Vitamin C and Breastfeeding

Based on the recommended dietary intake of vitamin C, breastfeeding women should take 115 mg or 120 mg of the vitamin daily (depending on their age). Women who are breastfeeding have a higher need for vitamin C, but they should have no problem getting enough through their diet. However, it is important to know that high doses of vitamin C can cause side effects.

 

An Overview of Vitamin C and Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding women have a higher need for vitamin C, compared to other adults (including pregnant women). However, most breastfeeding women have no trouble getting enough vitamin C though their diet.
 

Vitamin C and Breastfeeding Recommendations

The RDA (recommended dietary allowance) of vitamin C for breastfeeding women is 115 mg per day (for women 18 years and younger) or 120 mg per day (for women 19 years and older).
 Since vitamin C is found in a wide variety of commonly consumed foods, most women don't have any trouble getting enough vitamin C. Also, if you are taking a multivitamin (or are still taking your prenatal vitamin), you are probably getting plenty of vitamin C.
 
The maximum recommended vitamin C dose for breastfeeding women is 1800 mg per day (for women 18 years and younger) or 2000 mg per day (for women 19 years or older). Higher doses are likely to cause side effects.
 
You should talk with your healthcare provider about vitamin C and breastfeeding. Each woman's situation is different, and you and your healthcare provider understand your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, you and your healthcare provider can make a shared decision about vitamin C and breastfeeding in your particular situation.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;