Does the nutrient requirement for everything really increase during breastfeeding?

No – only for some nutrients. While breastfeeding, the body produces around 750–800 ml of breast milk daily, which requires additional energy (about 500–600 kcal/day) and individual micronutrients that pass directly into the milk. For other nutrients – such as iron or calcium – the German Nutrition Society (DGE) sets the same reference value as for non-breastfeeding, menstruating women, because the additional maternal need here is low or partly compensated by the absence of menstruation in the early stages of breastfeeding.

→ Source: DGE – Reference values tool for nutrient intake

This is one of the most frequently misunderstood points online: many advice sites and product descriptions for "breastfeeding vitamins" suggest that practically every nutrient requirement is increased during the breastfeeding period. In reality, a direct comparison with the DGE reference values shows a much more nuanced picture – with clear winners (iodine, folate) and equally clear nutrients without any officially increased requirement.

DGE reference values for breastfeeding women at a glance

The table below shows the official DGE reference values for six nutrients for which breastfeeding supplements are most frequently advertised, in direct comparison with the reference value for adults who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. For DHA/EPA, there is no classic DGE reference value, but rather an internationally recognized intake recommendation.

Iodine: the best-supported special case

Iodine is the nutrient with the clearest, most widely accepted increased requirement during breastfeeding – and at the same time the nutrient for which insufficient supply can most directly affect infant brain and thyroid development, because breast milk iodine concentration depends directly on maternal intake. Despite iodized salt programs, Germany is still considered an area with mild to moderate iodine deficiency in parts of the population.

→ Source: DGE – Reference values for iodine intake

The DGE recently increased its reference value for breastfeeding women to 230 µg/day and explicitly recommends a daily supplementation of 100 µg in addition to diet, as adequate iodine supply for the infant should be ensured throughout the entire breastfeeding period. Prof. Dr. Roland Gärtner, endocrinologist and chairman of the Working Group on Iodine Deficiency (AKJ), assessed the data at the presentation of the updated values: according to the underlying surveys, around 32 percent of adults and 44 percent of children and adolescents continue to have an increased risk of iodine deficiency.

→ Source: gyn-depesche – New DGE reference values for ensuring infant iodine supply throughout the entire breastfeeding period

The nationwide educational network "Gesund ins Leben" (supported among others by the Federal Ministry of Food) specifically recommends 100–150 µg of iodine as a daily supplement, in addition to an iodine-rich diet, from the beginning of pregnancy until the end of breastfeeding – with the reasoning that even with careful food selection, too little iodine is usually absorbed through diet alone.

→ Source: Gesund ins Leben – Why do pregnant women need additional iodine?

Despite this clear recommendation, the SuSe study cited by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment shows that only about one-third of women actually take an iodine supplement during pregnancy and breastfeeding – a supply gap that can directly affect infant iodine intake via breast milk. Important exception: In the case of known hyperthyroidism or autoimmune thyroid diseases (e.g., Graves' disease, sometimes also Hashimoto's thyroiditis), iodine supplementation must not be taken without prior medical clarification, as it can worsen the condition.

DHA and Omega-3: how much is really useful

DHA is a long-chain Omega-3 fatty acid that is important for the retinal and brain development of the infant and is passed on via breast milk – its content in the milk depends directly on the maternal intake, especially with low fish consumption. The NIH database LactMed recommends 250–375 mg of DHA plus EPA daily for breastfeeding women, while according to the same source, around 1 g of DHA+EPA per day can be useful for optimal breast milk DHA concentration for term-born infants.

→ Source: LactMed (NIH/NLM) – Marine Oils

According to LactMed, fish oil is generally considered "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) by the US FDA in amounts of up to 3 g daily, and there is international consensus in advising breastfeeding women to ensure adequate DHA intake. A randomized controlled trial published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, which biochemist Dr. Rhonda Patrick (FoundMyFitness) has also repeatedly pointed out publicly, found a roughly 50% lower rate of very early preterm births in pregnant women taking a higher DHA dose (1,000 mg/day) compared to the lower standard dose (200 mg/day).

→ Source: Dr. Rhonda Patrick (FoundMyFitness) – DHA dosing study

This specific study refers to pregnancy, not directly to the breastfeeding period – LactMed's 250–375 mg recommendation is the target value that specifically applies to breastfeeding and should therefore be the authoritative metric here. A long-term follow-up study cited by LactMed itself found delayed puberty, lower body height, and higher blood pressure at age 13 in sons of breastfeeding mothers who took fish oil supplements – although the sample size was small and these findings have not yet changed the general safety assessment. Anyone who eats little or no fish can meet their needs with the VEYT Premium Omega-3 Complex capsules, which provide 2,000 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids with DHA and EPA per serving, comfortably covering the LactMed target range; more on general Omega-3 dosing can be found in the VEYT article on Omega-3 dosing.

Vitamin D: when supplementation makes sense

The DGE estimated value for vitamin D is 20 µg (800 I.U.) per day – and, assuming there is no sufficient endogenous production via sunlight, it applies equally to breastfeeding women as it does to all other adults. It is therefore not a breastfeeding-specific increased value, but the general reference value for periods without sufficient endogenous synthesis, for example in the winter months or if clothing covers most of the skin/there is little time spent outdoors.

→ Source: DGE – Reference values for vitamin D intake

Vitamin D passes into breast milk only to a limited extent, which is why international professional societies usually issue separate recommendations for mother and infant – in Germany, the infant receives its own vitamin D prophylaxis via the pediatrician regardless of breastfeeding status, which is not replaced by maternal intake. For the mother herself, supplementation – for example with VEYT Lumina D3 K2 drops (1,000 I.U. vitamin D3 per serving) – can be useful if sun exposure and diet alone do not cover the requirement; a medical blood level check before taking high-dose preparations is advisable. Details on dosage and timing for vitamin D in general can be found in the VEYT article on vitamin D3 dosage.

Iron: only useful in cases of proven deficiency

Contrary to popular belief, the German Nutrition Society (DGE) does not set a higher reference value for iron during breastfeeding than for menstruating women in general: both are at 16 mg/day. The apparent "additional requirement" circulating on many advice websites usually refers to the acute compensation for blood loss during childbirth in the first few weeks postpartum, not to a permanently increased reference value for the breastfeeding period.

→ Source: DGE – Reference values for iron intake

A blanket iron supplementation without a proven deficiency is explicitly viewed critically by consumer advocates, among other reasons because high-dose iron can cause digestive problems if levels are sufficient and can impair the absorption of other minerals such as zinc. Iron is therefore only useful in the case of a deficiency confirmed by a blood test (ferritin, hemoglobin) – for example after significant blood loss during childbirth or if levels were already low during pregnancy; the VEYT Iron Vitality Core tablets with highly tolerable iron bisglycinate are suitable for this, but should only be taken after consultation with the treating practice and not on suspicion.

A low postpartum ferritin level is also associated by many women with increased hair loss after birth – this connection is covered in detail in the VEYT article on hair loss after birth; a more in-depth general classification of iron requirements and deficiencies in women is provided by the VEYT article on iron for women.

Folic acid: often overestimated during breastfeeding

The DGE reference value for folate for breastfeeding women is 450 µg equivalents per day compared to 300 µg for other adult women – at first glance a clear additional requirement. In practice, however, folic acid is particularly crucial in early pregnancy (to prevent neural tube defects); for the breastfeeding period alone without the wish for another child, several independent analyses classify targeted supplementation as mostly unnecessary, provided the diet contains sufficient green leafy vegetables, legumes, and whole grain products.

→ Source: DGE – Reference values for folate intake

If, on the other hand, there is a wish for another child during the breastfeeding period, the situation changes: then folic acid supplementation is sensible even before a new pregnancy. The exact dosage recommendations and the correct time of intake are described in detail in the VEYT article on folic acid in pregnancy; those looking for more general information on nutrition when trying to conceive will find further information in the VEYT article on nutrition when trying to conceive.

What consumer advocates criticize about many breastfeeding preparations

On the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week, the Consumer Association of Hamburg (Verbraucherzentrale Hamburg) systematically checked 14 commercial "breastfeeding" nutritional supplements against the maximum levels recommended by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). The result: 9 of the 14 products examined exceeded the BfR maximum dosage recommendations for at least one ingredient, most frequently for zinc and selenium.

→ Source: Still-Lexikon (Report on the Hamburg Consumer Association analysis)

The Consumer Association also points out that many "breastfeeding blends" are advertised with the promise of being "nutrients specially tailored to the breastfeeding period," but actually contain a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements that are hardly scientifically justified as breastfeeding-specific – most of which, according to their assessment, the majority of women already ingest through a normal diet. This assessment is consistent with the general VEYT principle of recommending a preparation only where a real supply gap and a reliable database of studies coincide – not because a nutrient can be conveniently packed into a "combination product."

→ Source: Consumer Association – Nutritional supplementation during breastfeeding

Plant-based active ingredients that require caution during breastfeeding

Not every "natural" remedy is unproblematic during breastfeeding. The Consumer Association specifically mentions sage, peppermint, and hibiscus as plant substances that can inhibit milk production in larger quantities – a point that is easily overlooked in teas and "detox" mixtures.

→ Source: Consumer Association – Nutritional supplementation during breastfeeding

Conversely, some plant-based active ingredients pass into breast milk and can trigger side effects in the infant: St. John's wort and artichoke extract are explicitly mentioned here by the Consumer Association, with possible consequences such as drowsiness or gastrointestinal complaints in the child. For this reason, VEYT deliberately does not advertise any Ashwagandha, creatine, or turmeric products from its own range for the breastfeeding period – for none of these active ingredients is there a sufficient body of safety studies specifically for pregnancy or breastfeeding, as is also noted as a cautionary note in other VEYT articles on Ashwagandha.

Nutrition first: Which foods provide what?

For all nutrients discussed here, the following applies: Targeted food selection covers a significant portion of the requirements before a supplement is needed at all. Iodized table salt, sea fish (e.g., pollock, cod), and dairy products provide relevant amounts of iodine, but according to the DGE and "Gesund ins Leben," they are often not enough on their own for most breastfeeding women to reliably reach the increased reference value of 230 µg/day – which is why, despite a conscious diet, additional supplementation is usually required here.

Fatty cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, or herring is the most prolific natural source of DHA: for many fish species, two portions per week already provide a relevant part of the 250–375 mg DHA+EPA per day recommended by LactMed. Those who eat little or no fish for taste, ethical, or sustainability reasons will generally only reach the target range via an algae oil or fish oil supplement, since plant-based omega-3 sources such as linseed or walnut oil predominantly supply the short-chain precursor ALA rather than DHA directly.

Iron from animal sources (meat, especially beef and liver) is absorbed as so-called heme iron much better than iron from plant sources like legumes or whole grains; vitamin C from bell peppers, citrus fruits, or berries additionally improves the absorption of plant-based iron when both are combined in the same meal. Folate is particularly concentrated in green leafy vegetables, legumes, whole grain products, and oranges – with sufficient consumption of these food groups, the DGE reference value for the breastfeeding period alone without the wish for another child is often already achievable through diet, as described in the folic acid section above.

Checklist: useful vs. mostly unnecessary

The following overview summarizes the classification from this article – as a quick guide, but it does not replace individual consultation.

When should this be clarified with a doctor or midwife?

Some ailments in the postpartum and breastfeeding period go beyond normal exhaustion and should not be addressed through nutritional supplements alone. Persistent severe fatigue, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or paleness can indicate an anemia that needs treatment and should be clarified via a blood test before taking high-dose iron independently.

Equally important: persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, sleep disorders unrelated to the breastfeeding rhythm, or thoughts of harming yourself or the child can be signs of postpartum depression – this is a medical issue that needs professional support and cannot be replaced by any nutritional supplement. Persistent heart palpitations, unintentional weight loss, or inner restlessness should also be medically clarified due to potential hyperthyroidism, especially before starting additional iodine supplementation.

Those who eat a vegan or heavily plant-based diet should keep an eye on their vitamin B12 status, as B12 is absorbed exclusively through animal products or targeted supplementation, and a maternal deficiency can directly impair the B12 supply of the breastfed child – here, a blood test and, if necessary, medically supervised supplementation is sensible instead of relying on a general combination product.

What one should not believe about breastfeeding nutrition

"The more nutrients in the preparation, the better for the milk"

The opposite may be the case: in several combination products tested in the Hamburg Consumer Association analysis, individual ingredients were above the BfR maximum levels – more is not an automatic advantage here, but potentially a safety risk.

"Without a special breastfeeding preparation, I won't produce enough milk"

Milk volume depends primarily on breastfeeding frequency and technique, not primarily on nutritional supplements – a balanced diet with targeted supplementation for iodine and potentially DHA covers the nutrient requirement but does not replace breastfeeding management for actual milk volume problems, which should be discussed with a lactation consultant.

"All nutrients are increased during breastfeeding"

As the DGE reference values in this article show, the requirement for several central nutrients – such as iron and calcium – remains unchanged compared to non-breastfeeding, menstruating women.

"Plant-based remedies are automatically harmless during breastfeeding"

Sage, peppermint, hibiscus, St. John's wort, and artichoke extract demonstrate that "herbal" is not synonymous with "no effect on milk supply or the infant."

Matching VEYT products for this article

Two products based on the studies cited above are suitable for this article: Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) and Vitamin D3. Iodine, iron, and folic acid are deliberately not shown in a product grid – VEYT currently does not carry iodine, iron is only useful in cases of a proven deficiency and after consultation with a physician (see above, incl. product link), and folic acid is generally unnecessary during the breastfeeding period alone.

Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced, varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. The stated daily intake must not be exceeded. Keep out of the reach of young children.

Expert Perspectives & Protocol Breakdown

Dr. Rhonda Patrick (Biochemist, FoundMyFitness)

What she recommends: Dr. Rhonda Patrick repeatedly points publicly to the eClinicalMedicine study on higher-dose DHA supplementation during pregnancy (1,000 mg/day vs. 200 mg/day) and generally advocates for a more generous omega-3 supply around pregnancy and breastfeeding than many standard preparations offer. She classifies DHA as one of the best-researched micronutrients for the child’s neurological development.

Where They Differ

Patrick’s emphasis on higher DHA doses refers primarily to the pregnancy phase studied in the referenced paper, not to a reference value officially established for breastfeeding. German and international institutions (DGE, LactMed) set a more conservative target range of 250–375 mg DHA+EPA/day for the breastfeeding period itself, while LactMed suggests up to 1 g/day can be useful for optimal breast milk concentration – the spectrum is therefore larger than a single number would suggest, and there is no single "correct" value, but rather a recommended range.

What the Evidence Says

For basic DHA supply during breastfeeding, the LactMed recommendation of 250–375 mg/day is the target figure most directly related to breastfeeding and institutionally anchored. Patrick’s reference to the higher dose from the pregnancy study is scientifically real and relevant to the question of how much DHA is generally sensible during the reproductive phase, but it should not be unreflectively adopted as a breastfeeding-specific target value. For iodine, vitamin D, iron, folate, and calcium, the DGE reference values remain the most reliable source for the German-speaking world.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nutrients During Breastfeeding

Which nutrients do breastfeeding women really need more of according to the DGE?

Primarily iodine (230 instead of 150 µg/day) and folate (450 instead of 300 µg equivalents/day). For vitamin D, iron, and calcium, the DGE applies the same reference value as for other adults or menstruating women.

Is iodine supplementation really necessary during breastfeeding?

For most women, yes: The DGE and the "Gesund ins Leben" network recommend 100–150 µg of iodine daily as a supplement, as Germany continues to be an iodine-deficient area and the iodine concentration of breast milk depends directly on maternal intake. Exception: clarify with a doctor beforehand if you have a known overactive thyroid.

How much DHA/omega-3 should I consume during breastfeeding?

The NIH database LactMed recommends 250–375 mg of DHA plus EPA per day, which can be achieved via about two portions of fatty fish per week or an omega-3 supplement.

Do I need more iron than usual during breastfeeding?

According to the DGE reference value, not permanently more than menstruating women (16 mg/day). Targeted iron supplementation is useful primarily in the case of a deficiency confirmed by a blood test, such as after significant blood loss during birth.

Is folic acid still important during breastfeeding?

Less so than in early pregnancy. Without a renewed desire to conceive, independent analyses generally classify targeted folic acid supplementation as unnecessary during the breastfeeding period alone, provided the diet contains sufficient folate-rich foods.

Are combination supplements specifically for breastfeeding recommended?

Not across the board: An analysis by the Hamburg Consumer Center (Verbraucherzentrale Hamburg) found dosages above the BfR (Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) maximum limits in 9 out of 14 tested products, particularly for zinc and selenium. A targeted selection of individual, actually needed nutrients is usually more sensible.

Which herbal remedies should I avoid or use with caution during breastfeeding?

Sage, peppermint, and hibiscus can inhibit milk production in larger quantities; St. John's wort and artichoke extract pass into breast milk and have been associated with drowsiness or gastrointestinal discomfort in the child.

When should I seek medical advice due to my nutrition/exhaustion during breastfeeding?

In the case of persistent severe fatigue with heart palpitations or paleness (possible anemia), signs of postpartum depression, symptoms of an overactive thyroid, or if following a vegan diet to monitor vitamin B12 status.

References & Scientific Citations

• DGE – Reference values tool for nutrient intake
• DGE – Reference values for iodine intake
• DGE – Reference values for folate intake
• DGE – Reference values for vitamin D intake
• DGE – Reference values for iron intake
• DGE – Reference values for calcium intake
• Gesund ins Leben – Why do pregnant women need extra iodine?
• gyn-depesche – New DGE reference values for iodine supply (Prof. Dr. Roland Gärtner/AKJ)
• LactMed (NIH/NLM) – Marine Oils
• Dr. Rhonda Patrick (FoundMyFitness) – DHA dosage study in pregnancy
• Verbraucherzentrale – Food supplements during breastfeeding
• Still-Lexikon – Report on the Consumer Center Hamburg market analysis

Expert opinion, institutional reference values, and clinical evidence of efficacy are not equated in this article. This article was written independently; figures were verified against the linked original sources.