Search
Language
Supplementation during breast-feeding
Table of Contents
1. Is it any different than the demand for nutrients when breastfeeding?
It is estimated that the demand for most nutrients increases by about 500 kcal in the first half of the feeding year and 400 kcal later (depending on the age, height, weight and physical activity of the breastfeeding woman). Of course, more energy is required to breast-feed more than one child. Energy should be provided by a diverse, well-balanced diet. However, the need for most of the nutrients rises in proportion to the increased caloric demand.2. Recommended supplementation during lactation
The Polish Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Child Nutrition and the Polish Association of Gynecologists and Midwives indicate the need to supplement the following ingredients.3. Vitamin D and its salts
An important role of vitamin D is to maintain proper mineral bone density and regulate calcium and phosphorus concentrations. This is particularly important when breastfeeding, when the loss of calcium from bone is increased. Supplementation is recommended for the general population, and during lactation in women with a normal BMI it is recommended to take vitamin D at a dose of 15002000 IU per day or adequately to its blood level.4. Polyunsaturated fatty acids
In Poland, fish and seafood intake is quite low, so women who are breastfeeding are also particularly vulnerable to deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids. If you eat omega-3 doses 1 to 2 times a week when you are pregnant, you should increase your dietary intake of DHA supplementation every day, but in the case of 200 mg/day, it's important to note that you should also increase your weight by 400 mg/month.5. Folic acid
Folic acid is essential for the proper functioning of the body, as it is involved in the synthesis of nucleic acids, affects the normal function of the nervous system, and contributes to the formation and maturation of red blood cells. This substance is particularly important during pregnancy, but should not be forgotten during lactation.6. Iodine
It is an important ingredient in the synthesis of thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine and thyroxine) and in its proper functioning. The iodine concentration in breast milk depends on the body's stocks and its intake with the diet.7. Other ingredients worth taking care of
Due to the lack of menstruation (on average during the first 6 months of breastfeeding), the need for iron during this period decreases. However, a breast-feeding mother may need more of this ingredient when: menstruation begins again, she was diagnosed with iron deficiency while still pregnant, blood loss during midlife was high. Supplementation should be prescribed by a doctor on the basis of blood test results. Nevertheless, it is important to ensure an adequate supply of iron in the diet and to include such products as meat, eggs, pulp seed, nuts and seeds, whole grain products or green vegetables.8. It's calcium
During breastfeeding, the demand for calcium also increases, which during this period is 10001300 mg per day. However, a varied and high in calcium products diet is able to meet this increased demand and there is no need for supplementation. If a woman is on a dairy-free diet (e.g. due to an allergy to cow's milk protein, lactose intolerance or vegan diet), then supplementation should be considered.9. Summary
The period of lactation is extremely important for the mother and the baby and at the same time demanding for the woman's body. During this time it is worth taking care of a healthy, varied diet and additional support in the form of supplements. The nutrients that should be supplemented at that time are vitamin D, omega-3s, folic acid and iodine, and in special cases also calcium and iron.
