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Calcium lactate Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Cal-Lac, Ridactate

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 11, 2023.

Calcium lactate Pregnancy Warnings

Calcium lactate has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. Neither animal reproductive studies nor controlled data from human pregnancy are available. Calcium lactate should only be given during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.

Calcium is transported across the human placenta. The human fetus is entirely dependent on its mother for the supply of nutrients--including calcium--and oxygen and removal of waste products. Fetal accumulation of calcium occurs mainly during the third trimester. By the end of normal human pregnancy the fetus acquires approximately 28 grams of calcium and 16 grams of phosphorus for skeletal development.

The recommended daily calcium supplementation for a pregnant woman averages 1,200 mg (compared to 400 mg/day in the nonpregnant adult), with an additional 250 to 300 mg/day recommended during the last trimester. One quart of milk contains approximately 1,200 mg of calcium; women who do not consume milk or milk products may require calcium supplementation.

See references

Calcium lactate Breastfeeding Warnings

There are no data on the excretion of calcium lactate into human milk. Calcium is a normal nutritional component of human milk.

The calcium content of human milk averages 30 mg/dl. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for calcium in the lactating woman is 1,200 mg (compared to 400 mg/day in the nonlactating adult). One quart of milk contains approximately 1,200 mg of calcium; women who do not consume milk or milk products may require calcium supplementation.

See references

See also

References for pregnancy information

  1. Crawford JS. Maternal and cord blood at delivery. IV. Glucose, sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride. Biol Neonat. 1965;8:222-37.
  2. Lopez-Jaramillo P, Narvaez M, Weigel RM, Yepez R. Calcium supplementation reduces the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension in an Andes population. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1989;96:648-55.
  3. Danforth D, Scott J, DiSaia P, Hammond C, Spellacy W, Eds. Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fifth Edition. JB Lippincott Company, Philadelphia. 1986;1:181-93.
  4. Product Information. Calphosan (calcium lactate). Glenwood Inc. 2001;PROD.

References for breastfeeding information

  1. Danforth D, Scott J, DiSaia P, Hammond C, Spellacy W, Eds. Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fifth Edition. JB Lippincott Company, Philadelphia. 1986;1:181-93.
  2. Product Information. Calphosan (calcium lactate). Glenwood Inc. 2001;PROD.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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