Calcium intake and 10-year weight change in middle-aged adults

Abstract

Objective: The goal of this study was to examine the purported effects of calcium on modulating body weight.

Design: Retrospective data was used to assess the relationship between calcium intake and weight change over an 8- to 12-year period among middle-aged adults.

Subjects: Participants were 10,591 men and women aged 53 to 57 years recruited during 2000-2002.

Statistical analysis: Linear regression was used to model associations of 10-year weight change and calcium intake, adjusted for weight at age 45 years, energy intake, physical activity, and other factors.

Results: Calcium intake was associated with 10-year weight change only in women. Women with current calcium supplement dose of >500 mg/day had a 10-year weight gain of 5.1 kg (95% confidence interval 4.7 to 5.5) compared to 6.9 kg (95% confidence interval 6.5 to 7.4) among nonusers (P for trend=0.001). Trends were similar for total calcium intake from diet plus supplements (P for trend=0.001). Dietary calcium alone had no significant effect on 10-year weight change.

Conclusions: Increasing total calcium intake, in the form of calcium supplementation, may be beneficial to weight maintenance, especially in women during midlife.