# EXERCISE AND DIET EFFECTS ON LACTATION PERFORMANCE

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · 1994 · $225,208

## Abstract

Many women in the U.S. desire to lose weight during the postpartum period
and often turn to caloric restriction or exercise to help accomplish this
goal. However, it is unknown to what extent energy balance can be altered
before lactation is compromised. The goal of the proposed research is to
evaluate the effect of short-term caloric restriction or exercise with
caloric restriction on lactation performance.  Women who are exclusively
breastfeeding at 8-12 wk postpartum will be randomly assigned to one of 3
groups (N=25/group) for a period of 11 d: a) control, given 100% of energy
needs; b) caloric restriction to 65% of energy needs; and c) exercise plus
caloric restriction to create a similar caloric deficit as in group b.
Measurements of baseline energy intake and expenditure will be used to
determine initial energy needs and will serve as the basis for the diets
furnished and exercise levels prescribed during the intervention.  Data on
milk volume and composition, plasma prolactin, maternal body composition
and infant weight will be collected prior to and during the 11-d
intervention period. Milk volume will be determined by 3-d test-weighing
using an electronic balance. Milk samples will be collected by alternate
breast expression over 24 h and analyzed for fat, lactose, protein, energy
and fatty acid concentrations. Plasma prolactin levels will be determined
by radioimmunoassay from blood samples collected by indwelling catheter
before, during and after a breastfeeding episode.  Maternal body
composition will be assessed by hydrostatic weighing and deuterium
dilution in respiratory water. Repeated measures analysis of variance will
be used to examine the impact of the intervention.  The results of this
study will be useful for determining a safe minimal caloric intake during
lactation for U.S. women.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2199051
- **Project number:** 2R01HD024112-04A2
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- **SAM.gov UEI:** TX2DAGQPENZ5
- **Principal Investigator:** KATHRYN G DEWEY
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $225,208
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1989-06-01 → 1997-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2199051

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2199051, EXERCISE AND DIET EFFECTS ON LACTATION PERFORMANCE (2R01HD024112-04A2). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2199051. Licensed CC0.

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