Breastfeeding protects the mother's bone mineral density
the verdict
REFUTED
the evidence says no
confidence 17/100
Breastfeeding does not protect a mother's bone mineral density; rather, maternal bone is temporarily resorbed during lactation to supply calcium for milk, leading to a transient decrease in bone mineral density that typically recovers after weaning.
Evidence against · 3
Maternal Mineral and Bone Metabolism During Pregnancy, Lactation, and Post-Weaning Recovery
2016 · cited by 525
Establishes that lactation requires maternal skeletal resorption to provide necessary calcium for milk production.
See more details
More against · 2
Site-specific changes in bone microarchitecture, mineralization, and stiffness during lactation and after weaning in mice
2011 · cited by 87
Demonstrates that lactation causes significant decreases in trabecular bone mineral density and microarchitecture.
Postpartum bone mineral density in Korean women: associations with lactation status and calcium intake.
2026 · cited by 0
Shows that bone mineral density significantly decreases during breastfeeding compared to non-breastfeeding women.