Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements Enhance Health Benefits of Weight Loss
In a recent study, women with low calcium intake were given either a calcium + vitamin D supplement or placebo in conjunction with a 15-week weight-loss program. Those who received the calcium + vitamin D supplement had a greater tendency for beneficial changes in LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels.
Research has demonstrated that overweight individuals with low calcium and dairy intakes have an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Naturally, this suggests that adequate calcium intake could create a healthier metabolic profile " one more similar to a balanced diet and regular exercise.
In a recent study, researchers explored this possibility by testing cardiovascular health indicators after long-term calcium supplementation in women with usual low calcium intake. Healthy overweight or obese women with a daily calcium intake of less than 800 mg per day were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: group A received two tablets/day of a calcium + vitamin D supplement (600 mg elemental calcium and 200 IU vitamin D/tablet), while group B received a placebo. Both groups completed a 15-week reduced calorie weight-loss program.
Significant decreases in LDL cholesterol levels, as well as improvements in the ratios of total to LDL and LDL to HDL cholesterol were seen the calcium + vitamin D group. These changes were independent of changes due to fat loss and reduced waist circumference. Tendencies for more beneficial changes in HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol were also observed in the calcium + vitamin D group.
This study demonstrates that adequate consumption of calcium and vitamin D during weight loss enhances other beneficial effects of body weight loss on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight women with previously low calcium intake.
Article Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 85, No. 1, 54-59, January 2007
Key Benefits of Active CalciumTM Plus and Active CalciumTM Chewable*
1. Aids, assists or helps in the maintenance or improvement of general well-being.
2. Calcium supplementation may be of assistance in the prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis.
3. Calcium, magnesium and vitamin D are essential in maintenance of strong, healthy bones and teeth.
4. May assist in reducing occurrence of cramps.
Active Calcium Plus™ and Active Calcium™ Chewable provide clinically proven, comprehensive nutritional support for optimal bone development and maintenance throughout all stages of life. The Active Calcium™ Chewable is a great-tasting chewable version for kids, teens, or anyone who prefers a chewable tablet.
Both products are carefully formulated with an optimal dosage of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D to offer a balanced calcium supplement. Calcium is an essential mineral required for bone and teeth mineralization. Magnesium is important for the metabolism of calcium and other minerals. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates calcium absorption.
Peak Bone Mineral (or Mass) Density (BMD) is often acquired by the age of 18-20-yrs. High BMD reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis. Supplementation of calcium is one of the keys to help prevent osteoporosis and increase quality of life. It is important to ensure optimal intakes, at early ages, of nutrients essential for building strong bones that will benefit you for later stages in life.