Influence of maternal diet on plasma-prolactin levels during lactation.
An improvement in maternal diet produced significant reductions in plasma-prolactin concentration at all stages of lactation. The prolonged high prolactin concentrations found in undernourished mothers may ensure milk synthesis when food intake is limited, by preferentially channelling nutrients towards the breast. The lower hormonal levels associated with improved maternal nutrition may shorten the period of post-partum infertility despite prolonged breast-feeding.
D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000503:physiopathology; D004032:Diet; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D005714:Gambia; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000378:metabolism; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood*; D012621:Seasons; D013997:Time Factors
D011388:Prolactin