Breastfeeding: the key to stronger bones
Research team has found that during breastfeeding, the female brain produces a hormone which protects the bones
For centuries, breastfeeding was considered an act of love and nurturing for infants. But only recently, science has begun to unravel its deepest secrets and the benefits it brings not only to children, but also to mothers.
A biological paradox
During lactation, the woman’s body undergoes a series of important physiological changes. One of these is the loss of calcium from the bones, used to produce breast milk. This process, combined with the reduction of estrogen, a key hormone for bone health, should theoretically weaken the maternal skeleton. Yet, most women get through this phase without any particular problems. How is that possible?
The discovery of the “miraculous” hormone
A team of researchers has found that during breastfeeding, the female brain produces a hormone called CCN3 which plays a key role in protecting bones. This hormone, acting directly on the cells forming bone tissue, stimulates the production of new bone, thus compensating for the loss of calcium.
An ingenious mechanism
It is as if the woman’s body has developed a self-defense mechanism, able to repair the damage caused by breastfeeding. When estrogen levels drop, the brain “takes the baton” and starts producing CCN3, thus ensuring healthy bones.
CCN3: a bone builder
But how does this hormone work? CCN3 stimulates bone marrow stem cells to differentiate into osteoblasts, the cells that specialize in forming bone tissue. In practice, CCN3 coordinates the cells, orchestrating the construction of new bone tissue.
Questions still open
Although this discovery is promising, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanism of action of CCN3 and to develop effective therapies based on this hormone. For example, researchers are trying to understand:
- Under what other conditions could the CCN3 be useful? Could it also play a role in repairing fractures or treating other bone diseases?
- What are the long-term effects of CCN3? Long-term studies are needed to assess the safety and efficacy of this therapy
- How can we stimulate the production of CCN3 in a natural way? Besides breastfeeding, are there other factors that could affect the levels of this hormone?
A promising future
Despite the open questions, the discovery of CCN3 represents a major breakthrough in understanding women’s bodies and research into bone diseases. This tiny hormone could become a powerful weapon in the fight against these debilitating diseases, offering new hope to millions of people.