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Related Experiment Videos

Changes in bone density with lactation

M Sowers1, G Corton, B Shapiro

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-2029.

JAMA
|June 23, 1993
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Extended lactation exceeding six months is linked to significant bone loss in women. However, bone mineral density (BMD) typically returns to baseline levels within 12 months postpartum.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Health
  • Bone Metabolism
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Lactation is a critical period for maternal health, potentially impacting bone mineral density (BMD).
  • Previous research has yielded mixed results regarding the long-term effects of lactation duration on maternal bone mass.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between lactation duration and changes in maternal BMD.
  • To determine if BMD returns to baseline levels after cessation of prolonged breastfeeding.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study involving 98 healthy women over 12 months postpartum.
  • Bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal femur and lumbar spine measured using dual-energy x-ray densitometry at various time points.
  • Participants grouped by lactation duration: 0-1, 2-5, and 6+ months.

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Main Results:

  • Women lactating for 6+ months experienced mean BMD losses of 5.1% (lumbar spine) and 4.8% (femoral neck) at 6 months postpartum.
  • No significant BMD loss was observed in women lactating for 0-1 month.
  • BMD loss in the extended lactation group was not attributable to age, diet, body size, or physical activity.

Conclusions:

  • Prolonged lactation (≥6 months) is associated with maternal bone loss.
  • Evidence suggests a return to baseline BMD at the lumbar spine by 12 months postpartum.
  • Continued lactation beyond 9 months showed increased lumbar spine BMD but remained below baseline levels.