intake of nutrients and vitamins.

The following are essential nutrient requirements during breastfeeding and how supplements help us meet them.

1. Vitamin D

The most critical vitamin for breastfeeding mothers is vitamin D. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for strong bones and teeth. It is also essential for immune system health. The best way to get vitamin D is through exposure to sunlight. However, a supplement may be necessary if this is not possible.

2. Vitamin C

Another essential vitamin for breastfeeding mothers is vitamin C. Vitamin C helps boost Immunity and helps the body heal from infection or injury. It is also essential for collagen production, which helps keep skin healthy and elastic. Citrus fruits are an excellent natural source of vitamin C, but a supplement may also be necessary.

3. Vitamin B

Vitamins B6 and B12 are also essential for breastfeeding mothers. These vitamins help with energy production and red blood cell formation. They can be found in meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. However, a supplement may still be necessary to ensure adequate intake.

It is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers to take vitamins in supplemental form to ensure that they and their babies are getting all the nutrients they need. However, it is always best to consult a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.

Note: Please avoid purchasing over-the-counter medicines. You cannot vouch for the safety of OTC medicines. The medicine affects not just you but also your little one.

[Read : Post Natal Vitamins while Breastfeeding]

List of Top 10 Vitamins and Nutrients Needed For Boosting Immunity While Breastfeeding

The following nutrients and vitamins are vital for a breastfeeding mother:

1. Calcium

Calcium is essential for both mother and baby during breastfeeding. It helps build strong bones and teeth and aids muscle contraction and nerve function. So breastfeeding mothers need adequate amounts of calcium to maintain their bone health while meeting the needs of their nursing baby. Good sources of calcium include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and tofu.

2. Folic Acid

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin in leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and fortified foods. It is an important nutrients needed for boosting immunity of the breastfeeding moms.

3. Iodine

Iodine is a mineral in some foods, including seafood, dairy products, eggs, and fortified foods.

4. Iron

Iron is a mineral found in food sources such as meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, enriched flour products, and fortified breakfast cereals. Nursing mothers need adequate amounts of Iron to support their health and the health of their nursing baby.

[Read : Beans While Breastfeeding]

5. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is found in food sources such as Oranges, Cantaloupe, liver, egg yolks, carrots, dark leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, and milk.

6. Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is commonly found in Poultry, Fish, bananas, Whole grains, and fortified cereals. Nursing mothers need adequate Vitamin B6 to have a healthy life for themselves and their little ones.

7. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, similar to Vitamin B6, helps form Red Blood Cells. It is found in poultry, fish, meat, eggs, and dairy products.

8. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and green peppers.

9. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is found in fatty fish, such as salmon, fortified milk, juices, and cereals.

[Read : Vitamin D For Breastfeeding Mothers]

10. DHA

DHA stands for Docohexaenoic acid. It is found in fatty fish, such as salmon, fortified milk, and cereals. DHA is also available as a dietary supplement.

It is essential for breastfeeding mothers to get enough of the right vitamins and nutrients to help boost their Immunity. While all vitamins are essential, some vitamins are essential for breastfeeding mothers, such as calcium, folic acid, Iodine, Iron, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, and DHA. All these vitamins and nutrients play a vital role in boosting Immunity for breastfeeding moms.

While supplements can help you meet the daily recommended intake of vitamins and nutrients, you must check their safety before consuming them. It is always suggested to talk to your doctor before choosing any supplements. Get yourself tested for the deficiencies if any, and then proceed to take supplements: the supplement’s benefits and effects are not just on you but affect your breastmilk. Life healthy, and Happy Parenting!

Read Also: Healthy Diet For Breastfeeding Mothers