Magnesiumsupplementation in der Stillzeit?

Abstract

Purpose: It was studied whether the increased Mg requirement of lactating women justifies the recommendation of Mg supplements during this period. Study design: In a prospective, randomized double-blinded study 37 mothers received daily oral Mg supplements (20 mmol Mg as the aspartate hydrochloride) during a lactation period of >4 weeks; 37 volunteers received the corresponding Ca-salt under identical conditions. The main study parameters were Mg-plasma-levels and the Mg-transfer via the milk at 1 and 4 weeks. In addition, the effect of Mg-deficiency of different severity was studied in rats during pregnancy and lactation. Results: Daily supplements of 20 mmol Mg did not increase milk Mg-levels; the transfer to the sucklings amounted to approximately 10 mg Mg in the first, and to 16 mg Mg in the 4th week. In contrast to the placebo-group, plasma-Mg significantly increased in mothers receiving verum. Animal studies revealed that during dietary Mg deficiency the offsprings are supplied at the cost of maternal Mg-stores being depleted. Conclusion: Not only pregnancy, but lactation, too, represents a risk for maternal Mg-depletion justifying plentiful Mg supplementation of the mother, especially with regard to successive pregnancies.