An Overview of Zinc Oxide and Breastfeeding
Zinc oxide is an active ingredient in some sunscreens and in various skin creams and ointments (such as
diaper rash products). It is also used as a source of zinc in some fortified foods (such as cereals) and
dietary supplements. An appropriate use of such products is probably safe for most women who are breastfeeding.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for zinc for women who are breastfeeding is 13 mg daily (age 14 to 18 years old) or 12 mg daily (age 19 years and older). The maximum amount of zinc (from any source) that a breastfeeding woman can safely take is 34 mg daily (age 14 to 18 years old) or 40 mg daily (age 19 years and older). Most
prenatal vitamins contain plenty of zinc for most women who are breastfeeding.
Some dietary supplements use zinc oxide to provide zinc. This is fine, as long as you make sure not to exceed the maximum recommended dose for zinc.
There is no reason to believe that a reasonable use of zinc oxide skin products would not be safe for women who are breastfeeding. Such products are generally used over small areas of the body and for only a short period of time. It is a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before using such products over a large area of the body or for a prolonged period of time. There is also no reason for breastfeeding women to worry about being exposed to zinc oxide through the use of
diaper rash creams or ointments (after all, you are applying the product directly on your baby).
