Weight loss may be among calciums lesser known benefits, scientists believe.
A new study, conducted by researchers at Universit? Lavals Faculty of Medicine in Canada, has found that calcium intake may help in weight loss, but only in those who are calcium deficient in the first place.
The study involved obese women who consumed on average less than 600 mg of calcium per day, whereas recommended daily intake is 1000 mg. They were asked to follow a low calorie diet and take 1,200 mg of calcium or a placebo.
“Our hypothesis is that the brain can detect the lack of calcium and seeks to compensate by spurring food intake, which obviously works against the goals of any weight loss program,” says Angelo Tremblay, Canada Research Chair in Environment and Energy Balance at the university.
“Sufficient calcium intake seems to stifle the desire to eat more,” he adds.
He also says that more than 50 percent of women who come to his weight loss clinic do not consume the recommended daily intake.
Those who are unsure if their diets provide them with sufficient calcium intake may choose from among a wide variety of nutritional supplements which contain this important element. 