Role of Calcium in Pregnancy and Lactation

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Importance of Calcium

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  • Essential for building strong bones and teeth in both mother and baby.
  • Supports heart, muscle, and nerve function.
  • Prevents bone loss and weakness in mothers.

During Pregnancy

 

  • Baby’s bones and teeth develop using calcium from the mother1.
  • A full-term baby accumulates 25–30 g of calcium, mostly during the third trimester3.
  • To meet this demand, the mother’s calcium absorption doubles during pregnancy3.
  • If dietary intake is low, the mother’s bones release calcium to meet the baby’s needs2.
  • Daily requirement: 1000–1300 mg/day4.
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Milk, yogurt, cheese, tofu, ragi, sesame seeds, almonds, broccoli, spinach, and fortified plant milk.

During Lactation (Breastfeeding)

 

  • Calcium passes into breast milk to help the baby’s bone and tooth growth.
  • Mothers can lose up to 3–5% of bone mass during breastfeeding — usually regained after weaning if calcium intake is adequate.
  • Ensures proper muscle and heart function in the newborn.
  • Helps in hormonal regulation of lactation (via parathyroid hormone and vitamin D balance.

 

Nutrients that Help Calcium Work Better

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Vitamin D: Improves calcium absorption (get sunlight or fortified foods).

Magnesium & Phosphorus: Support bone health.

Limit caffeine & soft drinks: They hinder calcium absorption.

Supplements (If Needed)

 

Recommended when dietary intake is insufficient (e.g., vegan or lactose-intolerant women).

Always take supplements only under medical advice.

 

Key Takeaway

 

Calcium is vital for maternal and baby health.

A balanced diet + vitamin D + regular exercise = strong bones for both mother and child.

 

References

 

  1. Farias, P. M. et al. Minerals in Pregnancy and Their Impact on Child Growth and Development. Molecules 25, 5630 (2020).
  2. Brown, L. L., Cohen, B. E., Edwards, E., Gustin, C. E. & Noreen, Z. Physiological Need for Calcium, Iron, and Folic Acid for Women of Various Subpopulations During Pregnancy and Beyond. J Womens Health 30, 207–211 (2021).
  3. Gak, N., Abbara, A., Dhillo, W. S., Keen, R. & Comninos, A. N. Current and future perspectives on pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 15, (2024).
  4. Gomes, F. et al. Calcium supplementation for the prevention of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: current evidence and programmatic considerations. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1510, 52–67 (2022).
  5. Prentice, A. Micronutrients and the Bone Mineral Content of the Mother, Fetus and Newborn. J Nutr 133, 1693S-1699S (2003).
  6. Wahlquist, A. E. et al. Factors Affecting Postpartum Bone Mineral Density in a Clinical Trial of Vitamin D Supplementation. J Womens Health 33, 887–900 (2024).
  7. Toverud, S. U. & Boass, A. Hormonal Control of Calcium Metabolism in Lactation. in 303–347 (1980). doi:10.1016/S0083-6729(08)61072-9.
  8. Kovacs, C. S. Calcium and Bone Metabolism During Pregnancy and Lactation. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 10, 105–118 (2005).
  9. Yadav, S., Yadav, J., Kumar, S. & Singh, P. Metabolism of Macro-elements (Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride and Phosphorus) and Associated Disorders. in Clinical Applications of Biomolecules in Disease Diagnosis 177–203 (Springer Nature Singapore, Singapore, 2024). doi:10.1007/978-981-97-4723-8_8.
  10. Mahadevan, S., Kumaravel, V. & Bharath, R. Calcium and bone disorders in pregnancy. Indian J Endocrinol Metab 16, 358 (2012).
  11. Bianchi, M. L. Inflammatory bowel diseases, celiac disease, and bone. Arch Biochem Biophys 503, 54–65 (2010).