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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2009 Jun 16;150(12):821-9, W145-6.
doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-150-12-200906160-00005.

Effects of calcium supplementation on body weight and adiposity in overweight and obese adults: a randomized trial

Jack A Yanovski  1 , Shamik J Parikh, Lisa B Yanoff, Blakeley I Denkinger, Karim A Calis, James C Reynolds, Nancy G Sebring, Teresa McHugh
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of calcium supplementation on body weight and adiposity in overweight and obese adults: a randomized trial

Jack A Yanovski et al. Ann Intern Med. .

Abstract

Background: Some data suggest that increasing calcium intake may help prevent weight gain.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that calcium supplementation can prevent weight gain in persons who are overweight or obese.

Design: Randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Randomization was computer-generated, and allocation was assigned by pharmacy personnel who prepared intervention and placebo capsules. Participants, providers, and those who assessed outcomes were blinded to study group assignment.

Setting: Single research center.

Participants: 340 overweight (body mass index [BMI], 25 to <30 kg/m(2)) and obese (BMI > or =30 kg/m(2)) adults (mean age, 38.8 years [SD, 10.5]).

Intervention: Calcium carbonate (elemental calcium, 1500 mg/d) (n = 170) or placebo (n = 170) with meals for 2 years.

Measurements: Changes in body weight and fat mass (primary outcomes).

Results: Seventy-five percent of participants completed the trial (78% received calcium; 73% received placebo). There were no statistically or clinically significant differences between the calcium and placebo groups in change in body weight (difference, 0.02 kg [95% CI, -1.64 to 1.69 kg]; P = 0.98), BMI (difference, 0.32 kg/m(2) [CI, -0.41 to 1.02 kg/m(2)]; P = 0.39), or body fat mass (difference, 0.39 kg [CI, -1.04 to 1.92 kg]; P = 0.55). Parathyroid hormone concentrations decreased in the calcium group compared with the placebo group (difference, -0.71 pmol/L [CI, -1.28 to -0.13 pmol/L]).

Limitation: The study took place at a research center, and its sample was mostly women.

Conclusion: Dietary supplementation with elemental calcium, 1500 mg/d, for 2 years had no statistically or clinically significant effects on weight in overweight and obese adults. Calcium supplementation is unlikely to have clinically significant efficacy as a preventive measure against weight gain in such patients.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00030238.

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Conflict of interest statement

Potential Financial Conflicts of Interest: Dr. Yanovski has material transfer agreements or cooperative research agreements for research support with the pharmaceutical companies Roche and Obecure. Dr. Parikh is currently an employee of AstraZeneca, LP, but was an employee of the National Institutes of Health and had no conflicts of interest when he was involved with this study. As Principal Investigator, JAY had full access to all the data in the study, had responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis, and had final responsibility for the decision to submit for publication.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Enrollment and Retention.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Weight, BMI and Fat Mass in Study Subjects
Measured mean (± 95% confidence intervals) for weight (A), BMI (B), and fat mass (C) in participants randomized to calcium (closed squares) or placebo (open squares). There were no significant differences between groups at any time point.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Summary for patients in

References

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    1. Brody J. All That Calcium, and Maybe Weight Control Too. The New York Times. 2005 June 14
    1. Kalra S. Take calcium, lose weight. The Tribune On-Line edition. 2006. Wednesday [November 29 Health Accessed December 12 2006]. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20061129/health.htm.
    1. abc7chicago.com. Calcium could slow middle-age weight gain. 2006. Broadcast July 10, 2006. Accessed December 12,: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=health&id=4353931.
    1. Parikh SJ, Yanovski JA. Calcium intake and adiposity. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003;77(2):281–7. - PubMed

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