Research
Macro partitioning
The recommended protein increment during lactation should be approximately 20 g/day (rather than 15 g/day) when accounting for non-protein nitrogen in human milk, a value consistent with nitrogen balance studies.
Increase your daily protein intake by about 20 grams while breastfeeding. This accounts for the protein lost in milk, including non-protein nitrogen components.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
However, if one takes into account the protein cost of non-protein nitrogen in human milk, the recommended increment in protein is about 20 g/day. The latter value is consistent with data from nitrogen balance studies in lactating women.
Why this rating
Based on factorial calculations and nitrogen balance studies, though some metabolic studies suggest needs may be even higher.
Source
ENERGY AND PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS DURING LACTATION
Kathryn G. Dewey · Annual Review of Nutrition · 1997
narrative_reviewCited 176×
Read the paper This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →