I recall someone asking about appropriate calcium levels and whether
breastfeeding reduces them.

We have discussed the issue of bone loss in previous posts and I would
encourage the person asking about this to look at the LACTNET ARCHIVES for
the latest on this, including references supporting the notion that bone
loss can occur (very small amounts) during lactation, but that it comes
back up quickly and at higher levels than among bottle-feeding mothers.

MOre to the point is a recent article I read.  Reference is: Prentice A:
Maternal calcium requirements during pregnancy and lactation. AM J CLIN
NUTR 59 (Suppl):477s-83s, 1994

This article suggests that we don't know enough about calcium stores in
pregnancy and lactation and how they might be increased in the mother.

Given that lack of knowledge for mothers, are we in any position to presume
that breastfeeding will result in LOWER calcium stores in the neonate?

RD comments here would be helpful and appropriate.

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