We take it for our bones, we take it to sleep, and now a study shows that calcium may help prevent obesity in post-menopausal women.
The largest ever double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to test the effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation has shown that post-menopausal women who take these supplements may gain less weight than women who do not, although the overall effect is minor. In this study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, 36,282 postmenopausal women, aged 50 to 79 years, received 1000 mg of calcium plus 400 IU of vitamin D (cholecalciferol) or placebo daily. Changes in body weight were established annually over a 7 year period.
Previous studies have shown some evidence that calcium and vitamin D supplements, as well as foods rich in these nutrients, may play a role in weight management. One explanation is that calcium and vitamin D work together to regulate metabolism. In addition, calcium may help decrease the absorption of fats in the small intestine. Post-menopausal women should continue to exercise and eat a healthy diet in addition to consuming approximately 1,200 mg of calcium daily from food and supplements.
Reference: Caan, B. et al. (2007) “Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and the risk of postmenopausal weight gain,” The Archives of Internal Medicine. 167.
Another Reason to Avoid Soft Drinks
The Independent, a British newspaper, recently published a report suggesting that sodium benzoate, an additive commonly found in soft drinks, can cause the same serious damage to cells as drinking alcohol. As if we needed another reason to avoid soda.
Sodium benzoate, also know as additive E211, can result in DNA damage making the body more susceptible to diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver and Parkinson’s. E211 is used as a preservative in many foods such as salad dressings, jams, fruit juices, alcohol-based mouthwash, and over 1500 sodas worldwide. There has been concern that sodium benzoate can form benzene, a carcinogen, when combined with other ingredients – such as vitamin C - in food or drinks. Though sodium benzoate occurs naturally in berries and is considered safe in small amounts, it has also been linked to hyperactivity in children.
Reference: Hickman, M., (2007), “Caution: Some soft drinks may seriously harm your health,” The Independent, 27 May 2007.
