If you are a nursing mother who is looking for strategies to boost your health and immune system, you might have thought of ingesting a supplement like Airborne.
However, is it safe to use while breastfeeding?
Continue reading to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of using Airborne while nursing and other strategies you can use to support your immune system.
Why do people consume Airborne?
There are many reasons why people would decide to use Airborne or other immune support drugs.
Some persons may use these products to delay the beginning of a cold or other respiratory illness, while others may use them to lessen the intensity and length of their symptoms should they become ill.
People generally use this product to support their immune systems.
Is it safe to use Airborne while breastfeeding?
There haven’t been any scientific studies that support the claim on whether using Airborne will cause any harm to the mother or baby. However, I feel we should err on the side of caution when dealing with ambiguity.
One way is to take a closer look at some considerations before deciding on the supplement.
A deeper look at the ingredients in Airborne
The Airborne supplement comprises a proprietary blend of vitamins, minerals, and herbs, including:
- Vitamin C is an antioxidant that promotes immunological function and protects cells from oxidative damage.
- Zinc is a mineral that helps with immune function and wound healing.
- Echinacea is a herb that has long been used to strengthen the immune system and reduce the severity and length of cold and flu symptoms.
- Selenium is a mineral that aids in immunological function and may have antioxidant properties.
- Manganese is a mineral required for carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and bone health.
- Other ingredients, like herbs and nutrients, may be present in airborne products.
It is crucial to note that Airborne’s specific composition and components may fluctuate.
Some natural herbs are not tested.
Some Airborne ingredients, like vitamin C and zinc, are deemed safe for nursing mothers.
Other substances, such as Echinacea, have not been thoroughly tested in nursing women, and their safety during breastfeeding is unknown.
Risk of vitamin overdose
Taking excessive amounts of some vitamins might result in an overdose, which can have several unfavorable side effects.
It is significant to remember that vitamins taken by a breastfeeding mother may travel to her baby through her breast milk.
This is especially true for water-soluble vitamins, which are eliminated in the urine instead of being stored by the body. Examples of these include vitamin C and the B-vitamins. Overdosing these vitamins can cause overdoses in both the mother and the baby.
Some common symptoms of vitamin overdose in breastfeeding mothers and their infants include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Joint pain
Vitamin overload can occasionally result in more severe health issues such as liver damage, nerve damage, and renal failure.
Less stringent regulation
It is also crucial to know that dietary supplements, such as Airborne, are not regulated in the same way that prescription drugs are. The Food and Drug Administration may have yet to thoroughly research and assess the safety and efficacy of these goods (FDA).
As a result, when considering the use of any dietary supplement, it is always prudent to consult with a healthcare expert first.
Alternative ways to support my immune system while breastfeeding
In addition to taking dietary supplements like Airborne, there are several other ways that nursing mothers can support their immune systems and stay healthy:
- Get enough rest: Sleep is crucial for immune system support and preserving general health. Make an effort to sleep for 7-9 hours every night.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help keep your body hydrated and support immune function.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrients that support the immune system can help maintain general health and immunological function.
- Practice good hygiene: Simple measures like washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough can help reduce the spread of illness.
- Consider taking a daily multivitamin: Ensure that you are getting the nutrients you need to support general health and immunological function by taking a multivitamin daily.
Final thoughts
It is always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider before using any prescription or supplement, including Airborne while breastfeeding, even if there is no scientific evidence to support this claim when used as advised.
Nursing women can strengthen their immune system and stay healthy in a number of different ways besides using dietary supplements, such as getting adequate rest, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, maintaining good cleanliness, and thinking about taking a daily multivitamin.