You’ve just had a baby and you’re breastfeeding, so you’re probably wondering if it’s safe to take Emergen C.
It’s totally normal to have a lot of questions when you’re a nursing mother. What can I eat? Can I drink coffee? Is it safe to take medication?
We get it because we’ve been there. A breastfeeding mother has a lot of plates to juggle!
Emergen-C is a popular vitamin C supplement that can help boost your immune system and fight off colds and flu. One of the biggest questions about Emergen-C is whether or not it’s safe for pregnant women or nursing mothers to use. Let’s break down some of the most common questions about using Emergen-C while breastfeeding!
Can you safely take Emergen-C & Vitamin C while breastfeeding?
Yes, you can take Emergen C while breastfeeding as long as you follow the recommended dosage. Breastfeeding mothers have higher vitamin C requirements because they offer vitamin C to their babies through their breastmilk.
If you’re nursing, aim for 120 milligrams of vitamin C every day. This is almost 60% higher than the amount necessary for non-breastfeeding women according to the National Institutes of Health
If you’re looking for a natural way to boost your immune system and get more antioxidants into your diet, Emergen-C might be just what you need. This supplement contains 1 billion live cultures per serving and can help support your body’s ability to fight off illness.
It has no artificial sweeteners or flavors; it’s gluten free; and it does not contain any dairy, eggs, peanuts or tree nuts.
Emergen-C is also a great way to get more Vitamin C into your diet. This essential nutrient helps support your immune system, keep you healthy and can even help reduce the risk of some cancers. Vitamin C is especially important for breastfeeding mothers because it helps boost your baby’s immunity.
How important is vitamin C for babies?
According to the World Health Organization, Vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients for babies. It helps support their immune system, helps them absorb other nutrients and can even help reduce the risk of some diseases.
Vitamin C is a necessary component that aids in immunity and collagen formation. It also serves as an antioxidant. Depending on their age, babies require 40–50 mg of vitamin C each day (40 for under 6 months, 50 for over 6 months.
Infants require less vitamin C than adults, despite the fact that it is necessary at all stages of life. From age 1-3 years old toddlers only need 15mg per day.
Natural Food Sources Of Vitamin-C
Vitamin c supplements are not as good as taking vitamin c from foods. So if you are breastfeeding and want to take vitamin c, try to get it from natural food sources.
If you’re looking for other ways to get vitamin C intake into your diet, there are plenty of great natural food sources. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Bell peppers (red have 50% more than green!)
- Orange Juice & Grapefruit juice
- Apples
- Kiwi fruit
- Broccoli
- Strawberries
- Grapes
- Brussel sprouts
- Cantaloupe
- Cabbage & cauliflower
- Potatoes
- Watermelon
You can also find vitamin C in fortified foods such as cereals, juices and milk. A healthy diet should negate the need for taking a energy vitamins for taking benefiber when breastfeeding. Lactating mothers can have the odd treat like having a Chinese when nursing, or have an ice-cream as a breastfeeding treat. Overall, try and stick to a diet full of healthy foods is best for breastfed infants.
What is Emergen-C?
Emergen-C is a dietary supplement that contains vitamin C, zinc and other nutrients. It’s designed to help support your immune system and comes in a variety of flavors. Emergen-C is gluten free, dairy free, egg free and nut free.
This is a multivitamin that is used to treat or prevent vitamin insufficiency caused by a poor diet, certain diseases, or pregnancy. Vitamins are essential building blocks for the body and aid in the maintenance of healthy health. It is commonly used as a prenatal or postnatal vitamin supplement. Prenatal vitamins are important for pregnant women and postnatal vitamins are important for nursing mothers.
Vitamin C while breastfeeding
The NIH recommends that pregnant women get at least 85 milligrams of vitamin C each day, and breastfeeding mothers should aim for 120 milligrams. Vitamin C is essential for a healthy pregnancy and helps boost your baby’s immunity.
You need vitamin C while breastfeeding because breastfeeding women are at an increased risk for developing deficiency. A lack of vitamin C can lead to problems such as fatigue, depression, and hair loss.
Emergen-C Contents & RDA
Emergen-C contains the following nutrients The recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, for each of these nutrients is as follows:
Vitamin C (500 mg)
Vitamin C is needed in breastfeeding mothers for the baby’s overall health and development. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects your cells from the effects of free radicals, which are molecules formed when your body digests food or is exposed to cigarette smoke and radiation from the sun, X-rays, or other sources. Free radicals may have a role in cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other disorders.
The daily suggested dose for nursing women is 120 milligrams (mg). It helps to increase immunity in the following ways: Vitamin C is required for the development and repair of all tissues. According to clinical study, vitamin C may shorten the duration of cold symptoms.
Zinc (15 mg)
Zinc is one of the many vital elements required by your body. It basically safeguards your immune system by combating dangerous cells. The daily suggested dose for nursing mothers is 12 mg.
Folic Acid (400 mcg)
It is suggested that you ingest 500 mcg (0.5 mg) of folic acid daily during nursing. Because your infant obtains folic acid via your milk, it’s critical that you get adequate folic acid during nursing.
Biotin (300 mcg)
Lactating women need about 35 mcg of Biotin daily compared to 30 for an average adult. Biotin aids in the conversion of carbs, lipids, and proteins in meals into the energy you require. It is necessary for healthy hair, eyes, and nails. Biotin is frequently promoted as a miraculous treatment for hair loss while nursing.
Pantothenic Acid (15 mg)
Vitamin B5, commonly known as pantothenic acid, is one of the eight B vitamins. All B vitamins aid in the conversion of food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which the body utilizes to generate energy. These B vitamins, often known as B complex vitamins, aid the body’s use of fats and protein. The recommended amount is 7mg daily when breastfeeding.
Niacin (20 mg)
Niacin is a B vitamin that your body produces and uses to convert food into energy, just what every breastfeeding woman needs! It supports the health of your neurological system, digestive system, and skin. Niacin (vitamin B-3) is frequently included in daily multivitamins, but most individuals obtain enough niacin from their diet.
Calcium (200 mg)
Calcium is required by your body to produce and maintain healthy bones. Calcium is also required for normal cardiac, muscle, and nerve function. Some research suggests that calcium, in conjunction with vitamin D, may offer benefits other than bone health, such as protection against cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It is vital for babies to get plenty of calcium in the breast milk.
Do Emergen-C and Vitamin C increase milk supply?
There is no concrete evidence that suggests taking Emergen-C or vitamin C will increase your milk supply. However, both of these nutrients are essential for a healthy pregnancy and baby, so they can’t hurt to include in your diet. You may want to speak with your doctor if you’re having trouble breastfeeding or think you need more vitamin C.
How much vitamin C can I take during pregnancy and breastfeeding without side effects?
The recommended daily dose of vitamin C during pregnancy and breastfeeding is 120 mg. Taking more than this amount may cause side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. It’s best to speak with your doctor if you’re unsure about how much vitamin C is right for you.
If you have a healthy immune system then taking vitamin C, such as Emergen-C, is best used as a prophylactic strategy if you have been exposed to someone who is ill. When used as a prophylactic strategy, it has been demonstrated to shorten the duration of colds. You may get nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea if you consume too much vitamin C. If you take large doses over an extended length of time, you risk acquiring kidney stones.
Is Vitamin-C in breast milk harmful?
No, there is no evidence that suggests that vitamin C in breast milk is harmful. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for both mother and baby and is required for healthy bones, teeth, and skin. Babies who are breastfed should receive adequate amounts of vitamin C through their mother’s milk.
There are no known side effects for too much vitamin c in breastfeeding babies.
If breastfeeding moms are taking emergen c supplements or emergen c while breastfeeding for a prolonged period then it is wise to speak to your healthcare provider. If you have a weakened immune system then the vital nutrients in Emergen-C may help to keep you healthy.
If you have a healthy immune system, then taking vitamin C—such as through Emergen-C—is best used as a prophylactic strategy if you’ve been exposed to someone who is ill. When used in this way, it has been demonstrated to shorten the duration of colds. It is not advisable to overdose on the recommended vitamin c intake for long periods as taking extra vitamin c from emergen c products may result in kidney stones or excessive iron absorption.
When Should I Not Take Vitamin C Supplements
If you suffer from hemochromatosis, you should not take vitamin C supplements, as they may worsen the condition. Hemochromotosis is a disorder that causes your body to absorb too much iron from your food. Speak with your doctor if you have any concerns about taking vitamin C supplements.
How can I get rid of colds while breastfeeding?
To reduce your chances of catching a cold while breastfeeding, you can:
- Wash your hands regularly and often, especially before you eat
- Avoid touching your face
- Stay warm and dry
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Eat nutritious foods
- Get enough rest
If you do get sick, here are some tips for taking care of yourself while breastfeeding:
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and herbal tea
- Rest as much as possible
- Take over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve pain and fever
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco products
Can you get the same amount of vitamin C from food?
You can get vitamin C from many different types of food, such as fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and fortified foods. The amount of vitamin C in a food depends on the nutrient content of the soil where the plant was grown and on how the food is processed. For example, cooking destroys some of the vitamin C in food.
Generally, the more processed a food is, the less vitamin C it contains. breastfeeding women need about 120 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C each day. A raw red pepper contains 95mg so if you have a vitamin c deficiency if you want to just get your vitamin C uptake in naturally you can select a healthy vitamin c based diet.
Dietary supplements like emergen c supplements will have a high vitamin c concentration but most likely not all the other nutrients your body needs. Healthy lactating women may not need high doses if they have a healthy breast milk supply. If you find your milk production is low and you are not eating a healthy diet and getting enough vitamin c then a vitamin c supplement would be a good idea.
Emergen-C FAQ’s
Can pregnant women take Emergen-C?
Yes, pregnant women can take Emergen-C. The NIH recommends that pregnant women get at least 85 milligrams of vitamin C each day, and breastfeeding mothers should aim for 120 milligrams. Emergen-C contains the recommended amount of vitamin C for pregnant women.
Can children take Emergen-C?
Yes, children can take Emergen-C. The recommended dosage for children is based on their age:
For children age two to three, the recommended dosage is one tablet per day.
For children four to eight, the recommended dosage is two tablets per day.
For children nine to thirteen, the recommended dosage is three tablets per day.
What are some of the flavors of Emergen-C?
Emergen-C comes in a variety of flavors, including: tangerine, cranberry-pomegranate, cherry, grape and orange.
Is Emergen-C gluten free?
Yes, Emergen-C is gluten free. It also does not contain dairy, eggs or nuts.
Does Emergen-C have caffeine?
No, Emergen-C does not have caffeine. It is a non-caffeinated vitamin drink mix.
What are the ingredients in Emergen-C?
The complete list of ingredients for Emergen-C can be found on the product label. Some of the nutrients that are included in Emergen-C are:
Vitamin C (500 mg)
Zinc (15 mg)
Folic Acid (400 mcg)
Biotin (300 mcg)
Pantothenic Acid (15 mg)
Niacinamide (20 mg)
Calcium (200 mg)
Emergen-C also contains other ingredients, including: glucose and sugarcane, citric acid, tangerine juice powder, natural tangerines flavor, tapioca maltodextrin, xylitol, potassium and sodium chloride.
How do I take Emergen-C?
The recommended way to take Emergen-C is by mixing the contents of one packet with six to eight ounces of cold water. Stir or shake well and enjoy.
Can I mix Emergen-C with other beverages?
Yes, you can mix Emergen-C with other beverages such as juice, milk or soda. It is recommended to avoid mixing it with hot liquids, as this may reduce the effectiveness of the vitamin C.
What are some of the side effects of Emergen-C?
Some potential side effects of taking Emergen-C include: headache, nausea, diarrhea and constipation. If any of these side effects occur, consult a healthcare professional.
Is Emergen-C safe to take for long periods of time?
Yes, Emergen-C is safe to take for long periods of time. However, if you are experiencing any side effects, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
Is Emergen-C vegan?
Yes, Emergen-C is vegan. It does not contain dairy, eggs or nuts.
Can I take more than the recommended dosage of Emergen-C?
No, it is not recommended to take more than the recommended dosage of Emergen-C. If you are experiencing any adverse effects, consult a healthcare professional.
Does Emergen-C contain artificial colors or flavors?
No, Emergen-C does not contain artificial colors or flavors. It is made with natural ingredients.
What is the shelf life of Emergen-C?
The shelf life of Emergen-C is two years. It is recommended to store Emergen-C in a cool, dry place.
Take Away On Usings Emergen c products for breastfeeding moms
Emergen-C is a healthy and delicious way for breastfeeding mothers to get their daily dose of vitamin C. The company does not use any artificial colors or flavors in the production process, so it’s safe for moms with sensitive stomachs to enjoy Emergen-C regularly. It also contains no caffeine, which makes it an ideal beverage choice while nursing your little one.
If you’re looking for some extra energy whilst you have a breastfed infant, either to boost your milk levels or overall energy then taking supplements can be sensible for lactacting mothers. Ones which include a wide range of nutrients like a vitamin c content, vitamin e and ascorbic acid can be great for a breastfeeding mom.
