Effect of calcium supplementation on the lipid profiles of overweight or obese women: a double blind randomized clinical trial

There is some evidence suggesting a probable beneficial effect of calcium intake on serum lipid profile. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of 1000 mg calcium supplementation for 30 days on serum lipid profiles in overweight or obese women. A double blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in 44 overweight or obese adult women (Body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, age: 25±6 years) randomly assigned to the calcium (receiving 1000 mg elemental calcium per day) or the placebo group. Serum lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins including triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, ApoA-I and Apo B were obtained at baseline and after the intervention period. Freidwald equation was used to calculate LDL cholesterol and VLDL cholesterol was calculated from TG divided by 5. Dietary calcium and energy intake were estimated using 24 hour recall for 3 days. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 9). P values < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. No significant differences were observed in dietary, anthropometric and serum variables between the two groups at the baseline. Although all serum total-, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides tended to increase in both study groups, total cholesterol elevation was only significant in the placebo group (p=0.01), and triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol only showed significant increase in the calcium group (p=0.03). LDL cholesterol elevation was significant in both groups (p<0.05) HDL cholesterol decreased significantly in both groups (p<0.01). Apolipoproteins did not change significantly in the study groups. No significant differences were observed in serum variables between groups after intervention. In the present study short term calcium supplementation in overweight or obese women’s showed no beneficial effect on lipid profiles. Because of the limited studies available, further studies are recommended.