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Bone mineral density changes during lactation: maternal, dietary, and biochemical correlates
N F Krebs1, C J Reidinger, A D Robertson
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver 80262, USA. nancy.krebs@uchsc.edu
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Lactation causes temporary bone loss in mothers, influenced by parity and diet. Bone mineral density recovers after weaning, with estradiol and calcium intake positively impacting it.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Bone metabolism
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Lactation significantly impacts maternal physiology, including bone mineral density (BMD).
- Understanding the interplay between lactation, diet, and bone health is crucial for maternal well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the effects of lactation and weaning on maternal BMD and bone turnover markers.
- To determine how dietary intake, milk output, and maternal factors influence BMD changes during postpartum.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal follow-up of lactating and nonlactating women through 7 months postpartum and postweaning.
- Collection of dietary intake, milk output, blood, and urine samples.
- Measurement of midradius and vertebral BMD, calciotropic hormones, urinary calcium, bone turnover markers, estradiol, and prolactin.
Main Results:
- Lactating women experienced a ~4% decline in vertebral BMD between 0.5 and 3 months postpartum.
- Vertebral BMD recovery was observed postweaning.
- Estradiol and calcium intake were positively associated with vertebral BMD.
- Parity and protein intake were negatively associated with vertebral BMD.
Conclusions:
- Lactation-induced bone loss is influenced by parity and dietary factors.
- Adequate calcium intake and a favorable calcium-to-protein ratio may attenuate bone loss during lactation.
- Bone mineral density generally recovers after weaning.