Higher Calcium & Vitamin D Levels Support Weight Loss

The effect of vitamins and minerals on weight loss has been and remains an active area of research investigation.  Two of the most studied are calcium and vitamin D; however, the results to date have been mixed and inconsistent making the role of the calcium and vitamin D in weight loss somewhat controversial.

A new weight loss study published online ahead of print in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition further examined this possible relationship.  Weight loss researchers collected and analyzed data from 322 volunteers who took part in the 2-year Dietary Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial.  The results of the weight loss researchers analysis showed that:

• Vitamin D blood levels at the beginning of the study were lower in volunteers with higher body mass index (BMI) scores.
• At 6 months, higher levels of dairy calcium consumption were linked with greater weight loss.  An average of 580 milligrams of calcium per day was linked to a weight loss of about 12 lbs on average, while intake of about 360 milligrams per day on average was associated with a weight loss of about 8 lbs.
• Similar results were observed for vitamin D.  Blood levels of about 30 ng/ml vitamin D on average were also associated with a weight loss of about 12 lbs.
• Each incremental increase in dietary calcium intake was associated with about a 45% increased chance of losing 10 lbs, while each incremental increase in vitamin D blood levels increased the chances of successfully losing 10 lbs by about 70%.

These are excellent results indicating that higher consumption of calcium and higher blood levels of vitamin D, two important micronutrients, might be related to greater weight loss while dieting.  In general, it is very important to make sure you get adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals when dieting since dieting has been reported to lead to insufficient micronutrient intake.  This study not only supports that, but also indicates that getting enough of these two micronutrients might be one key to successful weight loss.  If you are not getting adequate amounts of these and other micronutrients through your regular diet and lifestyle, a good multivitamin/multimineral can be a good way to get your fully daily complement of vitamins and minerals.

My easy diet plan includes milk protein bars and shakes fortified with calcium (30-60% DV), vitamin D (25-35% DV), and other important vitamins and minerals.  Visit us at www.drtabor.com to learn more or tune in to watch me on QVC September 12th from 1 AM - 2 AM EST!