In a 2001 review article appearing in the journal Nutrition, author Adrianne Bendich summarizes the role of a colleague who researched the impact of nutrition on women's health. Lawrence J. Machlin spent the bulk of his career elucidating the roles of nutrients in optimizing human health, including the support of research in the areas of women's health and immune function. His research found that several essential nutrients have been shown to affect women's health throughout the different stages of their life. One such nutrient is calcium. Calcium supplementation plays a role in significantly reducing physical and emotional issues relating to premenstrual syndrome. It also has a role in preventing osteoporosis. In addition, he found evidence that multivitamins and antioxidant micronutrients enhance many aspects of immune response such as lymphocyteproliferative responses. To learn more about the health findings of Lawrence J. Machlin go to the journal Nutrition, October 2001.

Vitamin D and Osteoporosis

It is estimated that over 25 million adults in the United States have, or are at risk of developing, osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by fragile bones, and it significantly increases the risk of bone fractures. Osteoporosis is most often associated with inadequate calcium intake. However, a deficiency of vitamin D also contributes to osteoporosis by reducing calcium absorption. While rickets and osteomalacia are extreme examples of vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis is an example of a long-term effect of vitamin D insufficiency. Adequate storage levels of vitamin D help keep bones strong and may help prevent osteoporosis in older adults, in non-ambulatory individuals (those who have difficulty walking and exercising), in post-menopausal women, and in individuals on chronic steroid therapy.

The Importance of Calcium and Vitamin D

Calcium, an essential nutrient, is the most abundant mineral in the human body. More than 99% of the body’s total calcium content can be found in the bones and teeth, while the remaining 1% is distributed throughout the body in blood, muscle, and the fluid between cells. Calcium is required for muscle contraction, blood vessel contraction and expansion, healthy hormone and enzyme secretion, and balanced nervous system functioning. A consistent level of calcium is maintained in body fluid and tissues so these vital body processes run smoothly.

For calcium to be absorbed sufficiently, it depends upon the presence of adequate amounts of vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, which works with the parathyroid hormone to regulate the amount of calcium in the blood. Vitamin D also works with other nutrients to promote bone mineralization. Without this important vitamin, bones can become thin, brittle and misshapen. Vitamin D can be acquired either by ingestion or exposure to sunlight.

In spite of the fact that calcium and vitamin D are critical daily nutrients, most Americans do not get enough calcium, and, in certain populations, some lack adequate amounts of vitamin D. This may be due to the fact that we eat more processed foods than ever before - foods devoid of essential nutrition. Research increasingly confirms that diets lacking in natural whole fruits, a wide variety of vegetables, grains, lean meats, healthy dairy products, nuts and seeds have a significant impact on our health, quality of life and longevity. It’s a fact that nutritional deficiencies can lead to certain types of disease. Without an adequate, constant supply of calcium and vitamin D, bones, teeth, muscle and overall well being will be compromised.

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Calcium Important During Weight Loss

In a study conducted at Rutgers University, researchers studied 73 women who were either on a weight loss diet or a weight maintenance diet, with either normal or high intakes of calcium. The study lasted a total of 6 weeks. Out of the 57 women who finished the study, those on the weight loss diet taking only normal amounts of calcium exhibited inadequate absorption of the nutrient, which has the possibility of impacting bone mass. The researchers suggested that weight loss programs may be associated with increased calcium requirements to help maintain bone mass. More research is needed to support their suggestion. For more information go to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 80, August 2004.

Children Residing in the North At Risk of Low Vitamin D Levels

According to a recent U.S. study, approximately 55 per cent of seemingly healthy adolescents may be vitamin D deficient and at an elevated risk of osteoporosis and other problems later in life. Vitamin D is known for its ability to promote calcium absorption and help maintain and build strong bones. The new research measured vitamin D levels in the blood of 382 healthy children between six years and 21 years of age residing in the northeastern United States. After measuring the intake of vitamin D from dietary and supplemental sources and evaluating blood levels of vitamin D, the researchers found that 55 percent of the youth had inadequate vitamin D blood levels, with the proportion rising to 68 percent in winter.

For more information go to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 86, July 2007. Read More.

Study Connects Calcium to Weight Loss

In a study conducted at the University of Minnesota, researchers examined the association between calcium intakes and levels of body fat in black and white men and women. In both men's groups, those with the highest intake of calcium were significantly leaner than those with the lowest intake. In white women, those with the highest intake of calcium were also leaner than those with the lowest intake. No significant associations were found in black women. For more information go to the Journal of Nutrition, Volume 134, pages 1772-1778.

Calcium Important During Weight Loss

In a study conducted at Rutgers University, researchers studied 73 women who were either on a weight loss diet or a weight maintenance diet, with either normal or high intakes of calcium. The study lasted a total of 6 weeks. Out of the 57 women who finished the study, those on the weight loss diet taking only normal amounts of calcium exhibited inadequate absorption of the nutrient, which has the possibility of impacting bone mass. The researchers suggested that weight loss programs may be associated with increased calcium requirements to help maintain bone mass. More research is needed to support their suggestion. For more information go to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 80, August 2004.

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.

Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation Reduces Cancer Risk

A four year double-blind, placebo-controlled trial set out to determine the efficacy of calcium alone and calcium plus vitamin D in reducing incident cancer risk of all types in humans. When all was said and done the study concluded that improving calcium and vitamin D nutritional status substantially reduces all-cancer risk in postmenopausal women. Additional research would help to confirm these findings. For more information go to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 85, Issue 6, June 2007. Click here for more information.

Calcium and Vitamin D May Limit Stress Fractures

According to a study presented at the 53rd annual Orthopaedic Research Society meeting in February of 2007, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, even for a short period of time, can significantly reduce stress fractures (overuse injuries to the bone). This randomized, double-blind placebo controlled study, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, looked at two groups of female military recruits between the ages of 17 and 35. One group received daily pill supplements of 2,000 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D. The other group received placebo or "dummy" pills. During the course of the study, 170 recruits in the placebo group experienced about 25 per cent more stress fractures that the group taking the supplement. Calcium is known to support bone formation and repair, while vitamin D is known to help the body in its absorption. Additional studies would help to confirm these findings. For more information go to the following Creighton University webpage.

Calcium and Vitamin D May Help Reduce Stress Fractures

A recent study conducted by researchers at Creighton University amongst Naval recruits showed that active women who took higher-than-recommended doses of calcium and vitamin D supplements for eight weeks had fewer stress fractures than the other female recruits who were taking a placebo. This study, funded by the Department of Defense, was recently presented at the Orthopedic Research Society's annual meeting in San Diego. The study, which took place at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Ill., showed that approximately 1000 out of 3700 women recruits who took 2,000mg of Calcium (Recommended Dietary Allowance 1,000mg) and 800 IUs of Vitamin D (Recommended Dietary Allowance 200 IUs) had fewer fractures. It is a known fact that the human body uses calcium to build and repair bones while Vitamin D helps the body absorb it. More research is needed to confirm the findings of this study. For more information click here.

Risk For Certain Colon Cancers Lowered With Proper Levels Of Calcium Intake

Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health have found that among people with low-calcium diets, a small increase in the mineral appears to lower the risk of certain types of colon cancer by about 50%. The diet and colon cancer history of 135,000 men and women were evaluated and the findings showed that those who consumed 700 to 800 milligrams of calcium daily significantly reduced their risk of left-side colon cancer by 40 to 50 percent. Monika Kraus, an oncology dietician at the Washington Hospital Center said the study is important because it suggests that adequate calcium in the diet has a benefit beyond building bones.

Source: www.intelihealth.com, March 21, 2002.

Bone Loss Reduced By Calcium And Vitamin D Supplementation

According to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine an inadequate dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D may contribute to a high prevalence of osteoporosis among the elderly. For three years, 176 men and 213 women 65 years of age or older received either calcium plus vitamin D per day or a placebo. Using a variety of tests to measure bone mineral density throughout the trial, it was determined that dietary supplementation with calcium and vitamin D moderately reduced bone loss in the femoral neck, spine and total body. There was also a reduction in the incidence of nonvertebral fractures.

Source: The New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 337, pages 670-676

Ladies' Home Journal Asks, "Is Your Family Getting Enough Calcium?"

In its March issue, Ladies' Home Journal lets us know that according to the U.S. Department Agriculture, about 75 percent of Americans are not getting enough calcium. Also, according to Susan Barr, Ph.D., professor of nutrition at the University of Columbia, "Less than 10 percent of women ages 19 to 50 consume the daily recommendation of 1,000 milligrams".

Source: Ladies' Home Journal, March 2003.

Athletic Organization Touts Calcium And Vitamin D As One Of The Four Steps To Prevent Osteoporosis

As a means of educating the public on how to prevent osteoporosis, the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) is promoting a comprehensive program composed of four preventative steps. The first step states that one should consume a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. The other steps cover recommendations for weight-bearing exercise, following a healthy lifestyle as well as bone density testing.

Source: National Athletic Trainers' Association

Organization Credits Calcium For It's Contribution To Women's Health

The North American Menopause Society, a leading non-profit organization that promotes women's health, has published a consensus opinion stating that adequate amounts of calcium are important for all women, particularly those who are peri- and postmenopausal. The organization arrived at its consensus by reviewing published medical data as well as appointing a panel of recognized calcium experts. Some of the key findings showed that calcium (along with adequate vitamin D) contributed positively to women's skeletal health and blood pressure levels. It also finds that there is some evidence to suggest that it provides some chemo protective properties against colorectal cancer.

Source: www.menopausejournal.com

Postmenopausal Women At Risk Of Osteoporosis

In the largest study of its kind, more than 200,000 postmenopausal women across the United States had their bone densities measured. An astounding 40 percent were found to have low bone density levels, putting them at an increased risk for fracture. Eleven percent of the total group had a history of fracture since age 45 - evidence pointing to the bone weakening disease osteoporosis. However, no diagnosis had been made on any of the participants, nor had anti-osteoporosis treatment been started. For more information, go to the

Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, December 12, 2001.

Two Studies Relate Calcium To Weight Loss

In the first study, conducted at the University of Minnesota, researchers examined the association between calcium intakes and levels of body fat in black and white men and women. In both men's groups, those with the highest intake of calcium were significantly leaner than those with the lowest intake. In white women, those with the highest intake of calcium were also leaner than those with the lowest intake. No significant associations were found in black women.

Source: Journal of Nutrition, Volume 134, pages 1772-1778

In the second study, conducted at Rutgers University, researchers studied 73 women who were either on a weight loss diet or a weight maintenance diet, with either normal or high intakes of calcium. The study lasted a total of 6 weeks. Out of the 57 women who finished the study, those on the weight loss diet taking only normal amounts of calcium exhibited inadequate absorption of the nutrient, which has the possibility of impacting bone mass. The researchers suggested that weight loss programs may be associated with increased calcium requirements to help maintain bone mass. More research is needed to support their suggestion.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 80, pages 123-130

Calcium Intake Associated With Lower Colorectal Cancer

According to a new study that appears in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, higher consumption of milk and calcium is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide.

Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 96, July 2004

Calcium From Diet And Supplementation May Cut Colon Cancer Risk In Women

According to a recent scientific research study involving women, diets rich in calcium may reduce a women’s risk of colorectal cancer. In addition, the study found that women who also take calcium supplements may cut their risk even more. Further research in this area would help to confirm the value of calcium intake relative to colorectal cancer prevention.

Source: Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, Volume 14, January 2005

Calcium Intake May Impact Body Weight

In a small research study, Danish scientists found some evidence to support that calcium could reduce body weight by binding fat in the intestine and increasing its elimination from the body. This evidence may help explain why a high-calcium diet produces weight loss. Further weight loss trials are needed to test the mechanisms of calcium on weight.

Source: International Journal of Obesity, Volume 29, March 2005

Calcium Supplementation Helps Youngster's Bones

According to the results of a recent human clinical trial, calcium supplementation during childhood and adolescence increases bone mineral density (BMD) in females. The researchers found that calcium supplementation greatly influenced bone accretion in young females during the pubertal growth spurt. They also found that by early adulthood, notable effects remained at metacarpals and as the forearm of tall persons, which showed that the calcium requirement for growth is associated with skeletal size. Researchers think that the results of the trial may be important for both primary prevention of osteoporosis and bone fragility fractures during the growth process. The four-year randomized clinical trial involved 354 pubertal females and was optionally extended for an additional three years. The mean dietary calcium intake of the study participants over age seven was 830 milligrams per day. The subjects that received supplementation got an additional 670 milligrams of calcium per day.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 81, January 2005