How lactation affects magnesium balance in the kidneys
Official title: Regulation of Renal Tubular Mg2+ Handling by MUC1 and Lactation
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11049600 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how breastfeeding affects the way your kidneys handle magnesium, which is important for your health, especially since your body might need more during this time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $650,004 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK139177-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049600 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are lactating women who may be experiencing magnesium deficiency or related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not lactating or those with pre-existing kidney conditions unrelated to magnesium handling may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how lactation influences the kidneys' ability to manage magnesium levels in the body. It aims to uncover the mechanisms that regulate magnesium excretion through the kidneys during lactation, a time when magnesium stores can be depleted. By studying changes at the systemic, tissue, cellular, and molecular levels, the research will explore how lactation affects gene expression and kidney function related to magnesium absorption. This could provide insights into how to better manage magnesium levels in lactating individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing magnesium deficiency in lactating women, potentially enhancing bone health and overall well-being.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of lactation-associated magnesium conservation are not extensively studied, related research has shown promising results in understanding mineral balance during physiological changes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ray, Evan Cross — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Ray, Evan Cross
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.