Breast milk is rich in nutritional properties and ensures the baby’s health. Every newborn should consume milk from the mother, as it is through this milk that they receive the essential vitamins and minerals for their development. Women in the breastfeeding stage should pay special attention to their diet.

  • Vitamins during breastfeeding
  • Benefits and purpose
  • Vitamin deficiency

Vitamins During Breastfeeding

Breast milk contains in its composition 50% of the vitamins ingested by the mother through food. A source of life during the baby’s first 6 months, the milk should be rich in every aspect. That is why many women continue with prenatal supplementation even during breastfeeding.

Benefits and Purpose

When a woman is breastfeeding, it is very important to consume an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals, since a large part is transferred to the milk1. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to what you eat and your overall health.

A balanced diet with whole grains, legumes, vegetables, milk, and meat contributes to good nutrition. However, in some cases, vitamin supplementation may be necessary to ensure all nutrients for the baby.

In addition, women who are breastfeeding should eat more than those who are not. Always focus on the quality of what is consumed and drink plenty of fluids.

Vitamin Supplementation Options

Vitamin supplementation for those who are breastfeeding can be in capsules or powder. The latter option can be easily mixed into food or even juices during meals. It is also recommended that breastfeeding mothers consume a significant amount of iron to prevent anemia during this stage of life2.

Besides paying attention to diet, there are also iron-based supplements. Another important nutrient for breastfeeding women is vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and keeps antibodies alert to fight infections.

When combined with zinc, vitamin C is even more effective. Vitamin D, on the other hand, is essential for strong bones and joints for both the mother and baby. This vitamin is transmitted through breast milk but is also absorbed through sun exposure.

Fruits such as bananas, for example, are rich in potassium and fiber, which helps combat cramps that are so common during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Whole grains are a rich source of energy and minerals. Sunflower seeds, in turn, are an important source of zinc.

Vitamin Deficiency

Vitamin deficiency can cause some serious harm to those breastfeeding, such as malnutrition3. Even without weight loss, a woman may experience an acute drop in nutrients, become anemic, have poor immunity, and be more susceptible to infectious diseases.

Another side effect of vitamin deficiency during breastfeeding is reduced milk quality. As a result, the baby may not develop properly and may even lose weight.

In these cases, the doctor will order some tests for the woman. If a nutrient deficiency is found, the doctor will recommend vitamin supplementation. Ideally, the vitamin capsules should contain:

Capsules Containing:

  • Zinc
  • Pantothenic acid
  • Folic acid
  • Biotin
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin D3
  • Vitamin C
  • Nicotinamide
  • Vitamins B12, B6, B3, B2
  • Selenium
  • Molybdenum
  • Manganese
  • Magnesium
  • Iodine
  • Iron
  • Copper
  • Chromium
  • Calcium
  • Vitamin A

The nutritional needs will depend on the health status of the mother and baby. Additionally, it is very common for doctors to prescribe prenatal vitamins during breastfeeding, since the recommended doses by Anvisa for pregnant and breastfeeding women are practically identical. One of these vitamin supplements that can be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding is FamiGesta.

FamiGesta is the multivitamin that contains Methylfolate and all the essential nutrients for this very important stage in a woman’s life.

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