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Calcium for Your Bones and Heart

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Calcium for Your Bones and Heart

From: Duke and the Doctor

Date: Fri Jun 21, 2002 12:19 pm

Subject: Calcium for Your Bones and Heart

A new study published in the April issue of the American Journal of Medicine found that otherwise healthy postmenopausal women who took calcium citrate supplements lowered their cholesterol levels.

According to the researchers, calcium citrate has a positive effect on heart health.

The study "Effects of Calcium Supplementation on Serum Lipid Concentrations in Normal Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial" was led by Dr. Ian R. Reid, professor, department of medicine, University of Auckland in New Zealand. The study was conducted as part of a larger trial to assess the effects of calcium on fracture incidence.

"This study showed that 1 gram of calcium (as the citrate) taken daily lowers the damaging component of blood cholesterol (LDL or low- density lipoprotein), and increases the protective cholesterol (HDL or high-density lipoprotein). As a result, calcium citrate may reduce the incidence of heart attacks and angina in postmenopausal women," explained Reid.

According to Reid, this study was designed to determine the effect of calcium supplementation with calcium citrate on circulating lipid concentrations in normal older women. Subjects were restricted to postmenopausal women who were not receiving therapy for hyperlipidemia or osteoporosis. A total of 223 women (mean age, 72 ± 4 years) received calcium citrate or placebo for 1 year. Fasting serum lipid concentrations were obtained at baseline, and at 2, 6, and 12 months.

The use of calcium citrate had a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels and the results of this study support findings from earlier studies that demonstrated calcium supplementation has a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Other studies have also shown that calcium intake is inversely associated with cardiovascular disease.

"Based on our data, one could predict that calcium citrate supplements may help otherwise healthy postmenopausal women reduce cholesterol, improve heart health and possibly even reduce the rate of cardiovascular related events by 20-30%," noted Reid. "These data provide reason to encourage the more widespread use of calcium supplementation in postmenopausal women," he added. This article was prepared by Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week editors from staff and other reports.

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