
Scientists have solved a long-standing mystery about how new mothers retain bone strength during breastfeeding, according to a new study. The results may lead to treatments to help injuries heal more quickly and prevent bone diseases in the general population.
The high nutritional demands of milk can deplete bones of essential calcium-based minerals during lactation. Because estrogen, which typically helps promote healthy bones (see overview), drops in the postpartum period, it was unclear how new mothers maintain near-healthy bone density. The study found that a hormone produced exclusively during breastfeeding—known as CCN3—jumps in to take the place of estrogen, triggering bone formation throughout the body.
Although CCN3 is only produced by new mothers, introducing it to any mouse—young or old, male or female—strengthened and promoted bone growth. Researchers hope the findings may one day help treat osteoporosis, which affects more than 200 million people globally.
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