Combination of Calcium and Vitamin D May Help Cholesterol Levels During Weight Loss
In a recent trial from the University of Laval in Canada researchers found that a combination of calcium and vitamin D during weight loss intervention in overweight and obese women could improve blood cholesterol levels. The randomized, double-blind controlled study involved 63 women with daily calcium intakes less than 800 milligrams per day. The subjects were assigned to either the calcium/vitamin D group or placebo group, with both groups following a weight loss plan of 700 kcal per day. At the end of 15 weeks of supplementation it was determined that the calcium supplements had a significant positive impact on the total cholesterol ratio of the participants. HDL (so-called "good" cholesterol) and LDL (so-called "bad" cholesterol) also improved. The improvements in blood lipid levels were independent of changes in fat mass and in waist circumference. Although this is a positive sign for calcium and vitamin D supplementation, more research is needed to confirm these findings. For more information go to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 1, January 2007.
In a recent trial from the University of Laval in Canada researchers found that a combination of calcium and vitamin D during weight loss intervention in overweight and obese women could improve blood cholesterol levels. The randomized, double-blind controlled study involved 63 women with daily calcium intakes less than 800 milligrams per day. The subjects were assigned to either the calcium/vitamin D group or placebo group, with both groups following a weight loss plan of 700 kcal per day. At the end of 15 weeks of supplementation it was determined that the calcium supplements had a significant positive impact on the total cholesterol ratio of the participants. HDL (so-called "good" cholesterol) and LDL (so-called "bad" cholesterol) also improved. The improvements in blood lipid levels were independent of changes in fat mass and in waist circumference. Although this is a positive sign for calcium and vitamin D supplementation, more research is needed to confirm these findings. For more information go to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 1, January 2007.