Vitamin B6 and Breastfeeding

Women who are breastfeeding have an increased need for vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). Breastfeeding women should not take large doses of the vitamin, however, as it could decrease breast milk supply. Since every woman's situation is different, you should talk to your healthcare provider about breastfeeding and vitamin B6 to determine the best choice for your particular situation.

Vitamin B6 Information

Can You Take Vitamin B6 While Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding women have a higher need for vitamin B₆ (pyridoxine), compared to most other adults (including pregnant women). However, this should not imply that breastfeeding women should take large doses of vitamin B₆. A prenatal vitamin contains plenty of vitamin B₆ for most women.

Recommendations

The Recommended Dietary Intake (RDA) of vitamin B₆ for breastfeeding women is 2 mg per day. While many women have no difficulty getting plenty of vitamin B₆ through a healthy and well-balanced diet, it is probably a good idea for many (if not most) women to take a prenatal vitamin, just to make sure that no vitamin deficiencies develop during this period of high nutritional need.

Very high doses of vitamin B₆ have been reported to decrease breast milk supply; therefore, very high-dose vitamin B₆ supplementation is not recommended for breastfeeding women.

Final Thoughts

You should talk with your healthcare provider about vitamin B₆ 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 B₆ and breastfeeding that is right for you.