Vitamin C is one of the essential nutrients the body needs every day. This vitamin plays various roles in the body’s metabolic processes. For breastfeeding mothers, vitamin C intake is something that deserves special attention.
Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins. Since the body cannot produce or store it, daily intake must come from food or supplements.
Most people are familiar with vitamin C as a remedy for mouth ulcers or to prevent them. But in fact, this nutrient offers far more benefits—especially for breastfeeding mothers. Below, you’ll find the key benefits of vitamin C during breastfeeding.
7 Benefits of Vitamin C for Breastfeeding Mothers
1. Boosts Breast Milk Production
The first benefit of vitamin C for breastfeeding mothers is its ability to help increase breast milk supply. Some mothers have reported an improvement in milk production when they meet their daily vitamin C needs.
So, if you’re experiencing issues with low milk supply, try adding more vitamin C–rich fruits and vegetables to your diet, such as oranges, strawberries, and kiwis.
2. Strengthens the Immunity of Breastfeeding Mothers
Breastfeeding moms often worry about falling ill. Not only does sickness carry the risk of passing infections to the baby, but it can also reduce a mother’s ability to care for and nurture her little one effectively.
That’s why it’s important for breastfeeding mothers to maintain good nutrition to stay healthy. Regularly consuming foods rich in vitamin C has been shown to help the body fight infections and various illnesses. These immune-boosting benefits are also passed on to your little one through breast milk.
3. Strengthens Teeth and Bones
Health problems affecting the teeth and bones can certainly interfere with a mother’s ability to care for her baby. Fortunately, breastfeeding moms don’t need to worry too much about this issue.
Vitamin C is known to help strengthen teeth and bones. Its benefits work even more effectively when combined with other nutrients, such as vitamin D.
4. Prevents Mastitis or Blocked Milk Ducts
Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue, a condition commonly experienced by breastfeeding mothers that can disrupt the flow of breast milk. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection, most often Staphylococcus aureus.
Several studies have found that consuming vitamin C may help prevent mastitis in breastfeeding mothers. A laboratory study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) showed that vitamin C can actively fight mastitis by inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus.
5. Helps Prevent Anemia in Breastfeeding Mothers
Iron-deficiency anemia is a condition that can affect breastfeeding mothers. This should not be taken lightly, as anemia may lead to depression, reduced physical strength, and an overall decline in a mother’s health.
When a mother suffers from anemia, it can also negatively impact her baby’s growth and development.
Fortunately, this condition can be prevented by meeting the body’s daily vitamin C requirements. Vitamin C plays a key role in enhancing iron absorption—especially from plant-based sources, which are otherwise harder for the body to absorb.
6. Helps Prevent Allergies
Another benefit of vitamin C is its potential to help prevent allergies in children.
A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that children who were breastfed by mothers with a vitamin C–rich diet had a lower tendency to develop allergies such as asthma or eczema. Interestingly, babies with lower vitamin C levels were often those whose mothers had food hypersensitivities.
7. Increases Vitamin C Levels in Breast Milk
Consistently meeting your daily vitamin C needs can also directly increase the vitamin C content in breast milk. This means the antioxidant levels in your milk rise as well—providing added benefits for your baby.
How Much Vitamin C Do Breastfeeding Mothers Need?
The recommended daily intake of vitamin C for breastfeeding mothers is 120 milligrams (mg). This amount can easily be obtained from vitamin C–rich foods.
Top natural sources of vitamin C include:
- Guava
- Broccoli
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Oranges
- Papaya
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Pineapple
In addition to food, vitamin C needs can also be met through supplements. However, many supplements on the market contain levels of ascorbic acid that far exceed daily requirements.
While vitamin C supplements are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, it’s important to consult your doctor first—especially if you have a history of kidney problems.
Common Questions About Vitamin C for Breastfeeding Mothers
Is vitamin C safe for breastfeeding mothers?
Yes, vitamin C is safe for breastfeeding mothers when taken within the recommended range. Some safe supplement options include Blackmores Pregnancy & Breast-feeding Gold, Osfit Platinum, Obimin-AF, L-Vit D3 1000, and Konilife Matercare Multivitamin and Mineral.
Is C1000 safe for breastfeeding mothers?
Not always. C1000 may not be suitable for breastfeeding mothers, as the ideal vitamin C intake is only around 120–250 mg per day. Consuming high doses over time may increase the risk of nausea, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and even kidney stone formation.
What vitamins are good for breastfeeding mothers?
Important vitamins for breastfeeding mothers include vitamins A, B-complex (B9/folate, B12), C, D, and iron. Supplement options include Mom Uung Booster, Blackmores Pregnancy & Breast-feeding Gold, Prove D3, and Folamil Genio.
What are the signs of calcium deficiency in breastfeeding mothers?
Signs may include muscle pain and cramps, brittle or decaying teeth, hair loss, dry skin, frequent colds or infections, and difficulty sleeping.
Originally published on theAsianparent Indonesia
