While breastfeeding, the requirement for iodine, omega-3 (DHA), folic acid and magnesium stays elevated, as the child is also supplied via the milk. DHA contributes to normal brain function, iodine to normal thyroid function and magnesium to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Every supplement should be discussed with your doctor.
After birth, breastfeeding begins another demanding but wonderful phase. The body performs something great: it maintains milk production, replenishes its own reserves and copes with an everyday life that often involves little sleep. No wonder the requirement for some nutrients stays elevated. Many new mothers therefore wonder what they should now pay attention to in their own supply so that they themselves feel well and offer the baby the best foundation. In this guide we put the most important nutrients into context, explain where they come from and present suitable complexes from our range.
What matters for the breastfeeding goal
While breastfeeding, the body has an increased requirement for several nutrients because it maintains milk production and passes on part of the nutrients taken in to the child via breast milk. At the same time, the body's own stores, which were drawn on during pregnancy and birth, are meant to be replenished. These nutrients are particularly in focus here.
Iodine contributes to normal thyroid function and to normal cognitive function. The iodine requirement while breastfeeding is even somewhat higher than in pregnancy, because the breastfed child is also supplied via the milk. Selenium also contributes to normal thyroid function and sensibly complements iodine.
Omega-3 fatty acids: DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function and normal vision. While breastfeeding, a good DHA supply is a frequent topic, since this fatty acid is passed on via breast milk and falls short in the diet of many mothers.
Folic acid contributes to normal blood formation and to the normal function of the immune system. Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function, to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue – a contribution appreciated by many mothers especially in a phase with little sleep and a lot of carrying.
Two further points deserve attention: iron and fluids. The iron stores can be drawn on after birth; iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. At the same time, the fluid requirement while breastfeeding is increased, because milk production needs water. A glass of water within reach next to the nursing spot is a simple, effective trick that is often underestimated.
Vitamin D and the B vitamins also deserve attention while breastfeeding. Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system and to the maintenance of normal bones, a topic especially in the sun-poor months. Vitamin B12 and further B vitamins contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue – aspects that are especially welcome in the often sleep-poor everyday life of breastfeeding. A colourful diet with whole grains, vegetables, dairy products and eggs provides many of these building blocks quite naturally.
Our product recommendations
From our range we have put together four complexes that take up typical topics of breastfeeding – omega-3, folate, magnesium and iodine. They can be used individually or combined to suit your needs. What matters is where a need actually exists for you.
Breastfeeding complex with fenugreek, fennel, omega 3, DHA & folic acid
This complex is specially tailored to breastfeeding and bundles several suitable building blocks at once. It combines DHA (contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function and normal vision) with folic acid (contributes to normal blood formation) as well as the traditionally used plants fenugreek and fennel, which have been among the classic nursing herbs for generations. A well-thought-out, practical composition for new mothers who want to round out their supply with a single intake. Instead of juggling several individual preparations, here you find the typical nursing building blocks bundled – this saves time and thought in an already full everyday life and makes the daily intake pleasantly uncomplicated.
Complex of 4 bioactive magnesium sources
Little sleep, frequent carrying and a full everyday life let the wish for a good magnesium supply grow. This complex provides 400 mg of elemental magnesium from four bioactive sources, which ensure pleasant tolerability. Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function, to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue – aspects that many mothers particularly appreciate in this intensive time.
T3 T4 thyroid complex with iodine, selenium and thyme
Since the iodine requirement stays elevated while breastfeeding, an iodine-containing complex can be a topic. Iodine contributes to normal thyroid function and to normal cognitive function, selenium also supports thyroid function. Thyme is traditionally used. Because the appropriate iodine amount varies from person to person, a mindful approach to dosage is recommended here. With 180 capsules, one pack lasts over a longer period and reliably accompanies you through the breastfeeding months without you having to reorder constantly.
Metabolism-Strong – liver, thyroid & magnesium in harmony
Anyone looking for a more comprehensive approach will find in this complete package a coordinated combination centred on liver, thyroid and magnesium. Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, the plant extracts it contains are traditionally used. A practical option for everyone who wants to bundle several building blocks in one package instead of combining many individual products. That way you keep an overview and save yourself the effort of putting together your own combinations – a welcome advantage especially in a full breastfeeding everyday life, when there is little time for extensive planning.
View metabolism complete package
Foundations first
While breastfeeding too, the following applies: the basis is a balanced, nutrient-rich diet with adequate fluids – the fluid requirement is increased especially while breastfeeding. Whole grains, vegetables, fruit, good protein sources such as pulses, eggs and dairy products, as well as high-quality fats provide the building blocks your body now needs. Sea fish brings iodine and omega-3, iodised salt complements the iodine intake, and regular meals help to maintain the energy level in a demanding everyday life.
In quite practical terms, this means: prepare snacks for yourself that can be eaten with one hand, such as sliced fruit, nuts or whole-grain bread, so that you are well supplied even during breastfeeding. Consciously drink a glass of water at every nursing session. And be lenient with yourself: in this intensive time, not every meal turns out perfectly balanced, and that is completely fine. Food supplements can help to close selective gaps without you putting additional pressure on yourself.
The bottom line is that breastfeeding is an intensive but precious phase in which your own supply counts just as much as that of your child. A few central nutrients such as iodine, omega-3, folate and magnesium deserve your attention, the rest follows from a colourful, balanced diet with adequate fluids. Curated complexes can help you cover the most important building blocks in an uncomplicated way, while you focus on the closeness to your baby. Be patient and loving with yourself – that too is part of a successful breastfeeding time.
Food supplements can provide targeted support but do not replace a wholesome diet. Because while breastfeeding much is passed on to your child via breast milk, a careful approach is important. Please discuss every supplement and the appropriate dosage with your doctor or midwife before you take it – that way the selection is tailored exactly to you and your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which nutrients are important while breastfeeding?
Particularly in view are iodine, omega-3 (DHA), folic acid, iron and magnesium. The requirement stays elevated in this phase because the breastfed child is supplied via breast milk and the body's own stores are meant to be replenished.
Why is DHA a topic while breastfeeding?
DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function and normal vision and is passed on via breast milk. Since this fatty acid is found mainly in oily sea fish, many breastfeeding mothers consciously pay attention to a good supply.
Does a nursing complex help with milk production?
Traditionally used plants such as fenugreek and fennel have long been part of classic nursing teas and complexes. They have been valued in this phase of life for generations and can be easily integrated into everyday life.
Is magnesium sensible while breastfeeding?
Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function, to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Especially in sleep-poor, physically demanding phases, many mothers appreciate this contribution; stick to the recommended daily dose.
Do I have to supplement everything at once?
No. It is more sensible to supplement in a targeted way where a need actually exists, instead of randomly combining many preparations. A look at your own diet often already shows where possible gaps lie.
Health notice: This guide is for general information purposes only and does not replace individual medical or pharmaceutical advice. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced, varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you have health concerns, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist. How our guides are created →
Sources
- Nutrition while breastfeeding — Netzwerk Gesund ins Leben, 2024
- Nutrient requirements of breastfeeding women — Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung, 2024
- Iodine and selenium — Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, 2023
- Health claims on foods — European Food Safety Authority, 2023
