Should I take a multivitamin while breastfeeding?

    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Taking a multivitamin while breastfeeding is a personal choice and may be beneficial (though it is not necessary) if maintaining a balanced diet is difficult. Some studies indicate that multivitamins can enhance the nutrient levels in breast milk, particularly if they include specific components like DHA.

    Maybe! If consuming a balanced, nutritious diet on a regular basis is a challenge, a multivitamin may be worth considering, but it certainly isn’t a requirement. Ultimately, it is a personal decision. Some data suggest that multivitamin use in women with no underlying nutritional deficiencies does offer potential benefits with few safety concerns. In one trial, women who took a postnatal supplement containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 12 vitamins, five minerals, and lutein expressed breast milk with higher levels of DHA and other selected nutrients than those who took a placebo.[1]

    Should I take a multivitamin while breastfeeding? - Examine