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Calcium in pregnancy and lactation.
1MRC Human Nutrition Research, Downhams Lane, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 1XJ, United Kingdom. ann.prentice@mrc-hnr.cam.ac.uk
Annual Review of Nutrition
|August 15, 2000
Summary
Maternal calcium intake is not critical during pregnancy and lactation due to physiological adaptations. Low calcium intake during lactation does not impair milk production or bone health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Nutritional science
- Bone metabolism
Background:
- Pregnancy and lactation significantly increase maternal calcium demands.
- Understanding calcium and bone metabolism during these periods is crucial for maternal and infant health.
- Existing research has focused on the impact of calcium intake on maternal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in calcium and bone metabolism during human pregnancy and lactation.
- To discuss these findings in the context of maternal calcium nutrition.
- To identify knowledge gaps regarding the effects of low calcium intake.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific advances.
- Analysis of physiological adaptive processes during pregnancy and lactation.
- Evaluation of evidence on maternal calcium intake and its effects.
Main Results:
- Pregnancy and lactation involve physiological adaptations independent of maternal calcium intake.
- These adaptations ensure sufficient calcium for fetal growth and milk production.
- Low calcium intake during lactation does not impair milk production or cause significant bone loss.
Conclusions:
- Maternal calcium homeostasis is maintained through adaptive mechanisms during pregnancy and lactation.
- Adequate calcium is supplied for fetal and infant needs irrespective of maternal intake.
- Further research is needed to ascertain the long-term effects of low maternal calcium intake before or during pregnancy on maternal and child health.