Changes in Bone Mineral Density and Serum Lipids across the First Postpartum Year: Effect of Aerobic Fitness and Physical Activity

This study evaluated the changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and serum lipids across the first postpartum year in lactating women compared to never-pregnant controls, and the influence of physical activity (PA). The study also explored whether N-telopeptides, pyridinoline, and deoxypyridinoline in urine serve as biomarkers of bone resorption. A cohort of 18 initially lactating postpartum women and 16 never pregnant controls were studied. BMD (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), serum lipid profiles, and PA (Baecke PA Questionnaire) were assessed at baseline (4–6 weeks postpartum), 6 months, and 12 months. Postpartum women lost 5.2 ± 1.4 kg body weight and BMD decreased by 1.4% and 3.1% in the total body and dual-femur, respectively. Furthermore, BMDdid not show signs of rebound. Lipid profiles improved, with increases in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and decreases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and the cholesterol/HDL-C ratio at 12 months (vs. baseline). These changes were not influenced by lactation, but the fall the Cholesterol/HDL-C ratio was influenced by leisure-time (p = 0.051, time X group) and sport (p = 0.028, time effect) PA. The decrease in BMD from baseline to 12 months in total body and dual femur, however, was greater in those who continued to breastfeed for a full year compared to those who stopped at close to 6 months. Urinary markers of bone resorption, measured in a subset of participants, reflect BMD loss, particularly in the dual-femur, and may reflect changes bone resorption before observed changes in BMD. Results provide support that habitual postpartum PA may favorably influence changes in serum lipids but not necessarily BMD. The benefit of exercise and use of urinary biomarkers of bone deserves further exploration.