Calcium supplementation before and early in pregnancy may help prevent blood pressure disorders, such as pre-eclampsia, a new study suggests.
Pre-eclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy along with protein in the urine. It can cause serious complications for the mother and baby. Pre-eclampsia can decrease the supply of blood and oxygen available to the mother and developing child. This may result in conditions such as a lower birth weight and neurological (nervous system) damage. The mother is at risk for kidney problems, seizures, strokes, breathing problems and even death, in rare instances. The cause of pre-eclampsia is not known. Pre-eclampsia usually occurs during the second half of the pregnancy and affects about five percent of pregnant women.
Researchers from South Africa explained that calcium supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the risk of hypertensive (blood pressure) disorders of pregnancy. For their review, they searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (March 2006) and chose randomized trials comparing at least one gram of calcium daily during pregnancy with placebo. Eligibility and trial quality were assessed. Data were extracted and analyzed using Review Manager software.
Twelve studies (15,528 women) were included. The researchers reported that most women were at low risk and had low dietary calcium. The study found that high blood pressure was reduced with calcium supplementation rather than placebo in 11 trials involving a total of 14,946 women. Pre-eclampsia was reduced in 12 trials involving a total of 15,206 women.
The effect was greatest for women at high risk, as evidenced in five trials including 587 women. The effect was also significant in women with low baseline calcium intake, as seen in seven trials involving 10,154 women.
Researchers noted that there was variability, with less effect in the larger trials. The composite outcome maternal death or serious morbidity was reduced. The syndrome of hemolysis (excessive breakdown of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes and low platelets was increased. There was no overall effect on the risk of preterm birth or stillbirth or death before discharge from the hospital.
The study authors concluded that calcium supplementation appears to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and to reduce the rare occurrence of the composite outcome, “maternal death or serious morbidity.” There were no other clear benefits or harms.
The researchers also suggested that adequate dietary calcium before and during early pregnancy may be needed to prevent the underlying pathology responsible for pre-eclampsia. Additionally, the research agenda should be redirected towards calcium supplementation at a community level.
Integrative therapies with strong or good scientific evidence in the prevention and/or treatment of pre-eclampsia and related conditions include omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid, coenzyme Q10, hibiscus, Qi gong, stevia and yoga.
Source: http://blog.naturalstandard.com
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Vitamin D, Calcium vs. Breast Cancer
Study Shows Vitamin D and Calcium in Diet May Lower Breast Cancer Risk
By Salynn Boyles
WebMD Health News
Here is growing evidence linking vitamin D and calcium in the diet to a reduced risk of breast cancer, but the benefits may be limited to younger women.In a new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, a high intake of calcium and vitamin D through food sources and nutritional supplements was linked to modestly lower risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women.The link appeared strongest for the most aggressive tumors, and it was not seen after menopause.
Researcher Jennifer Lin, PhD, says older women are more likely to be deficient in calcium and vitamin D, so they may need higher levels of the nutrients than were measured in the study."Calcium and vitamin D are important for overall health and, additionally, they may help prevent breast cancer," she tells WebMD.
Evidence 'Fairly Consistent'
Roughly 31,000 women enrolled in the larger Women's Health Study were included in the analysis by Lin and colleagues. The findings were published May 28 in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
All of the women were aged 45 or older, and two-thirds were postmenopausal. The women completed questionnaires at study entry and periodically after that were designed to determine their medical history and lifestyle, including the foods they ate and supplements they took. Over an average of 10 years of follow-up, 276 premenopausal and 743 postmenopausal study participants developed breast cancer.
Premenopausal women with the highest intakes of calcium and vitamin D had modestly reduced risk of breast cancer compared with women who got the lowest amount of the nutrients through food and supplemental sources.
The findings are similar to those reported in 2002 by another group of Harvard researchers. In that study, calcium and vitamin D through dairy sources were associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer before, but not after, menopause.
Dietary calcium and vitamin D were found to lower breast cancer risk in a cancer prevention study reported by researchers from the American Cancer Society (ACS).ACS nutritional epidemiologist Marji McCullough, ScD, RD, who reported the findings, tells WebMD that more study is needed to understand how vitamin D and calcium influence breast cancer risk.
"The evidence of a modest protective benefit [for dietary vitamin D and calcium] is fairly consistent, but we still don't know if premenopausal and postmenopausal women benefit equally," she says.
What About the Sun
Current dietary recommendations call for people aged 50 and under to consume just 200 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day, with 400 IU recommended for those between the ages of 51 and 70, and 600 IU recommended after age 70.
Many experts now agree that these levels are too low. Longtime vitamin D researcher Cedric Garland, DrPH, says most people should get between 1,000 IU to 1,500 IU a day.
Excessive vitamin D can lead to toxicity. You should talk to your doctor about the use of supplements prior to taking them.
Dairy products and oily fish like salmon and tuna are some of the best food sources for vitamin D, but it would be difficult to get that much vitamin D in foods alone.
The easiest way for the body to get vitamin D is through sun exposure, because ultraviolet rays from the sun trigger the natural synthesis of vitamin D.
An 8-ounce glass of milk contains only 100 IU of vitamin D. By comparison, someone who spends 10 to 15 minutes in the sun on a sunny day without sunscreen can absorb 2,000 to 5,000 IU of vitamin D if 40% of their body is exposed, Garland says.
Recommending sun exposure is controversial because of the risk of skin cancer, and Garland tells WebMD that it is possible to get all the vitamin D the body needs through foods and dietary supplements.
"Ideally a mix is good, with some vitamin D coming from food, some from supplements, and some from sun if people can handle sunlight," he says.
Considering the Evidence
he American Cancer Society, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, and other interested health groups from the U.S. and Canada met early last year to consider the evidence on sun exposure, vitamin D, and health.
The coalition concluded that the evidence is "strong" linking vitamin D to a decreased risk of bone fractures in the elderly. With regard to cancer risk, the group concluded that "a growing body of evidence" suggests a protective benefit for some cancers.
The coalition noted that the risks of unprotected exposure to the sun as a source of vitamin D had to be weighed against the benefits.
"To minimize the health risks associated with ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation exposure while maximizing the potential benefits of optimum vitamin D status, supplementation and small amounts of sun exposure are the preferred methods of obtaining vitamin D," the group concluded.
McCullough says 10 minutes a day of unprotected sun exposure in the spring and summer is plenty for most people, and more than this is too much.
"We need to make sure that people don't interpret this as meaning that going to the beach and sunbathing for hours without sunscreen is a good idea," she says.
Source: http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news
By Salynn Boyles
WebMD Health News
Here is growing evidence linking vitamin D and calcium in the diet to a reduced risk of breast cancer, but the benefits may be limited to younger women.In a new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, a high intake of calcium and vitamin D through food sources and nutritional supplements was linked to modestly lower risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women.The link appeared strongest for the most aggressive tumors, and it was not seen after menopause.
Researcher Jennifer Lin, PhD, says older women are more likely to be deficient in calcium and vitamin D, so they may need higher levels of the nutrients than were measured in the study."Calcium and vitamin D are important for overall health and, additionally, they may help prevent breast cancer," she tells WebMD.
Evidence 'Fairly Consistent'
Roughly 31,000 women enrolled in the larger Women's Health Study were included in the analysis by Lin and colleagues. The findings were published May 28 in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
All of the women were aged 45 or older, and two-thirds were postmenopausal. The women completed questionnaires at study entry and periodically after that were designed to determine their medical history and lifestyle, including the foods they ate and supplements they took. Over an average of 10 years of follow-up, 276 premenopausal and 743 postmenopausal study participants developed breast cancer.
Premenopausal women with the highest intakes of calcium and vitamin D had modestly reduced risk of breast cancer compared with women who got the lowest amount of the nutrients through food and supplemental sources.
The findings are similar to those reported in 2002 by another group of Harvard researchers. In that study, calcium and vitamin D through dairy sources were associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer before, but not after, menopause.
Dietary calcium and vitamin D were found to lower breast cancer risk in a cancer prevention study reported by researchers from the American Cancer Society (ACS).ACS nutritional epidemiologist Marji McCullough, ScD, RD, who reported the findings, tells WebMD that more study is needed to understand how vitamin D and calcium influence breast cancer risk.
"The evidence of a modest protective benefit [for dietary vitamin D and calcium] is fairly consistent, but we still don't know if premenopausal and postmenopausal women benefit equally," she says.
What About the Sun
Current dietary recommendations call for people aged 50 and under to consume just 200 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day, with 400 IU recommended for those between the ages of 51 and 70, and 600 IU recommended after age 70.
Many experts now agree that these levels are too low. Longtime vitamin D researcher Cedric Garland, DrPH, says most people should get between 1,000 IU to 1,500 IU a day.
Excessive vitamin D can lead to toxicity. You should talk to your doctor about the use of supplements prior to taking them.
Dairy products and oily fish like salmon and tuna are some of the best food sources for vitamin D, but it would be difficult to get that much vitamin D in foods alone.
The easiest way for the body to get vitamin D is through sun exposure, because ultraviolet rays from the sun trigger the natural synthesis of vitamin D.
An 8-ounce glass of milk contains only 100 IU of vitamin D. By comparison, someone who spends 10 to 15 minutes in the sun on a sunny day without sunscreen can absorb 2,000 to 5,000 IU of vitamin D if 40% of their body is exposed, Garland says.
Recommending sun exposure is controversial because of the risk of skin cancer, and Garland tells WebMD that it is possible to get all the vitamin D the body needs through foods and dietary supplements.
"Ideally a mix is good, with some vitamin D coming from food, some from supplements, and some from sun if people can handle sunlight," he says.
Considering the Evidence
he American Cancer Society, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, and other interested health groups from the U.S. and Canada met early last year to consider the evidence on sun exposure, vitamin D, and health.
The coalition concluded that the evidence is "strong" linking vitamin D to a decreased risk of bone fractures in the elderly. With regard to cancer risk, the group concluded that "a growing body of evidence" suggests a protective benefit for some cancers.
The coalition noted that the risks of unprotected exposure to the sun as a source of vitamin D had to be weighed against the benefits.
"To minimize the health risks associated with ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation exposure while maximizing the potential benefits of optimum vitamin D status, supplementation and small amounts of sun exposure are the preferred methods of obtaining vitamin D," the group concluded.
McCullough says 10 minutes a day of unprotected sun exposure in the spring and summer is plenty for most people, and more than this is too much.
"We need to make sure that people don't interpret this as meaning that going to the beach and sunbathing for hours without sunscreen is a good idea," she says.
Source: http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news
Too much calcium may raise prostate cancer risk
Men who consume a lot of calcium may have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, concludes new research.
Association for Cancer Research's annual cancer prevention meeting, was based on 17 years of follow-up and 1269 incident cases of prostate cancer identified in theAlpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study.
Analysis of the data revealed that men who consumed more than 2000mg of calcium per day nearly doubled their risk of developing prostate cancer.
The findings could have implications for the dietary supplements industry, as well as mainstream foods, increasingly fortified with calcium in a bid to protect bones from the growing risk of osteoporosis.
The researchers noted that the risk of prostate cancer seemed to be clearly linked to calcium, and not overall dairy intake. Although dairy product intake increased the risk of prostate cancer, no association remained after controlling for calcium.
And with the exception of cream, which showed a significant trend toward an increased prostate cancer risk across intake levels, other individual dairy products showed no association.
Nor was there any evidence of a link for intake of vitamin D or phosphorous.
Panagiota Mitrou from the National Cancer Institute, and lead author of the study, said: "These results might explain the positive association seen with dairy products in our previous studies. Further research should focus on how dietary calcium could affect prostate cancer."
Source: http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/
Association for Cancer Research's annual cancer prevention meeting, was based on 17 years of follow-up and 1269 incident cases of prostate cancer identified in theAlpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study.
Analysis of the data revealed that men who consumed more than 2000mg of calcium per day nearly doubled their risk of developing prostate cancer.
The findings could have implications for the dietary supplements industry, as well as mainstream foods, increasingly fortified with calcium in a bid to protect bones from the growing risk of osteoporosis.
The researchers noted that the risk of prostate cancer seemed to be clearly linked to calcium, and not overall dairy intake. Although dairy product intake increased the risk of prostate cancer, no association remained after controlling for calcium.
And with the exception of cream, which showed a significant trend toward an increased prostate cancer risk across intake levels, other individual dairy products showed no association.
Nor was there any evidence of a link for intake of vitamin D or phosphorous.
Panagiota Mitrou from the National Cancer Institute, and lead author of the study, said: "These results might explain the positive association seen with dairy products in our previous studies. Further research should focus on how dietary calcium could affect prostate cancer."
Source: http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/
Calcium may reduce colon cancer risk, but is it safe?
by Kristina Collins
from http://www.thecancerblog.com/bloggers/kristina-collins
In the January issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, findings were published that says calcium seems to protect high-risk people from developing polyps in the colon. Polyps are growths in the colon and some can become cancerous over time.
Patients, who had a history of benign polyps, either took 1,200 milligrams of calcium in supplement form or received a placebo daily for four years. In this study it showed that calcium use was associated with a 17 percent lower risk for polyp recurrence.
"It really does look like calcium interferes with carcinogenesis in the large bowel" researcher John A. Baron, MD, tells WebMD. "The fact that this reduction in risk persisted for years after people stopped taking calcium is amazing".
Baron also stated that it is still not clear if the benefits outweigh the risk since some studies have linked calcium treatment with an increase in prostate cancer risk.
On the flip side a University of Arizona epidemiology professor Maria Elena, PhD, worries that the findings will make people think that all they need to do to protect themselves from colorectal cancer is to increase their calcium intake, which in men high doses can be dangerous.
The best way to prevent colon cancer is to get a colonoscopy when you turn fifty and make sure you have follow-ups. That is not as easy as popping a pill but its true.
The American Cancer Society recommends that adults aged 19 to 50 take in 1,000 milligrams per day of calcium and that those over 50 get 1,200 milligrams. The guidelines stress that the calcium should come primarily from food sources and not supplements.
from http://www.thecancerblog.com/bloggers/kristina-collins
In the January issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, findings were published that says calcium seems to protect high-risk people from developing polyps in the colon. Polyps are growths in the colon and some can become cancerous over time.
Patients, who had a history of benign polyps, either took 1,200 milligrams of calcium in supplement form or received a placebo daily for four years. In this study it showed that calcium use was associated with a 17 percent lower risk for polyp recurrence.
"It really does look like calcium interferes with carcinogenesis in the large bowel" researcher John A. Baron, MD, tells WebMD. "The fact that this reduction in risk persisted for years after people stopped taking calcium is amazing".
Baron also stated that it is still not clear if the benefits outweigh the risk since some studies have linked calcium treatment with an increase in prostate cancer risk.
On the flip side a University of Arizona epidemiology professor Maria Elena, PhD, worries that the findings will make people think that all they need to do to protect themselves from colorectal cancer is to increase their calcium intake, which in men high doses can be dangerous.
The best way to prevent colon cancer is to get a colonoscopy when you turn fifty and make sure you have follow-ups. That is not as easy as popping a pill but its true.
The American Cancer Society recommends that adults aged 19 to 50 take in 1,000 milligrams per day of calcium and that those over 50 get 1,200 milligrams. The guidelines stress that the calcium should come primarily from food sources and not supplements.
Vitamin D, calcium may prevent, improve diabetes
By Stephen Daniells
Combined supplementation with vitamin D and calcium may improve blood sugar and insulin levels, suggests a new meta-analysis and review
Although the evidence to date suggests that vitamin D and calcium deficiency influences post-prandial glycaemia and insulin response while supplementation may be beneficial in optimizing these processes, our understanding of the exact mechanisms by which vitamin D and calcium may promote beta cell function, or ameliorate insulin resistance and systemic inflammation is incomplete," wrote lead author Anastassios Pittas."It is also not clear whether the effects are additive or synergistic," he added.
Vitamin D refers to two biologically inactive precursors - D3, also known as cholecalciferol, and D2, also known as ergocalciferol. The former, produced in the skin on exposure to UVB radiation (290 to 320 nm), is said to be more bioactive. The latter is derived from plants and only enters the body via the diet, from consumption of foods such as oily fish, egg yolk and liver.
Both D3 and D2 precursors are hydroxylated in the liver and kidneys to form 25- hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), the non-active 'storage' form, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), the biologically active form that is tightly controlled by the body
Writing in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Pittas and co-workers reviewed data from observational studies and clinical trials in adults with results related to the control of glucose.
The data from observational studies showed a "relatively consistent association" between low intakes of calcium, vitamin D, or dairy intake and type-2 diabetes, with highest levels associated with a 64 per cent lower prevalence of the disease, and a 29 per cent lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome among non-blacks.
When intake of calcium and vitamin D was combined, the inverse associations were still observed, with the highest versus lowest combined intake being associated with an 18 per cent lower incidence of diabetes.
"Evidence from trials with vitamin D and/or calcium supplementation suggests that combined vitamin D and calcium supplementation may have a role in the prevention of type-2 diabetes only in populations at high risk (i.e. glucose intolerance)," wrote the reviewers from Tufts-New England Medical Center.
They noted that research into this area remains limited and called for future research to focus on clarifying and quantifying the link between calcium intake and 25(OH)D levels and the incidence of type-2 diabetes.
"Additionally, there is a need for randomized trials to examine the effects of vitamin D and/or calcium supplementation with intermediary endpoints (glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity) and ultimately with incident type-2 diabetes," they added.
"The results of future studies will define the clinical role of vitamin D and calcium as potential interventions for prevention and management of t2DM, which will have significant public health implications since vitamin D and calcium insufficiency is common in US adults and both interventions can be implemented easily and inexpensively in clinical practice."
An estimated 19 million people are affected by diabetes in the EU 25, equal to four per cent of the total population. This figure is projected to increase to 26 million by 2030.
In the US, there are over 20 million people with diabetes, equal to seven per cent of the population. The total costs are thought to be as much as $132 billion, with $92 billion being direct costs from medication, according to 2002 American Diabetes Association figures.
Source: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
June 2007, Volume 92, Number 6, Pages 2017-2029. doi:10.1210/jc.2007-0298
"The Role of Vitamin D and Calcium in type 2 diabetes. A systematic Review and Meta-Analysis"
Authors: A.G. Pittas, J. Lau, F. Hu, B. Dawson-Hughes
Combined supplementation with vitamin D and calcium may improve blood sugar and insulin levels, suggests a new meta-analysis and review
Although the evidence to date suggests that vitamin D and calcium deficiency influences post-prandial glycaemia and insulin response while supplementation may be beneficial in optimizing these processes, our understanding of the exact mechanisms by which vitamin D and calcium may promote beta cell function, or ameliorate insulin resistance and systemic inflammation is incomplete," wrote lead author Anastassios Pittas."It is also not clear whether the effects are additive or synergistic," he added.
Vitamin D refers to two biologically inactive precursors - D3, also known as cholecalciferol, and D2, also known as ergocalciferol. The former, produced in the skin on exposure to UVB radiation (290 to 320 nm), is said to be more bioactive. The latter is derived from plants and only enters the body via the diet, from consumption of foods such as oily fish, egg yolk and liver.
Both D3 and D2 precursors are hydroxylated in the liver and kidneys to form 25- hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), the non-active 'storage' form, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), the biologically active form that is tightly controlled by the body
Writing in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Pittas and co-workers reviewed data from observational studies and clinical trials in adults with results related to the control of glucose.
The data from observational studies showed a "relatively consistent association" between low intakes of calcium, vitamin D, or dairy intake and type-2 diabetes, with highest levels associated with a 64 per cent lower prevalence of the disease, and a 29 per cent lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome among non-blacks.
When intake of calcium and vitamin D was combined, the inverse associations were still observed, with the highest versus lowest combined intake being associated with an 18 per cent lower incidence of diabetes.
"Evidence from trials with vitamin D and/or calcium supplementation suggests that combined vitamin D and calcium supplementation may have a role in the prevention of type-2 diabetes only in populations at high risk (i.e. glucose intolerance)," wrote the reviewers from Tufts-New England Medical Center.
They noted that research into this area remains limited and called for future research to focus on clarifying and quantifying the link between calcium intake and 25(OH)D levels and the incidence of type-2 diabetes.
"Additionally, there is a need for randomized trials to examine the effects of vitamin D and/or calcium supplementation with intermediary endpoints (glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity) and ultimately with incident type-2 diabetes," they added.
"The results of future studies will define the clinical role of vitamin D and calcium as potential interventions for prevention and management of t2DM, which will have significant public health implications since vitamin D and calcium insufficiency is common in US adults and both interventions can be implemented easily and inexpensively in clinical practice."
An estimated 19 million people are affected by diabetes in the EU 25, equal to four per cent of the total population. This figure is projected to increase to 26 million by 2030.
In the US, there are over 20 million people with diabetes, equal to seven per cent of the population. The total costs are thought to be as much as $132 billion, with $92 billion being direct costs from medication, according to 2002 American Diabetes Association figures.
Source: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
June 2007, Volume 92, Number 6, Pages 2017-2029. doi:10.1210/jc.2007-0298
"The Role of Vitamin D and Calcium in type 2 diabetes. A systematic Review and Meta-Analysis"
Authors: A.G. Pittas, J. Lau, F. Hu, B. Dawson-Hughes
What’s For Breakfast? Whole Grains and Calcium!
by Tara Dairman from http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/blog/Tara_Dairman
“What should I eat?” is one of the most common questions asked by people with diabetes, and for good reason. With almost every bite of food there are carbohydrates to count, not to mention calories, fat, vitamins, and minerals to consider. Two new studies may not have all the answers, but their results may help narrow the field down when it comes to breakfast choices for people with diabetes who are trying to lose weight and protect their hearts.
The first study, published this month in the journal Diabetes Care, found that a diet rich in calcium from low-fat dairy products led to more weight loss in overweight people with Type 2 diabetes. This finding was actually the by-product of a six-month study of three different diets: a modified Mediterranean diet, a mixed glycemic index diet, and a low glycemic index diet. (A Mediterranean diet tends to be rich in vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, nuts, olive oil, and fish; the glycemic index measures how quickly different foods raise blood glucose levels, and foods that have a higher glycemic index tend to raise blood glucose levels more quickly. Click here and scroll down to view the glycemic index values of some common foods.)
In the study, 259 overweight people with Type 2 diabetes, average age 55 years old, were randomly assigned to follow one of the three diets for six months. However, dairy consumption was not specified by the diet plans, and it varied from participant to participant depending on personal choice. When the numbers were crunched at the end of the study, the researchers found that the people in all groups who ate the most calcium from low-fat dairy had 2.4-fold better odds of losing more than 8% of their body weight than the people who had the lowest intake of low-fat dairy. This finding held fast even though the high-dairy group consumed more calories than the low-dairy group.
Why did this happen? The researchers write that "Dietary calcium plays a pivotal role in the regulation of energy metabolism," a phenomenon that had been seen in rodent studies in the past. The researchers also hypothesize that the inclusion of good-tasting, low-fat dairy products may help overweight people stick to a reduced-calorie diet.
The results of another recent study found an association between eating whole-grain breakfast cereal and a lowered risk of heart failure. This finding, presented on March 2 at an American Heart Association conference, came out of the Physicians' Health Study. The study followed 10,469 doctors from 1982 to 2006 and assessed their diets and heart health each year by questionnaire. At the start of the study, participants' average age was about 54.
The study found that participants who reported eating whole-grain breakfast cereal (defined as containing at least 25% oat or bran content) seven times a week or more at the beginning of the study had a 28% lower chance of developing heart failure over the course of the study compared to those who never ate whole-grain cereal. Participants who ate whole-grain breakfast cereal two to six times a week had a 22% lower risk of heart failure, while those who ate it up to once a week had a 14% lower risk.
Whole-grain cereals are naturally rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which may account for the reduced risk. While this study did not focus specifically on people with diabetes, the findings are relevant to them because having diabetes puts people at an increased risk of developing heart disease.
Years of research have shown that eating breakfast helps people lose weight or maintain weight loss. Now, these two new studies have suggested that starting the day with a bowl of whole-grain cereal and low-fat milk or yogurt can play an important role in achieving both weight loss and heart health.
“What should I eat?” is one of the most common questions asked by people with diabetes, and for good reason. With almost every bite of food there are carbohydrates to count, not to mention calories, fat, vitamins, and minerals to consider. Two new studies may not have all the answers, but their results may help narrow the field down when it comes to breakfast choices for people with diabetes who are trying to lose weight and protect their hearts.
The first study, published this month in the journal Diabetes Care, found that a diet rich in calcium from low-fat dairy products led to more weight loss in overweight people with Type 2 diabetes. This finding was actually the by-product of a six-month study of three different diets: a modified Mediterranean diet, a mixed glycemic index diet, and a low glycemic index diet. (A Mediterranean diet tends to be rich in vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, nuts, olive oil, and fish; the glycemic index measures how quickly different foods raise blood glucose levels, and foods that have a higher glycemic index tend to raise blood glucose levels more quickly. Click here and scroll down to view the glycemic index values of some common foods.)
In the study, 259 overweight people with Type 2 diabetes, average age 55 years old, were randomly assigned to follow one of the three diets for six months. However, dairy consumption was not specified by the diet plans, and it varied from participant to participant depending on personal choice. When the numbers were crunched at the end of the study, the researchers found that the people in all groups who ate the most calcium from low-fat dairy had 2.4-fold better odds of losing more than 8% of their body weight than the people who had the lowest intake of low-fat dairy. This finding held fast even though the high-dairy group consumed more calories than the low-dairy group.
Why did this happen? The researchers write that "Dietary calcium plays a pivotal role in the regulation of energy metabolism," a phenomenon that had been seen in rodent studies in the past. The researchers also hypothesize that the inclusion of good-tasting, low-fat dairy products may help overweight people stick to a reduced-calorie diet.
The results of another recent study found an association between eating whole-grain breakfast cereal and a lowered risk of heart failure. This finding, presented on March 2 at an American Heart Association conference, came out of the Physicians' Health Study. The study followed 10,469 doctors from 1982 to 2006 and assessed their diets and heart health each year by questionnaire. At the start of the study, participants' average age was about 54.
The study found that participants who reported eating whole-grain breakfast cereal (defined as containing at least 25% oat or bran content) seven times a week or more at the beginning of the study had a 28% lower chance of developing heart failure over the course of the study compared to those who never ate whole-grain cereal. Participants who ate whole-grain breakfast cereal two to six times a week had a 22% lower risk of heart failure, while those who ate it up to once a week had a 14% lower risk.
Whole-grain cereals are naturally rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which may account for the reduced risk. While this study did not focus specifically on people with diabetes, the findings are relevant to them because having diabetes puts people at an increased risk of developing heart disease.
Years of research have shown that eating breakfast helps people lose weight or maintain weight loss. Now, these two new studies have suggested that starting the day with a bowl of whole-grain cereal and low-fat milk or yogurt can play an important role in achieving both weight loss and heart health.
Bowel cancer: Can calcium prevent it?
Trials have shown that daily calcium can prevent bowel polyps. There is still no final answer on whether or not this also prevents bowel cancer.
Bowel or colorectal cancer usually occurs in the large bowel or colon. The chances of getting bowel cancer are low for most people. People can be at much higher risk if this cancer is common in their close family.
Bowel cancer usually develops slowly over years. Small harmless growths start in the mucus lining on the inside of the bowel. These are called polyps or adenomas. Almost all of these stay small and harmless. Some can grow though, and then the risk increases that they might develop into cancer. It has been estimated that only about 5 out of 100 of these bowel polyps (5%) ever become cancerous. It takes about 5 to 10 years for polyps to turn into cancer.
Researchers have assumed for years that there is a connection between diet and the risk of bowel cancer. However it is still unclear if there are particular foods or nutrients that can prevent bowel cancer.
The mineral calcium is one candidate that researchers have studied. Laboratory and animal studies show that calcium could possibly interfere with the development of cancerous cells in the bowel. Calcium occurs naturally, especially in milk and milk products. To try to prevent bowel cancer, though, relatively high levels of calcium supplementation have been studied. It is not possible to reach levels this high through diet alone.
The current state of scientific knowledge was described in a systematic review from the Cochrane Collaboration. The researchers searched for all trials that tested whether calcium supplements could prevent bowel cancer.
The results were limited: two trials, in which more than 1,300 people took part. Both were randomised controlled trials. The basic principle: Volunteers agree to be divided into two groups. Only one of these groups would take calcium supplements, while the other would get a calcium-free placebo or dummy supplement. Both men and women were included in both the trials. All had already had bowel polyps identified and removed in the past.
The people taking calcium in one trial took 1,000 mg a day for about four years. In the other trial, it was 2,000 mg a day for about three years. After this, all participants in the trials had a colonoscopy to examine their bowels. This enabled the researchers to see how many had developed new polyps. These people could have at increased risk of developing bowel cancer.
The result: Hardly anyone had developed bowel cancer in the three or four years, regardless of whether they were in the calcium group or not. There were too few to be sure that calcium had reduced the risk of getting bowel cancer.
However the results for polyps were clear. For every 100 people who took the calcium supplements, 23 new bowel polyps developed (23%) compared to 29 new polyps in every 100 people taking placebos (29%). This difference suggests calcium has a protective effect, but the Cochrane researchers remain cautious. A supplement that slows down the development of harmless polyps is not guaranteed to be able to prevent cancer. But more research is worthwhile.
A large American trial, the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), studied whether bowel cancer could be prevented with a comparatively lower dose of calcium, that also included vitamin D. More than 36,200 women who had been through the menopause participated in this trial. This means that their risk of bowel cancer was not particularly high.
The women took the supplement for around seven years on average. That did not appear to have a protective effect against bowel cancer. However, the women's bowel health was not assessed as carefully before they started taking the supplements, and there was no bowel examination at the end of the trial either. The dose of calcium was lower than the dose included in the Cochrane review. So the Cochrane researchers concluded that the WHI trial was not ideally suited to answer the question of whether or not calcium supplementation can protect against bowel cancer.
Source:
Wactawski-Wende J, Kotchen JM, Anderson GL, Assaf AR et al (Women's Health Initiative Investigators). Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and the risk of colorectal cancer. N Engl J Med 2006; 354: 684-696. [Full text]
Weingarten MA, Zalmanovici A, Yaphe J. Dietary calcium supplementation for preventing colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 1.
Bowel or colorectal cancer usually occurs in the large bowel or colon. The chances of getting bowel cancer are low for most people. People can be at much higher risk if this cancer is common in their close family.
Bowel cancer usually develops slowly over years. Small harmless growths start in the mucus lining on the inside of the bowel. These are called polyps or adenomas. Almost all of these stay small and harmless. Some can grow though, and then the risk increases that they might develop into cancer. It has been estimated that only about 5 out of 100 of these bowel polyps (5%) ever become cancerous. It takes about 5 to 10 years for polyps to turn into cancer.
Researchers have assumed for years that there is a connection between diet and the risk of bowel cancer. However it is still unclear if there are particular foods or nutrients that can prevent bowel cancer.
The mineral calcium is one candidate that researchers have studied. Laboratory and animal studies show that calcium could possibly interfere with the development of cancerous cells in the bowel. Calcium occurs naturally, especially in milk and milk products. To try to prevent bowel cancer, though, relatively high levels of calcium supplementation have been studied. It is not possible to reach levels this high through diet alone.
The current state of scientific knowledge was described in a systematic review from the Cochrane Collaboration. The researchers searched for all trials that tested whether calcium supplements could prevent bowel cancer.
The results were limited: two trials, in which more than 1,300 people took part. Both were randomised controlled trials. The basic principle: Volunteers agree to be divided into two groups. Only one of these groups would take calcium supplements, while the other would get a calcium-free placebo or dummy supplement. Both men and women were included in both the trials. All had already had bowel polyps identified and removed in the past.
The people taking calcium in one trial took 1,000 mg a day for about four years. In the other trial, it was 2,000 mg a day for about three years. After this, all participants in the trials had a colonoscopy to examine their bowels. This enabled the researchers to see how many had developed new polyps. These people could have at increased risk of developing bowel cancer.
The result: Hardly anyone had developed bowel cancer in the three or four years, regardless of whether they were in the calcium group or not. There were too few to be sure that calcium had reduced the risk of getting bowel cancer.
However the results for polyps were clear. For every 100 people who took the calcium supplements, 23 new bowel polyps developed (23%) compared to 29 new polyps in every 100 people taking placebos (29%). This difference suggests calcium has a protective effect, but the Cochrane researchers remain cautious. A supplement that slows down the development of harmless polyps is not guaranteed to be able to prevent cancer. But more research is worthwhile.
A large American trial, the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), studied whether bowel cancer could be prevented with a comparatively lower dose of calcium, that also included vitamin D. More than 36,200 women who had been through the menopause participated in this trial. This means that their risk of bowel cancer was not particularly high.
The women took the supplement for around seven years on average. That did not appear to have a protective effect against bowel cancer. However, the women's bowel health was not assessed as carefully before they started taking the supplements, and there was no bowel examination at the end of the trial either. The dose of calcium was lower than the dose included in the Cochrane review. So the Cochrane researchers concluded that the WHI trial was not ideally suited to answer the question of whether or not calcium supplementation can protect against bowel cancer.
Source:
Wactawski-Wende J, Kotchen JM, Anderson GL, Assaf AR et al (Women's Health Initiative Investigators). Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and the risk of colorectal cancer. N Engl J Med 2006; 354: 684-696. [Full text]
Weingarten MA, Zalmanovici A, Yaphe J. Dietary calcium supplementation for preventing colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 1.
Vitamin D and Calcium May Lower the Risk for Type 2 Diabetes in Women
Vitamin D and calcium intake in relation to type 2 diabetes in women, by A.G. Pittas and colleagues. Diabetes Care 29:650–656, 2006.
What is the problem and what is known about it so far?
A lack of vitamin D and calcium may be linked to getting type 2 diabetes.
Why did the researchers do this particular study?
The researchers wanted to see if there was a link between vitamin D and calcium intake and getting type 2 diabetes.
Who was studied?
More than 80,000 women who took part in the Nurses' Health Study.
How was the study done?
The women regularly received check-ups for a period of 20 years. Every two to four years, the researchers sent questionnaires to the women to figure out how much vitamin D and calcium they consumed.
What did the researchers find?
Over the course of 20 years, over 4,800 women developed type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that a combined intake of over 1,200 milligrams of calcium and over 800 units of vitamin D was linked with a 33% lower risk for type 2 diabetes (as compared to women who took much smaller amounts of calcium and vitamin D). The results show that consuming higher amounts of vitamin D and calcium help lower the risk for type 2 diabetes in women.
What were the limitations of the study?
This study relied on responses to questionnaires to assess vitamin D and calcium intake. Some women may have given inaccurate responses.
Almost all of the women in this study were white. The results of this study may not be the same in other racial or ethnic groups or in men.
What are the implications of the study?
A high intake of vitamin D and calcium was linked with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes in this study. If future studies confirm the results of this study, increasing intake of vitamin D and calcium may be an inexpensive and easy way to help prevent type 2 diabetes.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Calcium, Vitamin D, and the Metabolic Syndrome in Middle-Aged and Older Women
The Other "C": Getting Your Calcium Diabetes Food and Nutrition Bible
What is the problem and what is known about it so far?
A lack of vitamin D and calcium may be linked to getting type 2 diabetes.
Why did the researchers do this particular study?
The researchers wanted to see if there was a link between vitamin D and calcium intake and getting type 2 diabetes.
Who was studied?
More than 80,000 women who took part in the Nurses' Health Study.
How was the study done?
The women regularly received check-ups for a period of 20 years. Every two to four years, the researchers sent questionnaires to the women to figure out how much vitamin D and calcium they consumed.
What did the researchers find?
Over the course of 20 years, over 4,800 women developed type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that a combined intake of over 1,200 milligrams of calcium and over 800 units of vitamin D was linked with a 33% lower risk for type 2 diabetes (as compared to women who took much smaller amounts of calcium and vitamin D). The results show that consuming higher amounts of vitamin D and calcium help lower the risk for type 2 diabetes in women.
What were the limitations of the study?
This study relied on responses to questionnaires to assess vitamin D and calcium intake. Some women may have given inaccurate responses.
Almost all of the women in this study were white. The results of this study may not be the same in other racial or ethnic groups or in men.
What are the implications of the study?
A high intake of vitamin D and calcium was linked with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes in this study. If future studies confirm the results of this study, increasing intake of vitamin D and calcium may be an inexpensive and easy way to help prevent type 2 diabetes.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Calcium, Vitamin D, and the Metabolic Syndrome in Middle-Aged and Older Women
The Other "C": Getting Your Calcium Diabetes Food and Nutrition Bible
Calcium's role in cancer
By Karen Collins, R.D.
Special to MSNBC
For some time, nutrition researchers have thought that sufficient amounts of calcium in the diet may protect people from colon cancer. The results of studies vary, however. Two new explanations for this inconsistency have been offered: First, the source of calcium may make a difference. Second, inherited differences in the “receptors” on cells that process nutrients could safeguard some people more than others.
There are still good theoretical reasons linking calcium consumption to a reduced risk of colon cancer, however. These reasons tend to be supported by both laboratory and human studies.
One of the most recent analyses pooled data from ten different studies in five countries. People who consumed the most calcium had a 20 percent lower risk of colorectal cancer than those people who consumed the least calcium.
In another study, women who met or nearly met current adult calcium recommendations reduced their risk of colorectal cancer almost 30 percent compared to those who ate half the recommended amount. In this study, total calcium consumption was more significant than dairy product consumption, and vitamin D was not linked to risk.
In addition to these studies, others have shown from 15 to 30 percent drops in colorectal cancer risk for people with high calcium consumption.
Special to MSNBC
For some time, nutrition researchers have thought that sufficient amounts of calcium in the diet may protect people from colon cancer. The results of studies vary, however. Two new explanations for this inconsistency have been offered: First, the source of calcium may make a difference. Second, inherited differences in the “receptors” on cells that process nutrients could safeguard some people more than others.
There are still good theoretical reasons linking calcium consumption to a reduced risk of colon cancer, however. These reasons tend to be supported by both laboratory and human studies.
One of the most recent analyses pooled data from ten different studies in five countries. People who consumed the most calcium had a 20 percent lower risk of colorectal cancer than those people who consumed the least calcium.
In another study, women who met or nearly met current adult calcium recommendations reduced their risk of colorectal cancer almost 30 percent compared to those who ate half the recommended amount. In this study, total calcium consumption was more significant than dairy product consumption, and vitamin D was not linked to risk.
In addition to these studies, others have shown from 15 to 30 percent drops in colorectal cancer risk for people with high calcium consumption.
High Calcium Intake Linked to Prostate Cancer
Moderation Is Recommended
Experts say excessive calcium intake may be unwise in light of recent studies showing that high amounts of the mineral may increase risk of prostate cancer.
"There is reasonable evidence to suggest that calcium may play an important role in the development of prostate cancer," says Carmen Rodriguez, MD, senior epidemiologist in the epidemiology and surveillance research department of the American Cancer Society (ACS) .
But evidence also shows calcium may lower the risk of colon cancer and age-related thinning of the bones, so moderation in intake makes more sense than avoiding the mineral completely, notes Rodriguez.
Studies Show Calcium-Prostate Cancer Link
Rodriguez says that a 1998 Harvard School of Public Health study of 47,781 men found those consuming between 1,500 and 1,999 mg of calcium per day had about double the risk of being diagnosed with metastatic (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body) prostate cancer as those getting 500 mg per day or less.
And those taking in 2,000 mg or more had over four times the risk of developing metastatic prostate cancer as those taking in less than 500 mg.
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of calcium is 1,000 mg per day for men, and 1,500 mg for women.
Later in 1998, Harvard researchers published a study of dairy product intake among 526 men diagnosed with prostate cancer and 536 similar men not diagnosed with the disease. That study found a 50% increase in prostate cancer risk and a near doubling of risk of metastatic prostate cancer among men consuming high amounts of dairy products, likely due, say the researchers, to the high total amount of calcium in such a diet.
In 2000, a study involving some of the same authors focused on smokers in Finland. The study found that risk did not go up as calcium intake increased, and the authors called evidence of a calcium-prostate cancer link inconclusive.
The most recent Harvard study on the topic, published in October 2001, looked at dairy product intake among 20,885 men and found men consuming the most dairy products had about 32% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than those consuming the least.
Rodriguez says the evidence is not yet conclusive, but that the reason for the link between calcium and prostate cancer suggested by the researchers makes sense.
They note that the more calcium a person takes in through diet, the less the body produces of a kind of vitamin D — calcitriol — which has been shown to reduce replication of prostate cancer cells.
Calcium Benefits Important
Rodriguez says that while excess calcium intake may be linked to prostate cancer risk, it’s important to remember the mineral’s ability to help prevent osteoporosis (weakening of the bones usually associated with aging), and possibly to lower risk of colon cancer.
"Calcium appears to lower the risk of colon cancer, starting at about 700 mg of calcium per day, but taking more doesn’t give more protection," says Marji McCullough, a nutritional epidemiologist with ACS.
An 8-ounce glass of milk contains about 300 mg of calcium, an ounce of cheese has about 200 mg, and a serving of yogurt has about 312 mg, notes McCullough.
Moderation Is Best Strategy
Rodriguez and McCullough say that a middle ground between too little and too much calcium is the most sensible approach at this time.
"Moderate amounts of calcium may help reduce risk of colon cancer, but too much may increase risk of prostate cancer," notes Rodriguez. "Until more is known, men probably should avoid taking in more than the RDA of 1,000 mg of calcium per day."
"Moderation and balance are the keys here," concludes Rodriguez
Refference:This article took from http://www.cancer.org
Experts say excessive calcium intake may be unwise in light of recent studies showing that high amounts of the mineral may increase risk of prostate cancer.
"There is reasonable evidence to suggest that calcium may play an important role in the development of prostate cancer," says Carmen Rodriguez, MD, senior epidemiologist in the epidemiology and surveillance research department of the American Cancer Society (ACS) .
But evidence also shows calcium may lower the risk of colon cancer and age-related thinning of the bones, so moderation in intake makes more sense than avoiding the mineral completely, notes Rodriguez.
Studies Show Calcium-Prostate Cancer Link
Rodriguez says that a 1998 Harvard School of Public Health study of 47,781 men found those consuming between 1,500 and 1,999 mg of calcium per day had about double the risk of being diagnosed with metastatic (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body) prostate cancer as those getting 500 mg per day or less.
And those taking in 2,000 mg or more had over four times the risk of developing metastatic prostate cancer as those taking in less than 500 mg.
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of calcium is 1,000 mg per day for men, and 1,500 mg for women.
Later in 1998, Harvard researchers published a study of dairy product intake among 526 men diagnosed with prostate cancer and 536 similar men not diagnosed with the disease. That study found a 50% increase in prostate cancer risk and a near doubling of risk of metastatic prostate cancer among men consuming high amounts of dairy products, likely due, say the researchers, to the high total amount of calcium in such a diet.
In 2000, a study involving some of the same authors focused on smokers in Finland. The study found that risk did not go up as calcium intake increased, and the authors called evidence of a calcium-prostate cancer link inconclusive.
The most recent Harvard study on the topic, published in October 2001, looked at dairy product intake among 20,885 men and found men consuming the most dairy products had about 32% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than those consuming the least.
Rodriguez says the evidence is not yet conclusive, but that the reason for the link between calcium and prostate cancer suggested by the researchers makes sense.
They note that the more calcium a person takes in through diet, the less the body produces of a kind of vitamin D — calcitriol — which has been shown to reduce replication of prostate cancer cells.
Calcium Benefits Important
Rodriguez says that while excess calcium intake may be linked to prostate cancer risk, it’s important to remember the mineral’s ability to help prevent osteoporosis (weakening of the bones usually associated with aging), and possibly to lower risk of colon cancer.
"Calcium appears to lower the risk of colon cancer, starting at about 700 mg of calcium per day, but taking more doesn’t give more protection," says Marji McCullough, a nutritional epidemiologist with ACS.
An 8-ounce glass of milk contains about 300 mg of calcium, an ounce of cheese has about 200 mg, and a serving of yogurt has about 312 mg, notes McCullough.
Moderation Is Best Strategy
Rodriguez and McCullough say that a middle ground between too little and too much calcium is the most sensible approach at this time.
"Moderate amounts of calcium may help reduce risk of colon cancer, but too much may increase risk of prostate cancer," notes Rodriguez. "Until more is known, men probably should avoid taking in more than the RDA of 1,000 mg of calcium per day."
"Moderation and balance are the keys here," concludes Rodriguez
Refference:This article took from http://www.cancer.org
Extra Calcium May Prevent Hypertension Problems in Pregnant Women
By Joel R. Cooper, Contributing Writer
Health Behavior News Service
Expectant mothers may be able to prevent potentially serious medical problems in themselves and their babies simply by boosting their daily calcium intake, says a new systematic review. Not only that, but pregnant women at greatest risk for these problems may benefit most from the extra calcium.
The problems are gestational hypertension — or high blood pressure associated with pregnancy — and preeclampsia, a medical disorder of pregnant women characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
If untreated, both conditions can lead to potentially life-threatening medical problems for the mother and complications of preterm birth for the baby, including low birth weight and size, respiratory distress, long-term neurological deficits and even death.
“Pregnant women from communities with low dietary calcium who received at least 1.5 grams of calcium by mouth [daily] during the second half of pregnancy had a lower risk of hypertension and preeclampsia, and of severe complications including death, than women who received placebo treatment,” said lead review author Dr. G.J. Hofmeyr.
The results were less dramatic for women with opportunities for better prenatal nutrition: “Women from communities with adequate dietary calcium had a small (10 percent) reduction in the risk of hypertension, but no significant reduction in the risk of preeclampsia or other adverse outcomes,” said Hofmeyr, head of the obstetrics and gynecology department, East London Hospital Complex in South Africa.
The review appears in the current issue of The Cochrane Library, a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration, an international organization that evaluates medical research. Systematic reviews draw evidence-based conclusions about medical practice after considering both the content and quality of existing medical trials on a topic.
The authors looked at 12 randomized controlled studies, one involving more than 4,000 expectant moms in North America. The most recent and largest of the studies — conducted by the World Health Organization — involved more than 8,000 pregnant women internationally.
Preterm birth, or birth before 37 weeks, often stems from high blood pressure and is the leading cause of newborn deaths, particularly in low-income countries. A newly released report from the Institute of Medicine found that 12.5 percent of U.S. births are preterm and cost society an estimated $26 billion a year.
The Cochrane review found that calcium supplementation during pregnancy is a safe and relatively inexpensive way to reduce the risk of high blood pressure in women more likely to develop it, as well as in women from communities where consumption of dietary calcium is low.
“Calcium supplementation may be of some benefit in reducing the morbidity associated with preeclampsia, and it does no harm,” said Dr. John T. Repke, chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at Penn State University College of Medicine.
“There is really almost nothing to lose from trying this approach, and based on this Cochrane Review, potentially something to be gained,” added Repke, who has been conducting research on preeclampsia and related disorders for nearly 30 years.
In January 2002, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued the following statement: “Daily calcium supplementation has not been shown to prevent preeclampsia and, therefore, is not recommended.”
But the review may change the minds — and clinical recommendations — of some physicians because it is based on data not available in 2002. “The review is likely to convince health providers of the need to ensure that pregnant women have adequate calcium intake,” Hofmeyr said.
Hypertensive disease occurs in approximately 12 percent to 22 percent of pregnancies and is directly responsible for 17.6 percent of maternal deaths in the United States alone, according to ACOG. An estimated 40,000 women around the world die each year due to gestational hypertension and its complications.
Preeclampsia affects an estimated 5 percent to 6 percent of first-time moms, and 2 percent to 3 percent of them develop severe forms of the disease.
Because preeclampsia is frequently a “silent” disease that may occur without any symptoms, women are encouraged to have their blood pressure checked regularly during pregnancy, even when they feel well, said Hofmeyr. When symptoms do occur, they may include swelling, headache, blurred vision and upper abdominal pain. Severe disease can result in seizures, and the disease is then called “eclampsia.”
The exact cause of preeclampsia has yet to be identified. The only cure for the disease is delivery.
The review did not specify how much calcium in pregnancy is enough, but the authors said 1.5 grams (or 1,500 milligrams) per day was effective. They said more research was needed to find out if a lower dose would be effective in preventing gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.
Daily calcium supplements are thought to be safe by most doctors, and many women are already taking calcium as an added preventive safeguard against osteoporosis. One possible side effect associated with daily use of calcium supplements is stones of the kidney and urinary tract, but this remains controversial. Most pregnant women in the United States are advised by their doctors to take prenatal vitamins daily, but the most common brands contain 500 milligrams of calcium or less, according to Repke
Hofmeyr GJ, Atallah AN, Duley L. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy for preventing hypertensive disorders and related problems (Review). The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 3.
Health Behavior News Service
Expectant mothers may be able to prevent potentially serious medical problems in themselves and their babies simply by boosting their daily calcium intake, says a new systematic review. Not only that, but pregnant women at greatest risk for these problems may benefit most from the extra calcium.
The problems are gestational hypertension — or high blood pressure associated with pregnancy — and preeclampsia, a medical disorder of pregnant women characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
If untreated, both conditions can lead to potentially life-threatening medical problems for the mother and complications of preterm birth for the baby, including low birth weight and size, respiratory distress, long-term neurological deficits and even death.
“Pregnant women from communities with low dietary calcium who received at least 1.5 grams of calcium by mouth [daily] during the second half of pregnancy had a lower risk of hypertension and preeclampsia, and of severe complications including death, than women who received placebo treatment,” said lead review author Dr. G.J. Hofmeyr.
The results were less dramatic for women with opportunities for better prenatal nutrition: “Women from communities with adequate dietary calcium had a small (10 percent) reduction in the risk of hypertension, but no significant reduction in the risk of preeclampsia or other adverse outcomes,” said Hofmeyr, head of the obstetrics and gynecology department, East London Hospital Complex in South Africa.
The review appears in the current issue of The Cochrane Library, a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration, an international organization that evaluates medical research. Systematic reviews draw evidence-based conclusions about medical practice after considering both the content and quality of existing medical trials on a topic.
The authors looked at 12 randomized controlled studies, one involving more than 4,000 expectant moms in North America. The most recent and largest of the studies — conducted by the World Health Organization — involved more than 8,000 pregnant women internationally.
Preterm birth, or birth before 37 weeks, often stems from high blood pressure and is the leading cause of newborn deaths, particularly in low-income countries. A newly released report from the Institute of Medicine found that 12.5 percent of U.S. births are preterm and cost society an estimated $26 billion a year.
The Cochrane review found that calcium supplementation during pregnancy is a safe and relatively inexpensive way to reduce the risk of high blood pressure in women more likely to develop it, as well as in women from communities where consumption of dietary calcium is low.
“Calcium supplementation may be of some benefit in reducing the morbidity associated with preeclampsia, and it does no harm,” said Dr. John T. Repke, chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at Penn State University College of Medicine.
“There is really almost nothing to lose from trying this approach, and based on this Cochrane Review, potentially something to be gained,” added Repke, who has been conducting research on preeclampsia and related disorders for nearly 30 years.
In January 2002, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued the following statement: “Daily calcium supplementation has not been shown to prevent preeclampsia and, therefore, is not recommended.”
But the review may change the minds — and clinical recommendations — of some physicians because it is based on data not available in 2002. “The review is likely to convince health providers of the need to ensure that pregnant women have adequate calcium intake,” Hofmeyr said.
Hypertensive disease occurs in approximately 12 percent to 22 percent of pregnancies and is directly responsible for 17.6 percent of maternal deaths in the United States alone, according to ACOG. An estimated 40,000 women around the world die each year due to gestational hypertension and its complications.
Preeclampsia affects an estimated 5 percent to 6 percent of first-time moms, and 2 percent to 3 percent of them develop severe forms of the disease.
Because preeclampsia is frequently a “silent” disease that may occur without any symptoms, women are encouraged to have their blood pressure checked regularly during pregnancy, even when they feel well, said Hofmeyr. When symptoms do occur, they may include swelling, headache, blurred vision and upper abdominal pain. Severe disease can result in seizures, and the disease is then called “eclampsia.”
The exact cause of preeclampsia has yet to be identified. The only cure for the disease is delivery.
The review did not specify how much calcium in pregnancy is enough, but the authors said 1.5 grams (or 1,500 milligrams) per day was effective. They said more research was needed to find out if a lower dose would be effective in preventing gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.
Daily calcium supplements are thought to be safe by most doctors, and many women are already taking calcium as an added preventive safeguard against osteoporosis. One possible side effect associated with daily use of calcium supplements is stones of the kidney and urinary tract, but this remains controversial. Most pregnant women in the United States are advised by their doctors to take prenatal vitamins daily, but the most common brands contain 500 milligrams of calcium or less, according to Repke
Hofmeyr GJ, Atallah AN, Duley L. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy for preventing hypertensive disorders and related problems (Review). The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 3.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Calcium Intake May Protect Against Bone Loss During Moderate Weight Loss
News Author: Laurie Barclay, MD
CME Author: Désirée Lie, MD, MSEd
Healthy, overweight, premenopausal women had no bone loss with moderate weight reduction if they consumed 1 or 1.8 g/day of calcium, according to the results of a study reported in the April issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
"Weight loss is associated with bone loss, but this has not been examined in overweight premenopausal women," write Claudia S. Riedt, from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and colleagues. "Compared with obese persons, overweight persons may be more susceptible to bone loss due to reduced weight bearing, diminished extraovarial estrogen synthesis due to smaller fat depots, and reduced calcium intake due to lower energy requirements, especially during dieting.... Our aims were to examine bone turnover and mass in overweight premenopausal women with weight reduction at recommended or high calcium intakes and to determine the role of calcium absorption and hormonal regulators."
In the current study, 44 overweight premenopausal women were randomized to either normal (1 g/day) or high (1.8 g/day) calcium intake during 6 months of energy restriction (weight loss groups) or were recruited for weight maintenance with calcium intake of 1 g/day. Mean age was 38 ± 6.4 years, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.7 ± 2.1 kg/m2.
Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry measured regional bone mineral density (BMD) and content. A dual-stable calcium isotope method measured true fractional calcium absorption at baseline and during caloric restriction. Markers of bone turnover were measured before and after weight loss.
The weight loss groups lost 7.2% ± 3.3% of initial body weight. There was no significant decrease in BMD or rise in bone turnover with weight loss at normal or high calcium intake. In the group with high calcium intake, there was a strong correlation (r = 0.71) between increased femoral neck BMD and increased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. There was no significant effect of weight loss on true fractional calcium absorption, and the total calcium absorbed was adequate (238 ± 81 mg/day in the normal-calcium weight loss group, and 310 ± 91 mg/day in the high-calcium weight loss group).
Study limitations include concerns about the validity of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry measurements in heavier people and in weight loss studies.
"We showed that dieting overweight premenopausal women do not lose bone with intakes of 1.0 or 1.8 g Ca/d, which may be explained by sufficient amounts of absorbed calcium," the authors conclude. "Furthermore, bone turnover was not up-regulated, and the calcium-PTH [parathyroid hormone] axis was not significantly increased because of weight loss. We suggest that overweight premenopausal women do not lose bone with moderate weight loss when consuming the recommended intake for calcium."
Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85:972-980.
CME Author: Désirée Lie, MD, MSEd
Healthy, overweight, premenopausal women had no bone loss with moderate weight reduction if they consumed 1 or 1.8 g/day of calcium, according to the results of a study reported in the April issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
"Weight loss is associated with bone loss, but this has not been examined in overweight premenopausal women," write Claudia S. Riedt, from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and colleagues. "Compared with obese persons, overweight persons may be more susceptible to bone loss due to reduced weight bearing, diminished extraovarial estrogen synthesis due to smaller fat depots, and reduced calcium intake due to lower energy requirements, especially during dieting.... Our aims were to examine bone turnover and mass in overweight premenopausal women with weight reduction at recommended or high calcium intakes and to determine the role of calcium absorption and hormonal regulators."
In the current study, 44 overweight premenopausal women were randomized to either normal (1 g/day) or high (1.8 g/day) calcium intake during 6 months of energy restriction (weight loss groups) or were recruited for weight maintenance with calcium intake of 1 g/day. Mean age was 38 ± 6.4 years, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.7 ± 2.1 kg/m2.
Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry measured regional bone mineral density (BMD) and content. A dual-stable calcium isotope method measured true fractional calcium absorption at baseline and during caloric restriction. Markers of bone turnover were measured before and after weight loss.
The weight loss groups lost 7.2% ± 3.3% of initial body weight. There was no significant decrease in BMD or rise in bone turnover with weight loss at normal or high calcium intake. In the group with high calcium intake, there was a strong correlation (r = 0.71) between increased femoral neck BMD and increased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. There was no significant effect of weight loss on true fractional calcium absorption, and the total calcium absorbed was adequate (238 ± 81 mg/day in the normal-calcium weight loss group, and 310 ± 91 mg/day in the high-calcium weight loss group).
Study limitations include concerns about the validity of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry measurements in heavier people and in weight loss studies.
"We showed that dieting overweight premenopausal women do not lose bone with intakes of 1.0 or 1.8 g Ca/d, which may be explained by sufficient amounts of absorbed calcium," the authors conclude. "Furthermore, bone turnover was not up-regulated, and the calcium-PTH [parathyroid hormone] axis was not significantly increased because of weight loss. We suggest that overweight premenopausal women do not lose bone with moderate weight loss when consuming the recommended intake for calcium."
Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85:972-980.
THE ROLE OF SEMINALCALCIUM IN MALE INFERTILITY
It has long been known that extracellular calcium is required for successful fertilization. In all systems examined, an influx of Ca+2, is required to initiate the acrosomal reaction, with its attendant release of enzymes and membrane alterations necessary for sperm-egg interaction.
There is also evidence that this ion may be involved in sperm motility . In the present study, the mean seminal calcium value in fertile men was found to be higher than those of both infertile groups. The lowest value detected in the normozoospermic infertile groups was significant when compared to the fertile men . These findings may suggest that significantly decreased seminal calcium may be related to infertility seen in normozoospermic subjects. In a study performed by Umeyama et al., seminal calcium concentrations were almost the same between fertile and infertile men, and the highest level was determined in the normozoospermic infertile subjects. Our findings do not confirm these results, but are similar with those of Abou-Shakra , who determined the lowest concentration in the normozoospermic infertile group, being nonsignificant in relation to infertility classification.
A study by Prien et al. examined the relationship between sperm motility and seminal Ca++. They determined that seminal fluid of men with hypomotility exhibited a significantly lower Ca++ concentration when compared with that of men with normal motility. Although we have assessed total calcium level, our results do not support this finding, since we have found weak and negative, but nonsignificant correlations
between seminal calcium and sperm motility both in the fertile and infertile groups .
However, another study indicating that a high concentration of calcium suppresses sperm motility, confirms our findings . Of the 33 infertile subjects included in our study, 27 were asthenozoospermic; in order to draw a more definite conclusion about seminal calcium and sperm motility, we plan to determine ionized calcium (Ca++) level in the seminal fluid in a group including only asthenozoospermic infertile men, and make comparison with samples exhibiting normal sperm motility. When our results are evaluated with those of other reports, it may be concluded that seminal calcium may be involved in sperm motility, and this effect can be stimulatory or inhibitory, depending on its concentration.
As reported by Fraser , an optimal seminal calcium concentration is required to promote sperm motility, and all steps leading to successful fertilization. The most important result of our study reveal that seminal calcium concentration has to be determined in normozoospermic infertile men, who also have the asthenozoospermia problem. Further study is necessary for an understanding of the male infertility and seminal calcium relationships.
REFERENCES
Umeyama T, H Ishikawa, H Takeshima, et al : A comparative study of seminal trace elements in fertile and infertile men.Fertil Steril 46:494-499, 1986.
Prien SD, CD Lox, RH Messer, et al: Seminal concentrations of total and ionized calcium from men with normal and decreased motility. Fertil Steril 54:171-172, 1990.
Abou-Shakra FR, NI Ward and DM Everard : The role of trace elements in male infertility. Fertil Steril 52:307-310, 1989.
Zanaveld LJD, CJ Dejonge, RA Anderson et al : Human sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction. Human Reprod 6:1265-1274, 1989.
Fraser LR : Motility patterns in mouse spermatozoa before and after capacitation. J Exp Zool 202:439-444, 1977.
Yanagimachi R and N Usui : Calcium dependence of the acrosome reaction and activation of guinea pig spermatozoa. Exp Cell Res 89:161-174, 1974.
Arver S : Studies on zinc and calcium in human seminal plasma. Acta Physiol Scand 507(suppl):1, 1982.
Fraser LR : Minimum and maximum extracellular Ca+2 requirements during mouse sperm capacitation and fertilization invitro. J Reprod Fert 81:77-89, 1987.
There is also evidence that this ion may be involved in sperm motility . In the present study, the mean seminal calcium value in fertile men was found to be higher than those of both infertile groups. The lowest value detected in the normozoospermic infertile groups was significant when compared to the fertile men . These findings may suggest that significantly decreased seminal calcium may be related to infertility seen in normozoospermic subjects. In a study performed by Umeyama et al., seminal calcium concentrations were almost the same between fertile and infertile men, and the highest level was determined in the normozoospermic infertile subjects. Our findings do not confirm these results, but are similar with those of Abou-Shakra , who determined the lowest concentration in the normozoospermic infertile group, being nonsignificant in relation to infertility classification.
A study by Prien et al. examined the relationship between sperm motility and seminal Ca++. They determined that seminal fluid of men with hypomotility exhibited a significantly lower Ca++ concentration when compared with that of men with normal motility. Although we have assessed total calcium level, our results do not support this finding, since we have found weak and negative, but nonsignificant correlations
between seminal calcium and sperm motility both in the fertile and infertile groups .
However, another study indicating that a high concentration of calcium suppresses sperm motility, confirms our findings . Of the 33 infertile subjects included in our study, 27 were asthenozoospermic; in order to draw a more definite conclusion about seminal calcium and sperm motility, we plan to determine ionized calcium (Ca++) level in the seminal fluid in a group including only asthenozoospermic infertile men, and make comparison with samples exhibiting normal sperm motility. When our results are evaluated with those of other reports, it may be concluded that seminal calcium may be involved in sperm motility, and this effect can be stimulatory or inhibitory, depending on its concentration.
As reported by Fraser , an optimal seminal calcium concentration is required to promote sperm motility, and all steps leading to successful fertilization. The most important result of our study reveal that seminal calcium concentration has to be determined in normozoospermic infertile men, who also have the asthenozoospermia problem. Further study is necessary for an understanding of the male infertility and seminal calcium relationships.
REFERENCES
Umeyama T, H Ishikawa, H Takeshima, et al : A comparative study of seminal trace elements in fertile and infertile men.Fertil Steril 46:494-499, 1986.
Prien SD, CD Lox, RH Messer, et al: Seminal concentrations of total and ionized calcium from men with normal and decreased motility. Fertil Steril 54:171-172, 1990.
Abou-Shakra FR, NI Ward and DM Everard : The role of trace elements in male infertility. Fertil Steril 52:307-310, 1989.
Zanaveld LJD, CJ Dejonge, RA Anderson et al : Human sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction. Human Reprod 6:1265-1274, 1989.
Fraser LR : Motility patterns in mouse spermatozoa before and after capacitation. J Exp Zool 202:439-444, 1977.
Yanagimachi R and N Usui : Calcium dependence of the acrosome reaction and activation of guinea pig spermatozoa. Exp Cell Res 89:161-174, 1974.
Arver S : Studies on zinc and calcium in human seminal plasma. Acta Physiol Scand 507(suppl):1, 1982.
Fraser LR : Minimum and maximum extracellular Ca+2 requirements during mouse sperm capacitation and fertilization invitro. J Reprod Fert 81:77-89, 1987.
Calcium for Arthritis Treatment
Arthritis…..the first thing comes in your mind is bones and joints. Bones and joints are mainly composed of calcium. In arthritis calcium deficiency is due to stimulating enzymes. Calcium deficiency could be controlled by balanced diet or calcium supplement.
It is observed that many people are confused regarding the relation between osteoarthritis and calcium. Some people think that osteoarthritis is caused due to calcium deposition in joints, and hence osteoarthritis patients should avoid too much of calcium. But according to other group, calcium deficiency leads to osteoarthritis, hence to treat osteoarthritis more calcium is needed. To some extent both groups’ opinions are convincing. But if you are rigid about one school of thought then it might lead to devastating results.
Ironically, osteoarthritis is caused due to both deposition and loss of calcium from the joints. It can be said that calcium loss and deposition are two aspects of the same disease. In fact calcium deposition is not caused due to excess dietary calcium. It is caused due to lack of dietary calcium. Mainly enzymatic system and hormonal imbalance are responsible for the loss and deposition of calcium. If proper management of calcium is not carried out then it might be harmful for osteoarthritis patients.
Facts You Need To Know About Calcium:
The general advice given to keep your bones strong as you grow old is to take enough calcium. If you are young (below 50 yrs) then expected quantity of calcium you need to take is 1,000 mg/day. In case you are old (above 50 yrs) then the expected quantity you need to take is 1,200mg/day. By eating proper and balanced diet you can get sufficient amount of calcium. Rich sources of calcium are
* Green leafy vegetables
* Cereal and wheat flour
* Low fat milk
* Cheese, yogurt, tofu
* Calcium fortified orange juice
* Almonds, figs, raisins
* Blackeye peas
Incase you are unable to get sufficient amount of calcium from your diet then it is advisable to take calcium supplement
Few More Calcium Basics You Need to Know:
To ensure your body is getting right calcium dosage you need to know few more basics about calcium.
* Check the quantity of elemental calcium in the supplement which will be absorbed by your body
* It is advisable to take smaller doses of calcium several times in a day as only 500 mgs of calcium is absorbed by your body at a time.
* To absorb calcium efficiently your body requires Vitamin D, so make sure that your calcium supplement contains both
According to the Arthritis Foundation an average adult takes approximately 550 mgs of calcium per day. As per US Recommended Daily Allowance ranges between 800-1200 mg. Most of the adults around the world are calcium deficient as well as suffering from bone and joint disorders. So it could be concluded that the chances to develop arthritis are higher in people with calcium deficiency. Lastly, remember to take calcium which can be easily absorbed like calcium lactate or calcium citrate.
Note: Calcium deficiency is created by stimulating enzymes. This calcium deficiency leads to rupturing, dissolving or destroying of the joints.
refference: http://arthritis.ygoy.com/calcium-for-arthritis-treatment/
It is observed that many people are confused regarding the relation between osteoarthritis and calcium. Some people think that osteoarthritis is caused due to calcium deposition in joints, and hence osteoarthritis patients should avoid too much of calcium. But according to other group, calcium deficiency leads to osteoarthritis, hence to treat osteoarthritis more calcium is needed. To some extent both groups’ opinions are convincing. But if you are rigid about one school of thought then it might lead to devastating results.
Ironically, osteoarthritis is caused due to both deposition and loss of calcium from the joints. It can be said that calcium loss and deposition are two aspects of the same disease. In fact calcium deposition is not caused due to excess dietary calcium. It is caused due to lack of dietary calcium. Mainly enzymatic system and hormonal imbalance are responsible for the loss and deposition of calcium. If proper management of calcium is not carried out then it might be harmful for osteoarthritis patients.
Facts You Need To Know About Calcium:
The general advice given to keep your bones strong as you grow old is to take enough calcium. If you are young (below 50 yrs) then expected quantity of calcium you need to take is 1,000 mg/day. In case you are old (above 50 yrs) then the expected quantity you need to take is 1,200mg/day. By eating proper and balanced diet you can get sufficient amount of calcium. Rich sources of calcium are
* Green leafy vegetables
* Cereal and wheat flour
* Low fat milk
* Cheese, yogurt, tofu
* Calcium fortified orange juice
* Almonds, figs, raisins
* Blackeye peas
Incase you are unable to get sufficient amount of calcium from your diet then it is advisable to take calcium supplement
Few More Calcium Basics You Need to Know:
To ensure your body is getting right calcium dosage you need to know few more basics about calcium.
* Check the quantity of elemental calcium in the supplement which will be absorbed by your body
* It is advisable to take smaller doses of calcium several times in a day as only 500 mgs of calcium is absorbed by your body at a time.
* To absorb calcium efficiently your body requires Vitamin D, so make sure that your calcium supplement contains both
According to the Arthritis Foundation an average adult takes approximately 550 mgs of calcium per day. As per US Recommended Daily Allowance ranges between 800-1200 mg. Most of the adults around the world are calcium deficient as well as suffering from bone and joint disorders. So it could be concluded that the chances to develop arthritis are higher in people with calcium deficiency. Lastly, remember to take calcium which can be easily absorbed like calcium lactate or calcium citrate.
Note: Calcium deficiency is created by stimulating enzymes. This calcium deficiency leads to rupturing, dissolving or destroying of the joints.
refference: http://arthritis.ygoy.com/calcium-for-arthritis-treatment/
Calcium and vitamin D most effective for treatment of Crohn's-related bone loss
According to a study published today in the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the addition of popular bone building drugs to calcium and vitamin D therapy to treat bone loss associated with Crohn's disease is not beneficial. Moreover, the study shows that calcium and vitamin D treatment alone can improve bone mineral density (BMD) in Crohn's patients by 3 to 4 percent per year.
"Patients with Crohn's often suffer loss of bone mass and an increased number of bone fractures due to treatment with corticosteroids, poor nutrition, active inflammation and calcium and vitamin D deficiencies," said Charles Bernstein, MD, author of an editorial appearing in this month's journal. "calcium and vitamin D have long been used to enhance bone mass in people with Crohn's, and findings of these studies show it to be sufficient in maintaining BMD in these patients."
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the intestinal wall. While the cause of Crohn's is relatively unknown, it usually starts during the teenage years or early adulthood and is characterized by pain in the abdomen, diarrhea and weight loss. According to the most recent data from the National Health Interview Survey, there are more than two million prevalent cases of Crohn's disease in the United States.
According to results of the study from researchers at the University of Alberta, adding the bone-building drug etidronate (Ditronel) to calcium and vitamin D therapy to treat bone loss in people with Crohn's disease adds no additional benefit. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of etidronate on bone loss in patients with Crohn's disease, an effect that has never before been studied in patients who were not menopausal or on corticosteroid therapy.
"calcium and vitamin D therapy alone provide benefit to Crohn's patients who suffer from osteoporosis and osteopenia," said Richard Fedorak, MD, study author. "We encourage physicians to look for loss of bone density in high risk patients with Crohn's disease and to start calcium and vitamin D therapy immediately if there is either osteoporosis or osteopenia."
Prevention and treatment of low BMD associated with Crohn's disease includes vitamin D and calcium supplementation, education and lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and smoking cessation. Further randomized clinical trials are underway to determine if newer bone-building drugs will have additional beneficial effects on building bone mass in Crohn's patients. The results of those studies will not be available until next year. Until then, researchers suggest vitamin D and calcium supplementation as the primary treatment for bone loss in these patients.
"These results imply that physicians should only consider BMD testing and drug therapy for patients who are at higher risk for osteoporosis and fractures, not those who merely have Crohn's disease as a diagnosis," said Bernstein.
This article took from http://news.bio-medicine.org
"Patients with Crohn's often suffer loss of bone mass and an increased number of bone fractures due to treatment with corticosteroids, poor nutrition, active inflammation and calcium and vitamin D deficiencies," said Charles Bernstein, MD, author of an editorial appearing in this month's journal. "calcium and vitamin D have long been used to enhance bone mass in people with Crohn's, and findings of these studies show it to be sufficient in maintaining BMD in these patients."
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the intestinal wall. While the cause of Crohn's is relatively unknown, it usually starts during the teenage years or early adulthood and is characterized by pain in the abdomen, diarrhea and weight loss. According to the most recent data from the National Health Interview Survey, there are more than two million prevalent cases of Crohn's disease in the United States.
According to results of the study from researchers at the University of Alberta, adding the bone-building drug etidronate (Ditronel) to calcium and vitamin D therapy to treat bone loss in people with Crohn's disease adds no additional benefit. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of etidronate on bone loss in patients with Crohn's disease, an effect that has never before been studied in patients who were not menopausal or on corticosteroid therapy.
"calcium and vitamin D therapy alone provide benefit to Crohn's patients who suffer from osteoporosis and osteopenia," said Richard Fedorak, MD, study author. "We encourage physicians to look for loss of bone density in high risk patients with Crohn's disease and to start calcium and vitamin D therapy immediately if there is either osteoporosis or osteopenia."
Prevention and treatment of low BMD associated with Crohn's disease includes vitamin D and calcium supplementation, education and lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and smoking cessation. Further randomized clinical trials are underway to determine if newer bone-building drugs will have additional beneficial effects on building bone mass in Crohn's patients. The results of those studies will not be available until next year. Until then, researchers suggest vitamin D and calcium supplementation as the primary treatment for bone loss in these patients.
"These results imply that physicians should only consider BMD testing and drug therapy for patients who are at higher risk for osteoporosis and fractures, not those who merely have Crohn's disease as a diagnosis," said Bernstein.
This article took from http://news.bio-medicine.org
Special Requirements During Cancer Treatment
Calcium is an essential mineral for bone health and blood regulation. In general, requirements for calcium are not different for cancer patients. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established Recommended Daily Intakes for calcium as well as other minerals and vitamins.
The Adequate Intake (AI) for calcium is:
* 1300 milligrams a day for adolescents
* 1000 milligrams a day for people between the ages of 19-50
* 1200 milligrams a day for people over 51 years of age.
The Upper Limit (UL) for calcium is 2500 milligrams a day. The average American intake of calcium is 650 milligrams a day. 1 cup of milk has 300 milligrams of calcium. It is recommended to consume 3 to 4 servings of dairy rich foods everyday or to take a calcium supplement.
A few groups of people have special calcium needs:
* Men with prostate cancer may want to limit their calcium intake and stay within the recommended parameters of 1000 to 1200 milligrams a day. Research is unclear at this time, but some studies show high calcium intake is associated with increased prostate cancer risk.
* Cancer patients taking the steroid Prednisone should increase their calcium intake due to the bone leaching effects of this medication. People taking Prednisone need at least 1500 milligrams of calcium a day.
* Women who have breast cancer and have undergone menopause should take at least 1200 milligrams of calcium daily to prevent early bone loss due to the lack of estrogen circulating in their bodies.
Regardless of a cancer diagnosis, calcium should be a regular part of your diet. Studies have suggested that eating a dairy-rich diet or taking calcium supplements, specifically calcium carbonate, may reduce the risk of colon cancer. While further investigation into the matter is necessary, the national Nurses' Health Study and Physicians' Health Study found that those who took 700 to 800 milligrams of calcium each day had a 40 to 50 percent decreased risk of developing colon cancer.
refference:
Dena McDowell, MS, RD from http://www.thedietchannel.com
The Adequate Intake (AI) for calcium is:
* 1300 milligrams a day for adolescents
* 1000 milligrams a day for people between the ages of 19-50
* 1200 milligrams a day for people over 51 years of age.
The Upper Limit (UL) for calcium is 2500 milligrams a day. The average American intake of calcium is 650 milligrams a day. 1 cup of milk has 300 milligrams of calcium. It is recommended to consume 3 to 4 servings of dairy rich foods everyday or to take a calcium supplement.
A few groups of people have special calcium needs:
* Men with prostate cancer may want to limit their calcium intake and stay within the recommended parameters of 1000 to 1200 milligrams a day. Research is unclear at this time, but some studies show high calcium intake is associated with increased prostate cancer risk.
* Cancer patients taking the steroid Prednisone should increase their calcium intake due to the bone leaching effects of this medication. People taking Prednisone need at least 1500 milligrams of calcium a day.
* Women who have breast cancer and have undergone menopause should take at least 1200 milligrams of calcium daily to prevent early bone loss due to the lack of estrogen circulating in their bodies.
Regardless of a cancer diagnosis, calcium should be a regular part of your diet. Studies have suggested that eating a dairy-rich diet or taking calcium supplements, specifically calcium carbonate, may reduce the risk of colon cancer. While further investigation into the matter is necessary, the national Nurses' Health Study and Physicians' Health Study found that those who took 700 to 800 milligrams of calcium each day had a 40 to 50 percent decreased risk of developing colon cancer.
refference:
Dena McDowell, MS, RD from http://www.thedietchannel.com
Calcium Supplements May Interfere With Thyroid Treatment
By Salynn Boyles
WebMD Health News
Most women now know that taking calcium is a cheap and easy way to protect against bone loss, but such supplementation may be tricky in those being treated for an underactive thyroid. Researchers report that calcium may interfere with the absorption of the most widely used therapy for this condition, and they raise a red flag that the two should not be taken together.
"Patients and their physicians need to be made aware that calcium can prevent the absorption of thyroxine" and this can be prevented by taking the two six to 12 hours apart, study author Jerome M. Hershman, MD, of the University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine, tells WebMD. Harshman and colleagues reported their findings in the June 7 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
"Patients typically take both at breakfast, with the thyroxine being taken on an empty stomach before eating and the calcium being taken after eating," Hershman says. "Based on our findings, this probably should not be done."
An expert on thyroid therapy who was not involved with this study says taking the two drugs hours apart probably couldn't hurt, but it is not clear from this study if it is necessary. "The authors have shown that there may be an interaction here, but more study is needed to definitively prove this," Stephen I Sherman, MD, tells WebMD. "I would like to have seen different kinds of studies." Sherman is the medical director of the Thyroid Society for Education and Research and is associate professor of medicine at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
It has been estimated that up to one in 10 Americans have some degree of thyroid problems, although in many, the condition is never diagnosed. It is not known what percentage of people being treated with thyroxine also take calcium, but it is probably high. Underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, primarily occurs in women at or beyond the age of menopause -- the same group most at risk for osteoporosis or bone loss, and thus, most likely to take calcium supplements.
Hershman and colleagues examined the effect of calcium on thyroxine absorption in a group of 20 people being treated for underactive thyroid conditions. The levels of thyroxine in the women's blood were measured for several months prior to beginning calcium supplementation. Then the levels were retested during a three-month period while they were taking calcium and tested again several months after they stopped. All patients were told to take the calcium supplements daily at the same time that they took their thyroid medications.
The researchers saw a "modest, but significant" effect on thyroid function during the period patients took calcium. Four of the 20 patients had indications from blood tests that their medication wasn't getting into the blood. But these indicators returned to normal when the patients stopped taking calcium.
These findings and others, Harshman says, show that it is critical for thyroid patients to tell their physicians about all the medications they take. Prior studies have shown that other widely used therapies, such as aluminum hydroxide, found in various antacids; high-dose iron; and sucralfate, widely prescribed for gastrointestinal disorders, have a negative impact on the absorption of thyroxine.
Sherman, who conducted the sucralfate studies, agrees. He saw a "75 to 90%" rate of absorption problems in people taking thyroxine and sucralfate at the same time. "Obviously, this induced significant hypothyroidism. But because this is a drug that patients are prescribed, it is not likely a clinician won't know about its use," Sherman says. "In the case of aluminum hydroxide, high-dose iron, and now calcium, patients may not think to tell their physicians they are taking them. Physicians need to ask their patients about over-the-counter medications."
Vital Information:
* Up to one-tenth of all Americans have some degree of thyroid problems, and an underactive thyroid primarily affects postmenopausal women, who also are at higher risk for osteoporosis.
* Many of these women take calcium supplements to protect against bone loss. This can cause the medication known as thyroxine, which is widely prescribed to treat an underactive thyroid, to have problems getting into the bloodstream. This can cause thyroxine to be less effective.
* Patients can take these two drugs six to 12 hours apart, instead of together, to prevent interference, and everyone should always inform their doctor of all medications and supplements they are taking.
WebMD Health News
Most women now know that taking calcium is a cheap and easy way to protect against bone loss, but such supplementation may be tricky in those being treated for an underactive thyroid. Researchers report that calcium may interfere with the absorption of the most widely used therapy for this condition, and they raise a red flag that the two should not be taken together.
"Patients and their physicians need to be made aware that calcium can prevent the absorption of thyroxine" and this can be prevented by taking the two six to 12 hours apart, study author Jerome M. Hershman, MD, of the University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine, tells WebMD. Harshman and colleagues reported their findings in the June 7 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
"Patients typically take both at breakfast, with the thyroxine being taken on an empty stomach before eating and the calcium being taken after eating," Hershman says. "Based on our findings, this probably should not be done."
An expert on thyroid therapy who was not involved with this study says taking the two drugs hours apart probably couldn't hurt, but it is not clear from this study if it is necessary. "The authors have shown that there may be an interaction here, but more study is needed to definitively prove this," Stephen I Sherman, MD, tells WebMD. "I would like to have seen different kinds of studies." Sherman is the medical director of the Thyroid Society for Education and Research and is associate professor of medicine at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
It has been estimated that up to one in 10 Americans have some degree of thyroid problems, although in many, the condition is never diagnosed. It is not known what percentage of people being treated with thyroxine also take calcium, but it is probably high. Underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, primarily occurs in women at or beyond the age of menopause -- the same group most at risk for osteoporosis or bone loss, and thus, most likely to take calcium supplements.
Hershman and colleagues examined the effect of calcium on thyroxine absorption in a group of 20 people being treated for underactive thyroid conditions. The levels of thyroxine in the women's blood were measured for several months prior to beginning calcium supplementation. Then the levels were retested during a three-month period while they were taking calcium and tested again several months after they stopped. All patients were told to take the calcium supplements daily at the same time that they took their thyroid medications.
The researchers saw a "modest, but significant" effect on thyroid function during the period patients took calcium. Four of the 20 patients had indications from blood tests that their medication wasn't getting into the blood. But these indicators returned to normal when the patients stopped taking calcium.
These findings and others, Harshman says, show that it is critical for thyroid patients to tell their physicians about all the medications they take. Prior studies have shown that other widely used therapies, such as aluminum hydroxide, found in various antacids; high-dose iron; and sucralfate, widely prescribed for gastrointestinal disorders, have a negative impact on the absorption of thyroxine.
Sherman, who conducted the sucralfate studies, agrees. He saw a "75 to 90%" rate of absorption problems in people taking thyroxine and sucralfate at the same time. "Obviously, this induced significant hypothyroidism. But because this is a drug that patients are prescribed, it is not likely a clinician won't know about its use," Sherman says. "In the case of aluminum hydroxide, high-dose iron, and now calcium, patients may not think to tell their physicians they are taking them. Physicians need to ask their patients about over-the-counter medications."
Vital Information:
* Up to one-tenth of all Americans have some degree of thyroid problems, and an underactive thyroid primarily affects postmenopausal women, who also are at higher risk for osteoporosis.
* Many of these women take calcium supplements to protect against bone loss. This can cause the medication known as thyroxine, which is widely prescribed to treat an underactive thyroid, to have problems getting into the bloodstream. This can cause thyroxine to be less effective.
* Patients can take these two drugs six to 12 hours apart, instead of together, to prevent interference, and everyone should always inform their doctor of all medications and supplements they are taking.
Better Stroke Outcome with High Blood Calcium
Higher levels of calcium in the blood are associated with less severe stroke and better outcome, according to research that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology 58th Annual Meeting in San Diego, Calif., April 1 – 8, 2006.
Calcium and magnesium are intricately involved in the pathways of cell death in models of stroke, and high dietary intake of these minerals has been associated with a reduced risk of experiencing a stroke according to lead scientist Bruce Ovbiagele, MD, of the Stroke Center and Department of Neurology at the University of California, Los Angeles. This association led Ovbiagele to ask whether levels of serum calcium and magnesium might predict the severity and outcome in patients presenting with a stroke.
Ovbiagele’s group studied 240 consecutive patients who were seen at the UCLA Stroke Center within 24 hours of their stroke. Patients were classified into four groups, based on the level of calcium and magnesium in their blood. Researchers measured stroke severity at the time that patients were admitted into the hospital and how well they functioned upon being discharged.
The findings indicated that while there was no correlation with magnesium, higher calcium was strongly related to both lesser severity at admission and better outcome at the time patients left the hospital. Patients with the highest calcium levels had strokes only one-third as severe as those with the lowest level, and were 50 to 70 percent less likely to have a poor functional outcome.
The results remained significant after correcting for a wide variety of other factors known to influence stroke risk and severity, including age, prior use of anti-stroke drugs, and type of stroke.
“These results suggest a connection between high calcium in the blood and reduced cell death from stroke,” said Ovbiagele. “However, it is not yet known whether modifying dietary calcium in people at risk for stroke may help protect against poor stroke outcome.”
by: http://www.naturalnews.com
Calcium and magnesium are intricately involved in the pathways of cell death in models of stroke, and high dietary intake of these minerals has been associated with a reduced risk of experiencing a stroke according to lead scientist Bruce Ovbiagele, MD, of the Stroke Center and Department of Neurology at the University of California, Los Angeles. This association led Ovbiagele to ask whether levels of serum calcium and magnesium might predict the severity and outcome in patients presenting with a stroke.
Ovbiagele’s group studied 240 consecutive patients who were seen at the UCLA Stroke Center within 24 hours of their stroke. Patients were classified into four groups, based on the level of calcium and magnesium in their blood. Researchers measured stroke severity at the time that patients were admitted into the hospital and how well they functioned upon being discharged.
The findings indicated that while there was no correlation with magnesium, higher calcium was strongly related to both lesser severity at admission and better outcome at the time patients left the hospital. Patients with the highest calcium levels had strokes only one-third as severe as those with the lowest level, and were 50 to 70 percent less likely to have a poor functional outcome.
The results remained significant after correcting for a wide variety of other factors known to influence stroke risk and severity, including age, prior use of anti-stroke drugs, and type of stroke.
“These results suggest a connection between high calcium in the blood and reduced cell death from stroke,” said Ovbiagele. “However, it is not yet known whether modifying dietary calcium in people at risk for stroke may help protect against poor stroke outcome.”
by: http://www.naturalnews.com
High intake of calcium can reduce stroke risk
CALCIUM intake may reduce the risk of stroke by as much as 30 per cent, according to new research from Japan. More than 40,000 middle-aged people were surveyed on their dairy consumption.
Researchers found a reduced risk of stroke and heart failure among those with an higher calcium intake.Dr Carole Lowis, consultant nutritionist with the dairy council for Northern Ireland said the results added to research from other parts of the world.
“We do not fully understand why those with the highest dairy calcium intakes were betterprotected against the risk of stroke in this study but one explanation could be the beneficial effect of calcium and dairy foods on blood pressure,” Dr Lowis said.
High blood pressure is a risk factor for both stroke and heart disease.
Consuming at least three servings of low-fat dairy foods a day has been shown to help to lower blood pressure.This effect is thought to be partly due to the calcium in dairy foods but also to the other nutrients they contain such as potassium and
magnesium.
Dr Lowis encouraged people to drink more milk, which is high in calcium.“Calcium is also easily absorbed from dairy products,” she said.“For example, although spinach is relatively rich in calcium, you would need to eat 11 servings to absorb as much calcium as you could from a single glass of milk.”
- The Japanese study was published in the American Heart Association’s journal Stroke
Researchers found a reduced risk of stroke and heart failure among those with an higher calcium intake.Dr Carole Lowis, consultant nutritionist with the dairy council for Northern Ireland said the results added to research from other parts of the world.
“We do not fully understand why those with the highest dairy calcium intakes were betterprotected against the risk of stroke in this study but one explanation could be the beneficial effect of calcium and dairy foods on blood pressure,” Dr Lowis said.
High blood pressure is a risk factor for both stroke and heart disease.
Consuming at least three servings of low-fat dairy foods a day has been shown to help to lower blood pressure.This effect is thought to be partly due to the calcium in dairy foods but also to the other nutrients they contain such as potassium and
magnesium.
Dr Lowis encouraged people to drink more milk, which is high in calcium.“Calcium is also easily absorbed from dairy products,” she said.“For example, although spinach is relatively rich in calcium, you would need to eat 11 servings to absorb as much calcium as you could from a single glass of milk.”
- The Japanese study was published in the American Heart Association’s journal Stroke
Calcium supplements and heart attack risk
by Dr Norman Swan
New Zealand research has found that older women taking calcium to protect their bones had a higher risk of heart attack.
ust as women are starting to recover from all the bad publicity over drugs for osteoporosis, New Zealand research has questioned calcium supplements, reporting that older women taking calcium to protect their bones had a significantly higher risk of having a heart attack.
It was a randomised trial of calcium supplements versus placebo in 1400 older women – average age 74 – to prevent bone loss and fractures.
While the calcium benefited the bones, the heart attack rate was up to 40 per cent higher, which meant that over five years up to 16 additional women had a heart attack, stroke or sudden death associated with taking calcium. Stroke risk on its own wasn't significantly raised.
The researchers think the finding is real because other studies have gone in the same direction, but it does need to be verified. No-one is sure about calcium supplements in younger women.
So what should women do?
The advice from the New Zealanders is that calcium in whole food is good because it is associated with lower rates of heart disease – you don't get the big hit of a tablet surging into your bloodstream.
They also think the dose in their study – a gram a day – was too high, and lower doses are safer.
New Zealand research has found that older women taking calcium to protect their bones had a higher risk of heart attack.
ust as women are starting to recover from all the bad publicity over drugs for osteoporosis, New Zealand research has questioned calcium supplements, reporting that older women taking calcium to protect their bones had a significantly higher risk of having a heart attack.
It was a randomised trial of calcium supplements versus placebo in 1400 older women – average age 74 – to prevent bone loss and fractures.
While the calcium benefited the bones, the heart attack rate was up to 40 per cent higher, which meant that over five years up to 16 additional women had a heart attack, stroke or sudden death associated with taking calcium. Stroke risk on its own wasn't significantly raised.
The researchers think the finding is real because other studies have gone in the same direction, but it does need to be verified. No-one is sure about calcium supplements in younger women.
So what should women do?
The advice from the New Zealanders is that calcium in whole food is good because it is associated with lower rates of heart disease – you don't get the big hit of a tablet surging into your bloodstream.
They also think the dose in their study – a gram a day – was too high, and lower doses are safer.
Calcium deposits don't predict stroke risk
Canadian doctors are questioning the notion that calcium deposits in the carotid arteries of the neck -- measured using an X-ray technique called computed tomography(CT)scanning -- indicate an increased risk of stroke.
A number of studies have suggested a link between calcium buildup in the heart's arteries and an increased risk of heart attacks, leading to the belief that a similar association might hold between calcification of the carotid arteries and the risk of stroke. Companies in the United States are even offering screening for calcification of the carotid arteries.
But a study by led by Dr. Allan Fox of the University of Toronto shows these services are jumping the gun. They looked at neck and brain CT scans of 221 people and assessed the degree of carotid calcification and changes in the brain's white matter, which have been associated with an increased stroke risk.
Older people had more calcium buildup and white matter change, but there was no association between the degree of carotid calcification and the amount of white matter change.
"Can we use calcification in the carotid arteries as something to do with stroke disease? The particular thing we looked at showed no evidence for an association," Fox says. "This is one of those things that gets going because it sounds logical in a lay sense and people sell services. I would hope people would look at results like this and continue to be skeptical."
Another recent study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore also suggests calcification of the carotid arteries has no relationship to stroke. They looked at CT scans of 74 patients who had a stroke and 94 healthy people of the same ages. Carotid artery calcification did not differ between the two groups.
this article took from http://www.macleans.ca
A number of studies have suggested a link between calcium buildup in the heart's arteries and an increased risk of heart attacks, leading to the belief that a similar association might hold between calcification of the carotid arteries and the risk of stroke. Companies in the United States are even offering screening for calcification of the carotid arteries.
But a study by led by Dr. Allan Fox of the University of Toronto shows these services are jumping the gun. They looked at neck and brain CT scans of 221 people and assessed the degree of carotid calcification and changes in the brain's white matter, which have been associated with an increased stroke risk.
Older people had more calcium buildup and white matter change, but there was no association between the degree of carotid calcification and the amount of white matter change.
"Can we use calcification in the carotid arteries as something to do with stroke disease? The particular thing we looked at showed no evidence for an association," Fox says. "This is one of those things that gets going because it sounds logical in a lay sense and people sell services. I would hope people would look at results like this and continue to be skeptical."
Another recent study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore also suggests calcification of the carotid arteries has no relationship to stroke. They looked at CT scans of 74 patients who had a stroke and 94 healthy people of the same ages. Carotid artery calcification did not differ between the two groups.
this article took from http://www.macleans.ca
Clue to Stroke Brain Cell Deaths
Scientists say they have discovered the exact mechanism behind the death of brain cells following a stroke.
The main culprit is an overload of charged calcium particles or ions, they told the journal Cell.
As the brain is starved of oxygen by reduced blood flow, events occur that cause dangerously high levels of calcium ions within the brain cells.
The Medical Research Council team believes correcting the calcium imbalance could help treat strokes.
Overload
Scientists have suspected for some time that calcium was the culprit.
But research had mainly concentrated on trying to block the entry of calcium ions into dying nerve cells.
The latest study suggests that the main problem is actually a fault in the mechanism that removes calcium ions from the nerve cells.
Professor Pierluigi Nicotera and colleagues at the MRC's toxicology unit in Leicester looked at what was happening in the brains of rats when these animals suffered a stroke.
The drugs conceived so far have failed in clinical trials because they only block the entry of calcium
Lead researcher Professor Pierluigi Nicotera
When the blood flow to the brain was abruptly stopped, as occurs with a stroke, the nerve cells deprived of oxygen released chemicals that they use to communicate with each other.
One of these, called glutamate, causes more widespread damage by triggering a flood of calcium ions into the affected and neighbouring nerve cells.
This calcium influx then activates enzymes called calpains, which break down a protein in the nerve cell's outer membrane that would normally pump calcium out of the cell.
Treatment avenues
The result of these two insults is dangerously high calcium levels which kill off the neurons.
This could explain why stroke therapies aimed solely at decreasing calcium entry into nerve cells have been unsuccessful, said Professor Nicotera.
He said his team were currently testing different molecules that might help nerve cells to remove the excess calcium.
"But it will be some years before we have new drugs," he said.
A spokeswoman from the Stroke Association said: "This could help to fully determine the exact mechanism behind the death of nerve cells in the brain that happens when blood supply to this area is blocked, such as in the case of a stroke.
"However, this research is only at initial stages and further work in this field is needed to fully determine whether this will lead to more effective treatments for stroke, which specifically address this mechanism."
This article took from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4207041.stm
The main culprit is an overload of charged calcium particles or ions, they told the journal Cell.
As the brain is starved of oxygen by reduced blood flow, events occur that cause dangerously high levels of calcium ions within the brain cells.
The Medical Research Council team believes correcting the calcium imbalance could help treat strokes.
Overload
Scientists have suspected for some time that calcium was the culprit.
But research had mainly concentrated on trying to block the entry of calcium ions into dying nerve cells.
The latest study suggests that the main problem is actually a fault in the mechanism that removes calcium ions from the nerve cells.
Professor Pierluigi Nicotera and colleagues at the MRC's toxicology unit in Leicester looked at what was happening in the brains of rats when these animals suffered a stroke.
The drugs conceived so far have failed in clinical trials because they only block the entry of calcium
Lead researcher Professor Pierluigi Nicotera
When the blood flow to the brain was abruptly stopped, as occurs with a stroke, the nerve cells deprived of oxygen released chemicals that they use to communicate with each other.
One of these, called glutamate, causes more widespread damage by triggering a flood of calcium ions into the affected and neighbouring nerve cells.
This calcium influx then activates enzymes called calpains, which break down a protein in the nerve cell's outer membrane that would normally pump calcium out of the cell.
Treatment avenues
The result of these two insults is dangerously high calcium levels which kill off the neurons.
This could explain why stroke therapies aimed solely at decreasing calcium entry into nerve cells have been unsuccessful, said Professor Nicotera.
He said his team were currently testing different molecules that might help nerve cells to remove the excess calcium.
"But it will be some years before we have new drugs," he said.
A spokeswoman from the Stroke Association said: "This could help to fully determine the exact mechanism behind the death of nerve cells in the brain that happens when blood supply to this area is blocked, such as in the case of a stroke.
"However, this research is only at initial stages and further work in this field is needed to fully determine whether this will lead to more effective treatments for stroke, which specifically address this mechanism."
This article took from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4207041.stm
Calcium: it's not just bones anymore!
Most of us know that calcium's main role in the body is to build strong and healthy teeth and bones. However, current research is showing that as calcium intake goes up, both body weight and body fat go down. Could Calcium be the breakthrough weight loss miracle we are looking for?
How may Calcium affect body weight and fat?
* Higher levels of Calcium intake may prevent fat storage.
* More Calcium may raise metabolism, thus burning more calories.
How much is enough?
* One of the studies showed more weight loss in individuals consuming 1200 mg per day along with a low calorie diet.
* You should strive for the minimum recommended 1000 mg per day from low or non-fat dairy foods.
Are supplements as good as food sources?
* Researcher showed that Calcium supplements did enhance the effect of weight loss, however, there was more weight loss when Calcium came from low or non-fat dairy sources.
What can I do to get more Calcium?
* Start your day with a Calcium fortified cereal, topped with skim milk and almonds.
* Snack on low-fat string cheese or low-fat fruited yogurt.
* Top pancakes or waffles with low-fat yogurt and sliced fresh fruit instead of syrup.
* For dessert, try instant pudding made with skim milk.
* Add Calcium fortified fruit juices to your meals instead of soda.
* Top a sandwhich with a slice of reduced-fat cheese.
* Mix up a fruit smoothy with low-fat frozen yogurt and skim milk.
* If milk is a problem, look for Calcium fortified soy milk and tofu.
* Add steamed brocolli to a salad and blackeyed peas.
* Use nuts, such as almonds, as snacks or to add a crunchy tecture to foods.
Refference:
http://irweb.swmed.edu/chn/naa/tipsheets/ca_wtloss.htm
How may Calcium affect body weight and fat?
* Higher levels of Calcium intake may prevent fat storage.
* More Calcium may raise metabolism, thus burning more calories.
How much is enough?
* One of the studies showed more weight loss in individuals consuming 1200 mg per day along with a low calorie diet.
* You should strive for the minimum recommended 1000 mg per day from low or non-fat dairy foods.
Are supplements as good as food sources?
* Researcher showed that Calcium supplements did enhance the effect of weight loss, however, there was more weight loss when Calcium came from low or non-fat dairy sources.
What can I do to get more Calcium?
* Start your day with a Calcium fortified cereal, topped with skim milk and almonds.
* Snack on low-fat string cheese or low-fat fruited yogurt.
* Top pancakes or waffles with low-fat yogurt and sliced fresh fruit instead of syrup.
* For dessert, try instant pudding made with skim milk.
* Add Calcium fortified fruit juices to your meals instead of soda.
* Top a sandwhich with a slice of reduced-fat cheese.
* Mix up a fruit smoothy with low-fat frozen yogurt and skim milk.
* If milk is a problem, look for Calcium fortified soy milk and tofu.
* Add steamed brocolli to a salad and blackeyed peas.
* Use nuts, such as almonds, as snacks or to add a crunchy tecture to foods.
Refference:
http://irweb.swmed.edu/chn/naa/tipsheets/ca_wtloss.htm
Calcium: The "Miracle" Mineral
By Annette Kornblum
For years, women have been told to bone up on calcium to prevent osteoporosis, a gradual thinning of the bones, but now this so-called miracle mineral is also being touted for its potential to promote weight loss, relieve depression and anxiety associated with premenstrual syndrome, control high blood pressure, and ward off strokes.
As new evidence points to the elevated role of calcium in preventing disease, it makes sense to get enough of this vital nutrient each day, especially as mid-life approaches. Experts say there is literally no body system that doesn't benefit from a healthy dose. Here's how it stacks up:
Calcium and Weight Loss:
When Dr. Robert Heaney, a calcium expert at Creighton University in Omaha, recently examined the health records of 575 women, he was astonished at the results. "We were looking at mid-life weight gain and found that women with the highest calcium intakes didn't gain weight and those with the lowest did," Dr. Heaney said.
Similarly, at the University of Tennessee, Michael Zemel, Ph.D., reported that because calcium plays a key role in metabolic disorders linked to obesity and insulin resistance, a diet low in calcium literally stockpiles fat cells while higher calcium diets depletes them. Dr. Zemel discovered that a high calcium diet released a hormone which sends signals that are read by the body's fat cells to lose weight.
A two-year Purdue University study in West Lafayette, Ind. that involved 54 women ages 18 to 31, found that women with a daily intake of at least 780 milligrams of calcium showed no increase in body fat or lost body fat mass during a two-year period. Women who averaged less than 780 milligrams of calcium gained weight during the same period.
Both exercisers and couch potatoes seemed to benefit unless they consumed more than 1,900 calories daily. All researchers said that dining on calcium-rich dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt achieved greater weight loss than leafy green vegetables, nuts, beans and supplements.
Calcium and Premenstrual Syndrome:
Susan Thys-Jacobs, an endocrinologist at St. Luke-Roosevelt Hospital's, has found that calcium supplementation can relieve the physical and emotional toll of PMS by almost 50%. At least half of the 497 women she studied who took 1,200 mg. of calcium supplements experienced fewer mood swings, depression/sadness, anxiety/nervousness; breast tenderness, bloating and other aches and pains. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center in Grand Forks, N.D. reported similar results after studying 10 women with PMS who spent half the study period on a daily diet containing 600 mg. of calcium, the other half upped to1300 mg. Women on the high calcium diet were less irritable, weepy, and depressed and averted backaches, cramping, and bloating.
Calcium and Blood Pressure:
In some people, an increase in calcium consumption can help control blood pressure without anti-hypertensive medication. A 13-year study by James Dwyer at the University of Southern California School of Medicine found that consuming 1300 milligrams of calcium a day reduced hypertension risk by 12 percent compared to only 300 mg. a day, while subjects under age 40 reduced their risk by up to 25 percent. Dr. Lawrence Resnick, a professor of medicine at Cornell University Medical Center Hypertension Center, emphasizes that the benefits are most pronounced in hypertensives who are salt-sensitive, such as African Americans.
Calcium and Cholesterol:
Dr. Margo Denke, associate professor of internal medicine at the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas found that a high-calcium regimen reduced levels of total cholesterol by six percent and slashed "bad" LDL cholesterol by 11 percent. So-called "good" HDL cholesterol levels remained unchanged.
Calcium and Stroke Prevention:
A 1999 Harvard study reported that calcium supplementation protects against stroke in middle-aged women. In the ongoing Nurses' Health Study, 85,764 women, ages 35 to 59, reported that the mineral was tied to a 32% lower risk of stroke among those with the highest intake of the mineral. Women taking at least 400 mg of calcium supplements had a 12% lower risk of ischemic stroke (the type caused by plaque buildup in blood vessel walls). Dietary calcium, especially in dairy foods, reportedly reduced stroke risk, as did potassium.
Calcium and Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis strikes more than seven million Americans, mostly women, with another 17 million at serious risk of developing fragile bones that easily collapse, a crippling curving of the spine, and hip fractures. Research shows that boosting calcium intake can halt bone loss, especially when combined with vitamin D, which enhances its absorption.
Calcium and Colon Cancer:
Calcium may protect against growths that become malignant in those prone to colorectal cancer. Dr. Martin Lipkin, a professor of medicine at Cornell University, who first discovered the link between calcium and colorectal cancer, stresses that both calcium-rich foods and calcium supplements will produce the same beneficial effects.
Calcium and Pregnancy:
According to Barbara Levine, director of the human nutrition program at the Rockefeller University, calcium supplements can help ensure the health of the fetus and improve bone mass of the mother. In a study of hypertensive women, Levine found that adequate calcium levels and Vitamin D improved pregnancy outcomes.
For years, women have been told to bone up on calcium to prevent osteoporosis, a gradual thinning of the bones, but now this so-called miracle mineral is also being touted for its potential to promote weight loss, relieve depression and anxiety associated with premenstrual syndrome, control high blood pressure, and ward off strokes.
As new evidence points to the elevated role of calcium in preventing disease, it makes sense to get enough of this vital nutrient each day, especially as mid-life approaches. Experts say there is literally no body system that doesn't benefit from a healthy dose. Here's how it stacks up:
Calcium and Weight Loss:
When Dr. Robert Heaney, a calcium expert at Creighton University in Omaha, recently examined the health records of 575 women, he was astonished at the results. "We were looking at mid-life weight gain and found that women with the highest calcium intakes didn't gain weight and those with the lowest did," Dr. Heaney said.
Similarly, at the University of Tennessee, Michael Zemel, Ph.D., reported that because calcium plays a key role in metabolic disorders linked to obesity and insulin resistance, a diet low in calcium literally stockpiles fat cells while higher calcium diets depletes them. Dr. Zemel discovered that a high calcium diet released a hormone which sends signals that are read by the body's fat cells to lose weight.
A two-year Purdue University study in West Lafayette, Ind. that involved 54 women ages 18 to 31, found that women with a daily intake of at least 780 milligrams of calcium showed no increase in body fat or lost body fat mass during a two-year period. Women who averaged less than 780 milligrams of calcium gained weight during the same period.
Both exercisers and couch potatoes seemed to benefit unless they consumed more than 1,900 calories daily. All researchers said that dining on calcium-rich dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt achieved greater weight loss than leafy green vegetables, nuts, beans and supplements.
Calcium and Premenstrual Syndrome:
Susan Thys-Jacobs, an endocrinologist at St. Luke-Roosevelt Hospital's, has found that calcium supplementation can relieve the physical and emotional toll of PMS by almost 50%. At least half of the 497 women she studied who took 1,200 mg. of calcium supplements experienced fewer mood swings, depression/sadness, anxiety/nervousness; breast tenderness, bloating and other aches and pains. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center in Grand Forks, N.D. reported similar results after studying 10 women with PMS who spent half the study period on a daily diet containing 600 mg. of calcium, the other half upped to1300 mg. Women on the high calcium diet were less irritable, weepy, and depressed and averted backaches, cramping, and bloating.
Calcium and Blood Pressure:
In some people, an increase in calcium consumption can help control blood pressure without anti-hypertensive medication. A 13-year study by James Dwyer at the University of Southern California School of Medicine found that consuming 1300 milligrams of calcium a day reduced hypertension risk by 12 percent compared to only 300 mg. a day, while subjects under age 40 reduced their risk by up to 25 percent. Dr. Lawrence Resnick, a professor of medicine at Cornell University Medical Center Hypertension Center, emphasizes that the benefits are most pronounced in hypertensives who are salt-sensitive, such as African Americans.
Calcium and Cholesterol:
Dr. Margo Denke, associate professor of internal medicine at the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas found that a high-calcium regimen reduced levels of total cholesterol by six percent and slashed "bad" LDL cholesterol by 11 percent. So-called "good" HDL cholesterol levels remained unchanged.
Calcium and Stroke Prevention:
A 1999 Harvard study reported that calcium supplementation protects against stroke in middle-aged women. In the ongoing Nurses' Health Study, 85,764 women, ages 35 to 59, reported that the mineral was tied to a 32% lower risk of stroke among those with the highest intake of the mineral. Women taking at least 400 mg of calcium supplements had a 12% lower risk of ischemic stroke (the type caused by plaque buildup in blood vessel walls). Dietary calcium, especially in dairy foods, reportedly reduced stroke risk, as did potassium.
Calcium and Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis strikes more than seven million Americans, mostly women, with another 17 million at serious risk of developing fragile bones that easily collapse, a crippling curving of the spine, and hip fractures. Research shows that boosting calcium intake can halt bone loss, especially when combined with vitamin D, which enhances its absorption.
Calcium and Colon Cancer:
Calcium may protect against growths that become malignant in those prone to colorectal cancer. Dr. Martin Lipkin, a professor of medicine at Cornell University, who first discovered the link between calcium and colorectal cancer, stresses that both calcium-rich foods and calcium supplements will produce the same beneficial effects.
Calcium and Pregnancy:
According to Barbara Levine, director of the human nutrition program at the Rockefeller University, calcium supplements can help ensure the health of the fetus and improve bone mass of the mother. In a study of hypertensive women, Levine found that adequate calcium levels and Vitamin D improved pregnancy outcomes.
Calcium Weight Loss Plan - Does Calcium Weight Loss Plan Really Work?
Calcium is not only important for bones and teeth but it also helps in fighting against many diseases and serious health conditions. Assisting in weight loss is one of the many benefits of this wondrous mineral. Recently people who have used calcium for weight loss have reported back that calcium weight loss plan does work well.
Calcium obtained from dairy sources contains too much fat content and a lot of calories. Other sources of calcium may not provide adequate amounts of calcium needed on a daily basis. The best solution is to make a calcium weight loss plan by introducing calcium-rich tablets or supplements to your everyday diet.
These calcium tablets not only help to fulfill daily calcium needs but also assist in losing weight. Calcium carbonate or coral calcium are the most effective sources of calcium and they are readily absorbed by the bloodstream when consumed after meals. Coral calcium is known to reduce acidity and helps in proper digestion of food.
You may want to make a calcium weight loss plan by introducing 6 meals a day and consuming calcium tablets after at least 3 well-balanced meals. A healthy person requires up to 1000 mg of calcium daily. Teenagers should consume up to 1200 mg, while postmenopausal women should consume up to 1500 mg of calcium on a daily basis. Make a chart of healthy, low-fat foods, count the calories and also note down the amount of calcium you consume through nutritional supplements.
Weight loss occurs slowly and gradually so you need to be very patient to see positive results. Follow your calcium weight loss plan for at least 2-3 months. During this period you will be able to see the effectiveness of a 6-meals diet along with a good dose of calcium tablets. Read the instructions on the bottle of your supplement product carefully to see how many milligrams of calcium a single tablet provides.
Liquid calcium supplements are equally effective in controlling sudden weight gain. People who are thin and have a small bone structure also need adequate amounts of calcium daily. They should obtain this calcium from milk, other dairy products, green vegetables, fresh fruits, beans, nuts and fish. In addition to these, good-quality calcium supplements can also be used to fulfill daily calcium needs.
Don’t forget to find the supplements that contain some other nutrients as well in addition to calcium. These nutrients help in proper absorption of calcium and also provide many long-term health benefits.
For optimal bone and joint health, we have been using a special natural calcium formula and for good reason, this formula is known as Bone Protect. We have personally been using this formula for over 3 years with excellent health results.
You can learn more about our product of choice and why we use this product above all other calcium formulas at optimal bone health
John Gibb is the manager of a series health websites. His latest addition discusses the calcium formula himself and the editors consume. For more information on calcium, coral calcium, and bone health as a whole, be sure to check out http://www.optimal-bone-health.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb
Calcium obtained from dairy sources contains too much fat content and a lot of calories. Other sources of calcium may not provide adequate amounts of calcium needed on a daily basis. The best solution is to make a calcium weight loss plan by introducing calcium-rich tablets or supplements to your everyday diet.
These calcium tablets not only help to fulfill daily calcium needs but also assist in losing weight. Calcium carbonate or coral calcium are the most effective sources of calcium and they are readily absorbed by the bloodstream when consumed after meals. Coral calcium is known to reduce acidity and helps in proper digestion of food.
You may want to make a calcium weight loss plan by introducing 6 meals a day and consuming calcium tablets after at least 3 well-balanced meals. A healthy person requires up to 1000 mg of calcium daily. Teenagers should consume up to 1200 mg, while postmenopausal women should consume up to 1500 mg of calcium on a daily basis. Make a chart of healthy, low-fat foods, count the calories and also note down the amount of calcium you consume through nutritional supplements.
Weight loss occurs slowly and gradually so you need to be very patient to see positive results. Follow your calcium weight loss plan for at least 2-3 months. During this period you will be able to see the effectiveness of a 6-meals diet along with a good dose of calcium tablets. Read the instructions on the bottle of your supplement product carefully to see how many milligrams of calcium a single tablet provides.
Liquid calcium supplements are equally effective in controlling sudden weight gain. People who are thin and have a small bone structure also need adequate amounts of calcium daily. They should obtain this calcium from milk, other dairy products, green vegetables, fresh fruits, beans, nuts and fish. In addition to these, good-quality calcium supplements can also be used to fulfill daily calcium needs.
Don’t forget to find the supplements that contain some other nutrients as well in addition to calcium. These nutrients help in proper absorption of calcium and also provide many long-term health benefits.
For optimal bone and joint health, we have been using a special natural calcium formula and for good reason, this formula is known as Bone Protect. We have personally been using this formula for over 3 years with excellent health results.
You can learn more about our product of choice and why we use this product above all other calcium formulas at optimal bone health
John Gibb is the manager of a series health websites. His latest addition discusses the calcium formula himself and the editors consume. For more information on calcium, coral calcium, and bone health as a whole, be sure to check out http://www.optimal-bone-health.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb
Calcium Intake May Protect Against Bone Loss During Moderate Weight Loss
News Author: Laurie Barclay, MD
CME Author: Désirée Lie, MD, MSEd
Release Date: April 11, 2007; Reviewed and Renewed: April 16, 2008
Healthy, overweight, premenopausal women had no bone loss with moderate weight reduction if they consumed 1 or 1.8 g/day of calcium, according to the results of a study reported in the April issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
"Weight loss is associated with bone loss, but this has not been examined in overweight premenopausal women," write Claudia S. Riedt, from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and colleagues. "Compared with obese persons, overweight persons may be more susceptible to bone loss due to reduced weight bearing, diminished extraovarial estrogen synthesis due to smaller fat depots, and reduced calcium intake due to lower energy requirements, especially during dieting.... Our aims were to examine bone turnover and mass in overweight premenopausal women with weight reduction at recommended or high calcium intakes and to determine the role of calcium absorption and hormonal regulators."
In the current study, 44 overweight premenopausal women were randomized to either normal (1 g/day) or high (1.8 g/day) calcium intake during 6 months of energy restriction (weight loss groups) or were recruited for weight maintenance with calcium intake of 1 g/day. Mean age was 38 ± 6.4 years, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.7 ± 2.1 kg/m2.
Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry measured regional bone mineral density (BMD) and content. A dual-stable calcium isotope method measured true fractional calcium absorption at baseline and during caloric restriction. Markers of bone turnover were measured before and after weight loss.
The weight loss groups lost 7.2% ± 3.3% of initial body weight. There was no significant decrease in BMD or rise in bone turnover with weight loss at normal or high calcium intake. In the group with high calcium intake, there was a strong correlation (r = 0.71) between increased femoral neck BMD and increased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. There was no significant effect of weight loss on true fractional calcium absorption, and the total calcium absorbed was adequate (238 ± 81 mg/day in the normal-calcium weight loss group, and 310 ± 91 mg/day in the high-calcium weight loss group).
Study limitations include concerns about the validity of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry measurements in heavier people and in weight loss studies.
"We showed that dieting overweight premenopausal women do not lose bone with intakes of 1.0 or 1.8 g Ca/d, which may be explained by sufficient amounts of absorbed calcium," the authors conclude. "Furthermore, bone turnover was not up-regulated, and the calcium-PTH [parathyroid hormone] axis was not significantly increased because of weight loss. We suggest that overweight premenopausal women do not lose bone with moderate weight loss when consuming the recommended intake for calcium."
The National Institutes of Health supported this study. The authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
CME Author: Désirée Lie, MD, MSEd
Release Date: April 11, 2007; Reviewed and Renewed: April 16, 2008
Healthy, overweight, premenopausal women had no bone loss with moderate weight reduction if they consumed 1 or 1.8 g/day of calcium, according to the results of a study reported in the April issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
"Weight loss is associated with bone loss, but this has not been examined in overweight premenopausal women," write Claudia S. Riedt, from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and colleagues. "Compared with obese persons, overweight persons may be more susceptible to bone loss due to reduced weight bearing, diminished extraovarial estrogen synthesis due to smaller fat depots, and reduced calcium intake due to lower energy requirements, especially during dieting.... Our aims were to examine bone turnover and mass in overweight premenopausal women with weight reduction at recommended or high calcium intakes and to determine the role of calcium absorption and hormonal regulators."
In the current study, 44 overweight premenopausal women were randomized to either normal (1 g/day) or high (1.8 g/day) calcium intake during 6 months of energy restriction (weight loss groups) or were recruited for weight maintenance with calcium intake of 1 g/day. Mean age was 38 ± 6.4 years, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.7 ± 2.1 kg/m2.
Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry measured regional bone mineral density (BMD) and content. A dual-stable calcium isotope method measured true fractional calcium absorption at baseline and during caloric restriction. Markers of bone turnover were measured before and after weight loss.
The weight loss groups lost 7.2% ± 3.3% of initial body weight. There was no significant decrease in BMD or rise in bone turnover with weight loss at normal or high calcium intake. In the group with high calcium intake, there was a strong correlation (r = 0.71) between increased femoral neck BMD and increased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. There was no significant effect of weight loss on true fractional calcium absorption, and the total calcium absorbed was adequate (238 ± 81 mg/day in the normal-calcium weight loss group, and 310 ± 91 mg/day in the high-calcium weight loss group).
Study limitations include concerns about the validity of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry measurements in heavier people and in weight loss studies.
"We showed that dieting overweight premenopausal women do not lose bone with intakes of 1.0 or 1.8 g Ca/d, which may be explained by sufficient amounts of absorbed calcium," the authors conclude. "Furthermore, bone turnover was not up-regulated, and the calcium-PTH [parathyroid hormone] axis was not significantly increased because of weight loss. We suggest that overweight premenopausal women do not lose bone with moderate weight loss when consuming the recommended intake for calcium."
The National Institutes of Health supported this study. The authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Calcium & Weight Loss
High Calcium Intake - Increases Weight Loss
Researchers at the CU-Health Sciences Center's Center for Human Nutrition reported recently that calcium may help control body weight, confirming findings from other studies. The report, published in February's International Journal of Obesity, is the first study in humans to demonstrate a mechanistic link between calcium intake and body weight.
More Calcium Helps Burn Body Fat
Edward Melanson, PhD, and James Hill, PhD, examined diet data from 35 healthy, non-obese adults during a 24-hour period and measured their daily energy expenditures. They found that those individuals who consumed more calcium used more fat as fuel compared to those with lower calcium intakes.
The idea that calcium intake may be related to body weight has been supported by several studies in the past decade. Studies in rats and mice suggest that higher calcium intake alters the metabolism of fat cells, causing less fat to be stored and more fat to be released. Whether this also occurs in humans was not known.
Correlation Between Calcium and Fat Loss
The new report suggests calcium also may help control body weight in humans by increasing the amount of fat that the body uses for fuel. "It is encouraging to find that there is a correlation between the amount of fat used and the amount of calcium consumed," Dr. Melanson said.
He cautioned, however, that more research is needed in humans before any firm conclusions can be made about calcium's effect on body weight or whether increasing calcium intake without changing other aspects of the diet actually increases the amount of fat used.
"The current RDA is 1,000 milligrams a day, and this RDA is a little higher for adolescents, young adults and pregnant or lactating women," Dr. Melanson said. "A glass of milk, a cup of yogurt, or a serving of cheese contains approximately 300 milligrams, so three servings of dairy per day should be a good goal."
According to Dr. Melanson, the average American typically consumes only 600- 700 milligrams of calcium per day, and many are well below that level.
Refference:
http://www.annecollins.com/weight-control/calcium-weight-loss.htm
Researchers at the CU-Health Sciences Center's Center for Human Nutrition reported recently that calcium may help control body weight, confirming findings from other studies. The report, published in February's International Journal of Obesity, is the first study in humans to demonstrate a mechanistic link between calcium intake and body weight.
More Calcium Helps Burn Body Fat
Edward Melanson, PhD, and James Hill, PhD, examined diet data from 35 healthy, non-obese adults during a 24-hour period and measured their daily energy expenditures. They found that those individuals who consumed more calcium used more fat as fuel compared to those with lower calcium intakes.
The idea that calcium intake may be related to body weight has been supported by several studies in the past decade. Studies in rats and mice suggest that higher calcium intake alters the metabolism of fat cells, causing less fat to be stored and more fat to be released. Whether this also occurs in humans was not known.
Correlation Between Calcium and Fat Loss
The new report suggests calcium also may help control body weight in humans by increasing the amount of fat that the body uses for fuel. "It is encouraging to find that there is a correlation between the amount of fat used and the amount of calcium consumed," Dr. Melanson said.
He cautioned, however, that more research is needed in humans before any firm conclusions can be made about calcium's effect on body weight or whether increasing calcium intake without changing other aspects of the diet actually increases the amount of fat used.
"The current RDA is 1,000 milligrams a day, and this RDA is a little higher for adolescents, young adults and pregnant or lactating women," Dr. Melanson said. "A glass of milk, a cup of yogurt, or a serving of cheese contains approximately 300 milligrams, so three servings of dairy per day should be a good goal."
According to Dr. Melanson, the average American typically consumes only 600- 700 milligrams of calcium per day, and many are well below that level.
Refference:
http://www.annecollins.com/weight-control/calcium-weight-loss.htm
PMS and Calcium
Calcium, A PMS Treatment
Recent clinical studies have concluded Premenstrual Syndrome may be caused by a calcium deficiency! Calcium is the most common mineral in your body, yet most do not consume the recommended amount for their age and sex. Most adults require 1000 mg daily, yet research shows the average American only gets 600 mg from their diet. About half of dietary calcium comes from dairy products so if you avoid dairy you are almost certainly calcium deficient unless you supplement.
Calcium is called “the king of minerals” for good reason. Most people think of calcium for supporting strong bones and teeth. Actually, the bones are the least of your worries if you are low on calcium. It is needed for many more important functions than supporting your frame such as heart function, muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses, blood clotting, regulating your metabolism, regulating hormones, and more. Recent research points to calcium deficiency as being a possible cause of hypertension (high blood pressure) and of colon cancer.
In other words, it is not a big stretch to think that calcium may be involved in the irritability, mood swings, pain and cramps associated with PMS. We have an excellent tool for assessing your calcium needs on this website. Check your daily dietary calcium levels with our free bone health calculator.
You will find the clinical study summary below very helpful.
Calcium and the premenstrual syndrome
Hys-Jacobs S, Starkey P, Bernstein D, Tian J.
St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10019, USA.
OBJECTIVE: Previous reports have suggested that disturbances in calcium regulation may underlie the pathophysiologic characteristics of premenstrual syndrome and that calcium supplementation may be an effective therapeutic approach. To evaluate the effect of calcium carbonate on the luteal and menstrual phases of the menstrual cycle in premenstrual syndrome, a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter clinical trial was conducted.
STUDY DESIGN: Healthy, premenopausal women between the ages of 18 and 45 years were recruited nationally across the United States at 12 outpatient centers and screened for moderate-to-severe, cyclically recurring premenstrual symptoms. Symptoms were prospectively documented over 2 menstrual cycles with a daily rating scale that had 17 core symptoms and 4 symptom factors (negative affect, water retention, food cravings, and pain). Participants were randomly assigned to receive 1200 mg of elemental calcium per day in the form of calcium carbonate or placebo for 3 menstrual cycles. Routine chemistry, complete blood cell count, and urinalysis were obtained on all participants. Daily documentation of symptoms, adverse effects, and compliance with medications were monitored. The primary outcome measure was the 17-parameter symptom complex score.
RESULTS: Seven hundred twenty women were screened for this trial; 497 women were enrolled; 466 were valid for the efficacy analysis. There was no difference in age, weight, height, use of oral contraceptives, or menstrual cycle length between treatment groups. There were no differences between groups in the mean screening symptom complex score of the luteal (P = .659), menstrual (P = .818), or intermenstrual phase (P = .726) of the menstrual cycle. During the luteal phase of the treatment cycle, a significantly lower mean symptom complex score was observed in the calcium-treated group for both the second (P = .007) and third (P < .001) treatment cycles. By the third treatment cycle calcium effectively resulted in an overall 48% reduction in total symptom scores from baseline compared with a 30% reduction in placebo. All 4 symptom factors were significantly reduced by the third treatment cycle.
CONCLUSIONS: Calcium supplementation is a simple and effective treatment in premenstrual syndrome, resulting in a major reduction in overall luteal phase symptoms.
Recent clinical studies have concluded Premenstrual Syndrome may be caused by a calcium deficiency! Calcium is the most common mineral in your body, yet most do not consume the recommended amount for their age and sex. Most adults require 1000 mg daily, yet research shows the average American only gets 600 mg from their diet. About half of dietary calcium comes from dairy products so if you avoid dairy you are almost certainly calcium deficient unless you supplement.
Calcium is called “the king of minerals” for good reason. Most people think of calcium for supporting strong bones and teeth. Actually, the bones are the least of your worries if you are low on calcium. It is needed for many more important functions than supporting your frame such as heart function, muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses, blood clotting, regulating your metabolism, regulating hormones, and more. Recent research points to calcium deficiency as being a possible cause of hypertension (high blood pressure) and of colon cancer.
In other words, it is not a big stretch to think that calcium may be involved in the irritability, mood swings, pain and cramps associated with PMS. We have an excellent tool for assessing your calcium needs on this website. Check your daily dietary calcium levels with our free bone health calculator.
You will find the clinical study summary below very helpful.
Calcium and the premenstrual syndrome
Hys-Jacobs S, Starkey P, Bernstein D, Tian J.
St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10019, USA.
OBJECTIVE: Previous reports have suggested that disturbances in calcium regulation may underlie the pathophysiologic characteristics of premenstrual syndrome and that calcium supplementation may be an effective therapeutic approach. To evaluate the effect of calcium carbonate on the luteal and menstrual phases of the menstrual cycle in premenstrual syndrome, a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter clinical trial was conducted.
STUDY DESIGN: Healthy, premenopausal women between the ages of 18 and 45 years were recruited nationally across the United States at 12 outpatient centers and screened for moderate-to-severe, cyclically recurring premenstrual symptoms. Symptoms were prospectively documented over 2 menstrual cycles with a daily rating scale that had 17 core symptoms and 4 symptom factors (negative affect, water retention, food cravings, and pain). Participants were randomly assigned to receive 1200 mg of elemental calcium per day in the form of calcium carbonate or placebo for 3 menstrual cycles. Routine chemistry, complete blood cell count, and urinalysis were obtained on all participants. Daily documentation of symptoms, adverse effects, and compliance with medications were monitored. The primary outcome measure was the 17-parameter symptom complex score.
RESULTS: Seven hundred twenty women were screened for this trial; 497 women were enrolled; 466 were valid for the efficacy analysis. There was no difference in age, weight, height, use of oral contraceptives, or menstrual cycle length between treatment groups. There were no differences between groups in the mean screening symptom complex score of the luteal (P = .659), menstrual (P = .818), or intermenstrual phase (P = .726) of the menstrual cycle. During the luteal phase of the treatment cycle, a significantly lower mean symptom complex score was observed in the calcium-treated group for both the second (P = .007) and third (P < .001) treatment cycles. By the third treatment cycle calcium effectively resulted in an overall 48% reduction in total symptom scores from baseline compared with a 30% reduction in placebo. All 4 symptom factors were significantly reduced by the third treatment cycle.
CONCLUSIONS: Calcium supplementation is a simple and effective treatment in premenstrual syndrome, resulting in a major reduction in overall luteal phase symptoms.
Calcium: Heart Risk for Older Women?
By Kathleen Doheny
WebMD Health NewsReviewed by Louise Chang, MD
Study Shows Calcium Supplements May Up Heart Attack Risk in Postmenopausal Women
Jan.15 2008 -- Calcium supplements, generally thought to preserve both bone and heart health, may boost the risk of heart disease in healthy postmenopausal women, according to New Zealand researchers.
"Loading with high doses of calcium reduces bone loss but at a cost in heart health that is not justified," says researcher Ian Reid, MD, professor of medicine and endocrinology at the University of Auckland.
But a U.S. expert on calcium supplementation says the findings may be a fluke and at this time don't warrant any change in the recommendation to get sufficient calcium through diet and supplements.
Calcium, Heart Attack Study Details
Reid and his colleagues followed 1,471 healthy postmenopausal women, ages 55 and above, assigning half to get a daily calcium supplement of 1,000 milligrams and half to placebo pills. The average age in both groups was 74.
Calcium supplements are typically prescribed to women after menopause to preserve bone health, and some studies suggest it might also protect heart health by improving the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.
The New Zealand researchers initially conducted the study to look at the effect of calcium on bone health, says Reid, who has received research support from calcium supplement manufacturers. This study is what is known as a secondary analysis. Researchers evaluated the women's calcium intake from diet and examined them every six months for five years, looking for reports of heart attack, stroke, or sudden death.
The women in the supplement group got 861 milligrams of calcium from diet per day, on average, boosting their total daily intake to 1,861. The placebo group averaged about 853 milligrams of calcium daily from their diet.
(Has your doctor talked to you about heart risks? Talk with others on WebMD's Bone Health and Osteoporosis message board.)
Calcium, Heart Attack Results
To obtain a more complete picture, the researchers also looked for events not reported at the visits by checking hospital admissions and reviewing death certificates of those who had died.
Heart attacks were more common in the calcium group, with 31 women on supplements having 36 heart attacks compared to 21 women on placebo having 22 heart attacks during the follow-up period.
The risk of a heart attack was about 1.5 times greater for those in the supplement group, but the link did not reach statistical significance.
Considered together, strokes, heart attack, or sudden death were more common in those on supplements than on placebo, but the differences -- when taken as a whole -- were statistically only of borderline significance, Reid's team found.
The researchers took into account such factors as cigarette smoking, high cholesterol, and blood pressure problems.
Calcium, Heart Attack: What's the Mechanism?
Reid cautions that the findings must be replicated and plans to do more research on the proposed link.
But he speculates that the calcium supplements may elevate blood calcium levels and possibly speed calcification in blood vessels, which is known to predict the rates of vascular problems such as heart attack.
Second Opinion: Calcium, Heart Attacks
The link between calcium supplements and heart attack suggested by the New Zealand team "seems implausible," says Robert P. Heaney, MD, John A. Creighton University professor at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., and a long-time researcher of calcium's effect on health.
Typically, Heaney tells WebMD, "Extra calcium doesn't build up in your arteries. The body regulates the blood concentration of calcium.'' Only in people who have lost the ability to regulate calcium levels could the blood concentration of calcium increase, he says, and this condition is rare.
Calcium and Heart Health Advice
Women should keep taking the recommended amounts of calcium, Heaney says. "Postmenopausal women should be getting 1,500 milligrams [a day] through diet and supplements," he says.
The levels recommended by the Institute of Medicine are a bit lower: 1,200 milligrams of calcium for men and women ages 51 and older, and 1,000 milligrams for those 19 to 50.
"Even if it turns out this [proposed link between calcium supplements and heart attacks] is true and replicated [with further research] you have to weigh that against fracture protection," Heaney says of calcium supplements.
Reid disagrees, suggesting women over the age of 70 and some others should rethink calcium supplements.
"It is likely that this is primarily a problem for elderly women because they are more likely than younger subjects to have prevalent coronary heart disease," he tells WebMD. "Therefore it seems wise to advise against [high amounts of] calcium supplementation in those over the age of 70 years and in those known to have coronary heart disease. Aiming at a total calcium intake of approximately 1 gram [1,000 milligrams] a day [equivalent to four servings of dairy products] seems sensible in these subjects."
For instance, a woman who took in 500 milligrams of calcium from foods should take no more than 500 milligrams in supplements daily, he says.
Younger women can continue supplementing without worry, he says. "At present, there is no evidence of adverse cardiovascular effects of calcium supplementation in younger women, so the conventional use of calcium supplements seems reasonable in these subjects."
WebMD Health NewsReviewed by Louise Chang, MD
Study Shows Calcium Supplements May Up Heart Attack Risk in Postmenopausal Women
Jan.15 2008 -- Calcium supplements, generally thought to preserve both bone and heart health, may boost the risk of heart disease in healthy postmenopausal women, according to New Zealand researchers.
"Loading with high doses of calcium reduces bone loss but at a cost in heart health that is not justified," says researcher Ian Reid, MD, professor of medicine and endocrinology at the University of Auckland.
But a U.S. expert on calcium supplementation says the findings may be a fluke and at this time don't warrant any change in the recommendation to get sufficient calcium through diet and supplements.
Calcium, Heart Attack Study Details
Reid and his colleagues followed 1,471 healthy postmenopausal women, ages 55 and above, assigning half to get a daily calcium supplement of 1,000 milligrams and half to placebo pills. The average age in both groups was 74.
Calcium supplements are typically prescribed to women after menopause to preserve bone health, and some studies suggest it might also protect heart health by improving the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.
The New Zealand researchers initially conducted the study to look at the effect of calcium on bone health, says Reid, who has received research support from calcium supplement manufacturers. This study is what is known as a secondary analysis. Researchers evaluated the women's calcium intake from diet and examined them every six months for five years, looking for reports of heart attack, stroke, or sudden death.
The women in the supplement group got 861 milligrams of calcium from diet per day, on average, boosting their total daily intake to 1,861. The placebo group averaged about 853 milligrams of calcium daily from their diet.
(Has your doctor talked to you about heart risks? Talk with others on WebMD's Bone Health and Osteoporosis message board.)
Calcium, Heart Attack Results
To obtain a more complete picture, the researchers also looked for events not reported at the visits by checking hospital admissions and reviewing death certificates of those who had died.
Heart attacks were more common in the calcium group, with 31 women on supplements having 36 heart attacks compared to 21 women on placebo having 22 heart attacks during the follow-up period.
The risk of a heart attack was about 1.5 times greater for those in the supplement group, but the link did not reach statistical significance.
Considered together, strokes, heart attack, or sudden death were more common in those on supplements than on placebo, but the differences -- when taken as a whole -- were statistically only of borderline significance, Reid's team found.
The researchers took into account such factors as cigarette smoking, high cholesterol, and blood pressure problems.
Calcium, Heart Attack: What's the Mechanism?
Reid cautions that the findings must be replicated and plans to do more research on the proposed link.
But he speculates that the calcium supplements may elevate blood calcium levels and possibly speed calcification in blood vessels, which is known to predict the rates of vascular problems such as heart attack.
Second Opinion: Calcium, Heart Attacks
The link between calcium supplements and heart attack suggested by the New Zealand team "seems implausible," says Robert P. Heaney, MD, John A. Creighton University professor at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., and a long-time researcher of calcium's effect on health.
Typically, Heaney tells WebMD, "Extra calcium doesn't build up in your arteries. The body regulates the blood concentration of calcium.'' Only in people who have lost the ability to regulate calcium levels could the blood concentration of calcium increase, he says, and this condition is rare.
Calcium and Heart Health Advice
Women should keep taking the recommended amounts of calcium, Heaney says. "Postmenopausal women should be getting 1,500 milligrams [a day] through diet and supplements," he says.
The levels recommended by the Institute of Medicine are a bit lower: 1,200 milligrams of calcium for men and women ages 51 and older, and 1,000 milligrams for those 19 to 50.
"Even if it turns out this [proposed link between calcium supplements and heart attacks] is true and replicated [with further research] you have to weigh that against fracture protection," Heaney says of calcium supplements.
Reid disagrees, suggesting women over the age of 70 and some others should rethink calcium supplements.
"It is likely that this is primarily a problem for elderly women because they are more likely than younger subjects to have prevalent coronary heart disease," he tells WebMD. "Therefore it seems wise to advise against [high amounts of] calcium supplementation in those over the age of 70 years and in those known to have coronary heart disease. Aiming at a total calcium intake of approximately 1 gram [1,000 milligrams] a day [equivalent to four servings of dairy products] seems sensible in these subjects."
For instance, a woman who took in 500 milligrams of calcium from foods should take no more than 500 milligrams in supplements daily, he says.
Younger women can continue supplementing without worry, he says. "At present, there is no evidence of adverse cardiovascular effects of calcium supplementation in younger women, so the conventional use of calcium supplements seems reasonable in these subjects."
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