We work with so many mothers who have a dairy sensitivity (due, most likely,
to their diet as infants) and must eliminate it from their diets for the
health of their nursing babies.  The American diet is based on cows milk for
the calcium needs.  So we recommend supplements unless the mother is
knowledgeable about nutrition and can eat enough other foods for her ca. intake.

I posted some time ago about the inadequacy of T--ms as a good source of
calcium.  In reflecting this week on the zinc discussion I was reminded that
dairy products are one of our major sources of zinc also.

I recommend to my clients that, first of all, any calcium supplement must be
combined with magnesium in a 2/1 ratio or assimilation will be inhibited.  I
also recommend added zinc.  Calcium/magnesium/zinc is a combination that is
easily found as a supplement.  Wa----g-ns has an inexpensive one that is
broken down easily and, in the U.S. would be easy to locate. Just
recommending calcium is not a good idea.

The amount needed depends on her total diet.  If she eats meat regularly,
then the recommended daily allowance of 1500 mg may be needed.  I usually
ask about other foods that have high ca. content--dark greens, soy products,
sunflower seeds...Sometimes we conclude that three tablets a day--1000mg are
enough.  The three tabs give her the desired 15mg of zinc, and, of course,
the proper amount of magnesium(which, by the way, is a factor in depression).

If she is vegetarian, or close, then less calcium in needed.  The reason is
the high phosphorus content in meat and that vegetarians eat more of the
foods that have a high ca. content.

If she is taking a prenatal vitamin, they have 200-300mg of ca. in them,
which will be considered in the total.

This may sound complex, but, simply put:

Ca/mag/zinc supplement--1500mg/day unless vegetarian, then 600-700/mg/day.
You don't have to talk about all of the reasons unless they ask or say they
will just take T---.

Patricia Gima, IBCLC
Milwaukee