From the Guidelines
Lactation and Cholesterol Levels
Yes, lactation can increase cholesterol levels. Breastfeeding mothers should have their cholesterol levels monitored, especially if they have a history of high cholesterol 1. Typically, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels may increase during lactation, but these levels usually return to pre-pregnancy values after weaning.
Key Considerations
- Cholesterol levels during lactation: Breastfeeding mothers with high cholesterol should discuss their individual situation with their healthcare provider, who may recommend dietary changes or, in some cases, medication such as statins, but only if the benefits outweigh the risks 1.
- Risk of cardiovascular disease: Some studies suggest that breastfeeding may be associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease in later life, although the evidence is not yet conclusive 1.
- Nutritional factors: The nutrient composition of breast milk can be affected by maternal status and intake, and some nutrients such as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) and vitamin D may have beneficial effects on the health of offspring 1.
Recommendations
- Breastfeeding mothers should discuss their individual situation with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for managing cholesterol levels during lactation.
- Healthcare providers should consider the potential benefits and risks of medication, such as statins, in breastfeeding mothers with high cholesterol.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between lactation, cholesterol levels, and cardiovascular disease risk.
From the Research
Effect of Lactation on Cholesterol Levels
- The study 2 found that serum total cholesterol concentrations decreased from 6.2 mmol/L at delivery to 4.8 mmol/L at 6 months of exclusive lactation, indicating a decrease in cholesterol levels during lactation.
- However, after the end of lactation, cholesterol levels increased rapidly to 5.7 mmol/L, suggesting that lactation may have a temporary lowering effect on cholesterol levels.
- Another study 3 found that the cholesterol concentration in breast milk decreases from 31 mg/100cm(3) in colostrum to 16 mg/100 cm(3) in mature milk, but the variation in breast milk cholesterol content during early lactation is highly variable and depends on individual factors.
Comparison with Non-Lactating Women
- There is no direct comparison with non-lactating women in the provided studies, but the study 2 suggests that lactation may have a unique effect on cholesterol levels that is different from the non-lactating state.
- The study 4 mentions that women with familial hypercholesterolemia should not take lipid-lowering drugs until the end of lactation, implying that lactation may affect cholesterol levels in these women.
Infant Cholesterol Levels
- The study 5 found that serum cholesterol concentration rose more slowly in weaned infants compared to exclusively breast-fed infants, suggesting that breast milk may have a unique effect on infant cholesterol levels.
- The same study found that LDL cholesterol concentration was lower in weaned infants compared to exclusively breast-fed infants at certain ages, indicating a possible difference in cholesterol levels between breast-fed and formula-fed infants.