Breastfeeding Supplements & Vitamins

About Breastfeeding Supplements & Vitamins

Nutrient requirements during breastfeeding are higher than any other life stage for women. And this elevated nutrient demand occurs at a time when nutritional reserves are low after pregnancy. It is important to ensure that total energy intake, particularly essential amino acids and essential fatty acids, is sufficient, as well as micronutrients like as vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional deficiencies are prevalent in developed nations, which is contrary to the beliefs of most given the abundance of food available. However, the low quality of food consumed, the prevalence of digestive issues and the high nutrient demands due to the fast-paced modern lifestyle typically results in caloric abundance in the form of processed flour, refined cane sugar and vegetable oils, with a low intake of essential nutrients.

Phytochemicals should be considered as important nutrients. Though there is not set recommended dietary intake for these nutrients (yet), they nonetheless offer a range of benefits for the human body, as well as assisting in the prevention of chronic disease. Examples of these are lycopene found in tomatoes and carotenoids contained in carrots.

Supplements for Breastfeeding can take a little of the guess work out, ensuring that micronutrient needs, such as zinc, iron, iodine and vitamin C, are being met on a daily basis. Preconception/Pregnancy/Breastfeeding multivitamins and minerals can be a great way to meet the needs of many of these micronutrients.

Raspberry leaf is also a herbal medicine that can be used not only during pregnancy, but also during breastfeeding to tone and heal the uterus and potentially increase breast milk production. Importantly, the breastfeeding mother must eat a wide variety of healthy foods, taking part in regular snacking, in order to supply her body with the best possible nutrients, and create the most nourishing breast milk possible for her baby.