The BUGA - Bone Metabolism during Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Short description
The BUGA (Bone Metabolism during Pregnancy and breastfeeding) study aimed to prospectively investigate changes in bone metabolism during and after pregnancy. Additionally, the study longitudinally examined how nutritional status and breastfeeding were related to skeletal changes, overall body composition, and weight fluctuations postpartum. The study was conducted between 2008 and 2012, recruiting a total of 95 pregnant individuals and 21 non-pregnant, non-lactating controls.
Study Design
Pregnant participants were followed longitudinally from the third trimester through 18 months after childbirth (postpartum). Measurements were taken at five time points for each woman: once during pregnancy and then at two weeks, four months, 12 months, and 18 months postpartum. Data collected included blood and urine samples, weight, height, information on sun exposure habits, and dietary records. After childbirth, additional information on breastfeeding and measurements of bone changes and body composition were obtained. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) were used for assessments of skeletal changes.
Key Findings
Within the context of BUGA, we have demonstrated various associations. For instance that D-vitamin status was linked to sun exposure and dietary supplements. Additionally, breastfeeding was found to be related to skeletal changes, particularly in the trabecular porous bone of women who breastfeed for an extended period. Interestingly, maternal intake of calcium or vitamin D did not significantly impact these changes.
BUGA has also investigated iodine status, revealing connections between sweetened beverage consumption and increased weight changes during pregnancy. Furthermore, dietary quality tends to be highest during pregnancy and slightly decreases during the breastfeeding period. Below, you’ll find links to key references and Petra Brembeck’s dissertation, which drew from BUGA data. Petra Brembeck defended her thesis in 2017. Currently, within BUGA, we are conducting a project examining silicon metabolism from pregnancy to breastfeeding. This research is conducted in collaboration with scientists from Odontologen and the University of Cambridge. Additionally, in partnership with researchers from Oslo University, we are investigating longitudinal changes in lipid metabolism during pregnancy and the breastfeeding period, exploring their relationship with weight changes and breastfeeding status.