What nutritional component is crucial to be assessed for a lactating woman aside from protein?

For a lactating woman, calcium is particularly crucial because it plays a vital role in both the mother's and infant's health. During lactation, the body's demand for calcium increases to support the continuous production of breast milk. Adequate calcium intake helps prevent the mother from losing bone density, which can occur if the body draws calcium from her bones to meet the needs of lactation. This is important because the mother must maintain her own health while also providing essential nutrients to her breastfeeding infant. Calcium intake is not only significant for milk production but also essential for the development of the baby's bones and teeth.

While iron, vitamin C, and fiber are also important for a breastfeeding mother's diet, calcium stands out due to the specific heightened requirements during lactation. Iron is important for preventing anemia, and vitamin C supports immune function and enhances iron absorption, but they do not have the same direct relationship with the quantity and quality of breast milk as calcium does. Fiber is essential for digestive health, but it doesn’t have the same critical implications for lactation as calcium. Thus, when considering the nutritional needs of a lactating woman, calcium is a key component to assess.