Vegan breastfeeding: Which supplements & nutrients are important?

Created on: July 20, 2026
Last edited on: July 20, 2026

During vegan breastfeeding, adequate nutrient supply is possible if the diet is well planned and critical nutrients are specifically supplemented. Vitamin B12, DHA (omega-3 from microalgae oil), iodine, and, depending on sun exposure, vitamin D are particularly important. Depending on individual intake, iron, choline, and calcium may also be relevant.

→ A detailed overview is available in our PREGNANCY and BREASTFEEDING GUIDE, which we have developed together with Dr. Anika Döll and nutrition scientist Christina Dengg (BBSc, MSc). The guide is currently published in German, but can be translated using tools like ChatGPT or Google’s browser translator. The guide provides a well-founded introduction and general guidance, but it does not replace individual nutrition counseling or medical care (nor does this FAQ). 

Supplementation during vegan breastfeeding: Overview*

*This is not a substitute for individual dietary and health advice. All information is provided without warranty. Especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding, we recommend seeking personalized support from qualified healthcare professionals. Examples include Dr. Anika Döll, Christina Dengg, or Dominik Machner.

Which supplements are particularly important during vegan breastfeeding?

Regardless of whether someone eats a vegan or mixed diet, some nutrient supplements are routinely recommended during breastfeeding. Which ones are actually needed depends on diet, blood values, and individual situation.

1) Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is the most important supplement for a vegan diet. The supply must be reliably ensured through supplements at every stage of life. Plant-based foods do not provide reliable amounts of B12. 100 to 250 µg daily can serve as a practical guideline when breastfeeding.

2) Vitamin D

Vitamin D is not purely a vegan issue. Due to insufficient sunlight exposure, vitamin D deficiency is common in many regions. Therefore, supplementation with approximately 20 µg (800 IU) daily, depending on sun exposure and existing supply, may be advisable.

3) DHA (Omega-3)

DHA supplements may also be recommended for non-vegan breastfeeding mothers if DHA intake through diet is insufficient. Since the precursor ALA from plants is only partially converted into EPA and DHA, a daily dosage of at least 250 mg DHA from microalgae oil can be a practical safeguard during vegan breastfeeding.

4) Iodine

As in pregnancy, iodine requirements remain elevated during breastfeeding. This does not apply only to vegan breastfeeding, as soils in many regions such as large parts of Germany are often rather low in iodine, and iodized table salt is not automatically sufficient for vulnerable population groups to meet their needs. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) currently states a reference value of 230 µg of iodine per day for breastfeeding mothers. Depending on the individual diet, a supplement with approximately 150-200 µg of iodine daily can be useful. The total intake from diet, iodized salt, and supplements should be considered.

Important: Iodine supplements should not be taken uncritically in addition to several other dietary supplements. Especially for thyroid disorders, intake should be clarified with a doctor beforehand. 

5) Iron

Iron deficiency is relatively common in breastfeeding mothers - but significantly less common than in pregnancy. Non-vegan breastfeeding mothers can also develop iron deficiency, especially if their iron stores are already low after pregnancy.

Nevertheless, not every breastfeeding mother automatically needs iron. It should not be supplemented preventively, but only after blood values have been checked and in consultation with a doctor.

→ Vegan iron sources see 6.1 Nutrient Guide

6) Choline

The EFSA specifies an Adequate Intake of 520 mg of choline per day for breastfeeding mothers. A general mandatory supplementation for all breastfeeding mothers is not currently established. Since a vegan diet excludes animal choline sources such as eggs, supplementation may be considered depending on the diet. A supplement of approximately 200 mg of choline daily can serve as a possible guide.

→ Vegan choline sources see 6.6 Nutrient Guide

7) Calcium

A calcium supplement is usually only necessary if the diet consistently provides less than about 1,000 mg daily. Calcium-rich mineral water, calcium-fortified plant-based drinks, green vegetables, and calcium-containing tofu can often already cover a large part of the requirements.

→ Vegan calcium sources see 6.2 Nutrient Guide

Summary: Which supplements do vegan breastfeeding mothers need?

During vegan breastfeeding, vitamin B12, DHA from microalgae oil, iodine, and, depending on sun exposure, vitamin D are particularly important nutrients. Other supplements such as iron, choline, and calcium depend on individual intake. Also during breastfeeding, it is not primarily about whether one eats a vegan or mixed diet, but how well the diet is planned and implemented.

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