Vitamin C When Breastfeeding: Safety, Benefits, And Sources

A diet rich in vitamin C can aid in the bone development of the nursing baby.

Reviewed by Regina Kincaid, RM, IBCLC Regina Kincaid Regina KincaidRM, IBCLC MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on TwitterFollow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on YouTube Specialty: Breastfeeding & LactationExperience: 4 years
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Edited by , BSc, MBA Rohit Garoo BSc, MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Baby Health and WellnessExperience: 9 years
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Vitamin C-rich Foods For Breastfeeding Mothers

Image: Shutterstock

Many obstetricians advise that mothers eat foods high in vitamin C while breastfeeding. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin mostly found in fruits and vegetables. It is a crucial antioxidant and a typical ingredient in human milk. It also protects and maintains the health of the body’s cells, assists in wound healing, and improves iron absorption.

Since our bodies cannot produce this vitamin, it should be supplemented through our diet. The recommended daily intake of vitamin C for a lactating woman is 120mg, and it is important to ensure that her dietary intake includes this amount. A mother who is healthy and eats a balanced diet would have sufficient amounts of vitamin C in her breast milk (1)

Read this post to learn more about vitamin C and breastfeeding, including the effects of vitamin C on breastmilk and how you can maintain the vitamin C level in your breastmilk.

In This Article

Key Pointers

  • Consuming a vitamin-C rich diet is beneficial when breastfeeding.
  • It helps you and your baby fight illnesses by boosting your immune system.
  • Vitamin C deficiency can lead to fatigue, scurvy, and anemia.

Benefits Of Vitamin C During Breastfeeding

Every nursing mother needs a supply of nutrients including minerals and vitamins while breastfeeding. Vitamin C is an essential micronutrientiVitamins and minerals, required in small amounts, that are not produced by the body and need to be taken from different sources that plays a vital role in providing nutrition and supporting the proper functioning of the body.

Here are some possible benefits of taking vitamin C during breastfeeding. 

  1. Vitamin C is a cofactor for many enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of collagen, carnitineiA chemical cofactor produced in the kidneys and liver that helps metabolize fat to produce energy , and neurotransmittersiChemical messengers in the brain that send signals throughout the body to carry out different functions . Hence, it aids in the growth of bones and teeth (2).

    Vitamin C while breastfeeding promotes teeth health

    Image: IStock

  2. It stimulates collagen production, the main protein found in the blood vessels, cartilage, tendons, ligaments. etc. (3).
  3. Ascorbic acid helps the body absorb iron from the gastrointestinal tract.
  4. As it has antioxidant properties, it reduces the number of free radicals in the body, thus reducing cancer risk.
  5. Vitamin C also helps in faster wound healing and quicker restoration of the tissues.
  6. It gives your immune system a boost and helps you and your baby fight off infections (4).
  7. Mastitis is a condition also known as inflammation of the breast which affects 3-20% of breastfeeding mothers, most commonly during the first 6 weeks postpartum (although it can occur at any time during lactation). Studies have found that the incidence of mastitis was found to be higher in mothers who were deficient in vitamin C (5). Taking vitamin C supplements may help prevent mastitis.

    Vitamin C supplements can help prevent mastitis

    Image: IStock

  8. Studies have proven that a maternal diet rich in natural sources of vitamin C during breastfeeding could reduce the risk of atopic diseases such as eczemaiNon-contagious skin condition resulting in inflamed, dry, and scratchy skin due to specific foods or medicines , asthma, and allergies in infants (6).

protip_icon Did you know?
ColostrumiThe first breast milk that is enriched with nutrients and antibodies has about 10 to 20 mg/L more vitamin C than that mature milk (1).

Dosage And Dietary Sources Of Vitamin C

Fresh fruits and veggies are the best vitamin C source

Image: IStock

If you are a nursing mother, you may need to check your vitamin C levels and make sure they are at the recommended levels. For mothers 18 years or younger, the recommended amount is 115mg/day, and for mothers above 18 years, it is 120mg/day (2).

Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best sources of vitamin C, and most nursing mothers can meet their Vitamin C requirement from these food sources. Some foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits like oranges and lemon, broccoli, cantaloupe, potato, bell pepper, tomato, kiwi, cauliflower, cabbage, strawberry, and Brussels sprouts (7).

Signs Of Vitamin C Deficiency

The following are the most common signs and symptoms of vitamin C deficiency (8).

  • Scurvy

This is characterized by the loss of collageniA structural protein of the body that helps build the connective tissue, skin, bones, and tendons and provides flexibility and weakening of connective tissues and could lead to

  • Spots on the skin due to bleeding and bruising of blood vessels.
  • Bleeding and swelling of the gums and potential loss of teeth.
  • Hair loss.
  • Delayed wound healing
  • Fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell
  • Anemia 

Can You Take Vitamin Supplements While Breastfeeding?

Consult doctor before taking supplements when breastfeeding

Image: IStock

The average milk vitamin C concentration is 50-90 mg/L in a well-nourished mother consuming adequate vitamin C in their diet. However, mothers who smoke or have dietary restrictions or low intake of Vitamin C rich foods have lower milk vitamin C levels (1). If you are breastfeeding and diagnosed with low vitamin C levels, consult your doctor for some supplements.

According to a study of mothers who were administered high doses of vitamin C between 250-1,000mg/L daily, the average milk concentration was 100-120mg/L after two days of supplementation. Even when one mother took doses as high as 4,000mg/L vitamin C per day, the breast milk concentration of vitamin C was well below the levels known to cause harm (9). Therefore it is best to consult your doctor for the recommended supplemental dosage.

protip_icon Quick fact
Consuming one orange or a small glass of unsweetened orange juice daily as part of a well-balanced diet can provide the lactating mother with sufficient vitamin C (11).

Side Effects Of Excessive Vitamin C

Taking higher concentrations of vitamin C supplements than those recommended by your doctor may have the below side effects

.

  • Tissue damage
  • Kidney stones
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
Vitamin C while breastfeeding can have certain certain side effects

Image: Shutterstock

  • Vomiting
  • Heartburn (7)

Make sure you take high-dose vitamin C supplementation only when directed by a physician, especially if you have pre-existing conditions such as kidney disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do babies get vitamin C through breast milk?

Yes, vitamin C is passed to babies through their mother’s breast milk. It aids in the proper growth and development of bones and muscles, thereby providing potential breastfeeding benefits to the baby.

2. Does smoking reduce the amount of vitamin C in breast milk?

Yes, studies have shown that smoking may affect the levels of vitamin C and antioxidantsiNaturally found compounds that prevent and reduce the harmful effects that free radicals have on cells in breastmilk (10). Therefore, exercising caution while smoking or quitting altogether is vital to prevent any adverse effects on infant and maternal health.

3. How does vitamin C help with postpartum healing?

Vitamin C has several bodily functions, which can also play a significant role in postpartum healing. For instance, vitamin C facilitates collagen synthesis, which can help heal the tears or incisions that may have happened during childbirth. In addition, vitamin C also helps in tissue repair and rebuilding, strengthening immunity, reducing oxidative stress, and optimum iron absorption, which all help in postpartum healing (12) (13) (14) (15).

Vitamin C while breastfeeding is recommended because it nourishes you and your baby. The vitamin can help provide stronger bones and teeth, faster wound healing, and prevent mastitis. A balanced diet will give you adequate vitamin C required for your body. However, if you notice swelling and bleeding of gums, hair loss, or delay in wound healing, it may be possible that you have a vitamin C deficiency. Seek your doctor’s advice on this matter. They may recommend specific diets or supplements to replenish your needs.

Infographic: Dietary Sources Of Vitamin C Foods During Lactation

Vitamin C is a vital nutrient essential for various functions of the body. The nutrient passes to your baby through breast milk, which can be the only source of vitamin C for exclusively breastfed babies. Therefore, it is vital to include vitamin C-rich foods in your diet. Since what you eat can affect your baby, the following infographic presents breastfeeding-safe vitamin C food sources you can include in your diet.

lactation safe vitamin c rich foods (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Vitamin C While Breastfeeding: Safety Benefits And Sources

vitamin c while breastfeeding_illustration

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team


Feeling tired and run down? Bad teeth? You may have a Vitamin C deficiency, or scurvy. Learn why these symptoms happen and who is most at risk.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Vitamin C; National Center for Biotechnology Information
2. Vitamin C; National Institutes of Health
3. Shailja Chambial et al.;Vitamin C in Disease Prevention and Cure: An Overview; Indian Journal of Chemical Biology (2013).
4. S Maggini, S Wenzlaff, and D Hornig; Essential Role of Vitamin C and Zinc in Child Immunity and Health; The Journal of International Medical Research (2010).
5. A. A. Fulton; Value Of Supplements Of Vitamin C In Preventing Lactational Mastitis; The British Medical Journal (1945).
6. U Hoppu et al.; Vitamin C in breast milk may reduce the risk of atopy in the infant; European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004).
7. Nutrition Tips for Breastfeeding Mothers; The Regents of The University of California
8. Vitamin C; Harvard TH Chan
9. Jason B. Sauberanl; High-Dose Vitamins; Breastfeeding Medicine (2019).
10. Rosa M. Ortega et al.; The Influence of Smoking on Vitamin C Status During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy and on Vitamin C Levels in Maternal Milk; ResearchGate.
11. Healthy eating for breastfeeding; UK Government
12. Nutrition after childbirth; The Open University
13. Focus on Family Wellness: Promoting Postpartum Support and Recovery; Triangle Area Parenting Support
14. Biochemistry, Collagen Synthesis; Statpearls, NCBI
15. Food and beverages; Allina Health Patient Education

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Regina Kincaid
Regina KincaidRM, IBCLC
Regina qualified as a midwife in 2005 in Germany and has since worked in maternity care in England and Ireland. She achieved stage 1 of the UNICEF Baby Friendly accreditation as infant feeding lead midwife at Ealing Hospital in London and worked in the lactation team of the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin, Ireland.

Read full bio of Regina Kincaid
Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal
Rohit Garoo
Rohit GarooBSc, MBA
Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.

Read full bio of Rohit Garoo
Anindita Ghatak
Anindita GhatakB.Tech
Anindita Ghatak holds a B.Tech degree in Biotechnology from Amity University, Kolkata. During the course of her studies, she has worked on different research projects in the fields of Microbiology and Bioinformatics. Anindita has over three years of experience writing medical articles for journals.

Read full bio of Anindita Ghatak
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