Multivitamins containing Vitamin A - safe while bf?

[CherryChoc]

I have decided to start taking a multivitamin with iron as I think I might be a bit anaemic. But the tubs all say because they contain Vitamin A I should consult my doctor first, as I am bf. I am not pregnant or planning to be anytime soon. I have a feeling the manufacturers are being overcautious. What do you think?

you can get vitamins specifically designed for use while breastfeeding which dont contain vitamin A e.g. pregnacare breastfeeding

I know but I can't put them on my Tescos order and I will keep putting it off if I don't get them now!

I take the Asda own brand pregnancy ones while bf. Not sure if I should take the vit A or not, so dont!

A quick google suggests that it's birth defects it can cause, and most dangerous at the beginning of pregnancy, so it might be ok.

I had been feeling tired, so went docs and had FBC done, and it came back low iron. So went and brought them to top me up.

Dont think its bf that does it, but as I am not on any birth control my periods are back to how they were as a teenager...bloody awful!

Usually you can get plenty from your diet, but if you know your diet could be improved, think of the multivitamin as insurance. Vitamin A is important during breastfeeding for mother and baby. It can increase the levels in your breastmilk, but just as in pregnancy you don't want to overdo it.

What is the amount and in what form is it....beta carotene (not the concern) and/or retinyl acetate (which is what you would not want too much of either from a supplement or from you diet)?

I'm not sure, I didn't order it in the end. You don't always get all the info from the label when looking online.

My diet is definitely lacking and I think I might be anaemic - I have got some iron tablets somewhere which I took while pg but thought multivits might be better, like you say as "insurance".