VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2    January 2007 VIEW ARCHIVE

Calcium Supplements Strengthen Weight Management Good for your bones and your waistline by Michelle Gibeault Traub, R.D. Much has been said about the weight loss impact of calcium-containing foods such a yogurt and low-fat milk. Research now may indicate that calcium supplements outshine dairy in preventing weight gain.   Even Low Calcium Intakes Show Results In a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, researchers reported significantly lower weight gain in females who took calcium supplements vs. those who did not over a ten-year period. The study reviewed retrospective data collected on over 10,000 men and women between the ages of 53 and 57. Interestingly, the average calcium intake for the females in the study was only 811 mg/day; well below the recommended 1200 required for that age group. On average supplements provided about 35% of total calcium intake.1,2 Further research is warranted to determine if calcium intakes closer to the recommended levels promote even greater weight control.   Dietary Calcium Comes With More Calories University of Washington researcher, Alejandro Gonzalez, PhD believes that “extra calcium might prevent cellular changes that prompt your body to store fat.”3 Although it is not entirely clear why calcium in supplement form contributes to less weight gain than dietary sources, one possible explanation is that supplements contribute few calories compared to foods that are a good source of the mineral. In fact, drinking the recommended 3 ½ cups of 1% milk in order to get 1000 mg of calcium a day, contributes roughly 350 calories4 to the daily diet vs. the 60 calories in 2 Adora Calcium (1000 mg). In addition, popular sources of calcium in the diet, such as cheese and ice cream add significantly more calories along with the mineral.   Supplements Have Their Place While most experts agree that getting nutrients from whole foods is better than pills alone, there are some clear advantages to supplementation. A position paper released by the American Dietetic Association, states “Additional nutrients from fortified foods and/or supplements can help some people meet their nutritional needs as specified by science-based nutrition standards such as the Dietary Reference Intakes.” This report emphasizes that many people do not get enough calcium or vitamin D, providing justification for their inclusion in supplements and fortified foods. 5    Compliance is Key You can’t benefit from calcium-rich foods if you don’t eat them.  In a recent survey of 23,613 women, 11% didn’t like dairy, 9% couldn’t eat dairy foods, and another 15% were actively dieting; all of which make getting the required amount of calcium a challenge.6 Taking Adora Calcium supplements in premium chocolate is a great solution.    For the latest update on calcium see FDA Updates Claim for Calcium and Osteoporosis   References Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2006; 106(7): 1066-1073 (online access requires subscription.) Daniells, Stephen Calcium supplements could help women control weight. 4/07/2006, Nutraingredients.com. retrieved 1/5/07 LINK Yeager, Selene.  Sharpen Calcium’s Weight Loss Edge. Prevention.com 10/3/06. retrieved 1/4/07 LINK U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 2006. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 19. Nutrient Data Laboratory Home Page, http://www.ars.usda.gov/ba/bhnrc/ndl ADA. Position of the American Dietetic Association: Fortification and Nutritional Supplements retrieved 1/5/07 LINK Survey of 23,613 women conducted by AdoraCalcium.com between April 18, 2006 and January 5, 2007.

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