Concentrations of Calcium, inorganic phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase in the sera of lactating women in North India.

Serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase (SAP) have been determined in 75 lactating women and 25 controls. 25 lactating women were re-investigated after administration of calcium and vitamin D supplements of 1 month. Lactating women showed statistically significant hypocalcaemia and raised SAP. However, the elevation of the enzyme level was significantly lower in women with milk intakes of more than 1/2 litre per day and in those in later months of lactation. The effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation supported a diagnosis of osteomalacia in a large percentage of lactating women.