Calcium supplementation for 1 y does not reduce body weight or fat mass in young girls

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adipose-tissue #adolescent #body-composition #body-height #body-weight

Calcium supplementation for 1 y does not reduce body weight or fat mass in young girls

Lorenzen et al., 2006 | Am J Clin Nutr | Rct

Citation

Lorenzen Janne K, Mølgaard Christian, ... Astrup Arne. Calcium supplementation for 1 y does not reduce body weight or fat mass in young girls. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006-Jan;83(1):18-23

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence from observational studies indicates that a high calcium intake may reduce body weight and body fat. However, few randomized trials have been conducted. OBJECTIVE: We examined whether calcium supplementation affects body weight and body fat in young girls and whether a relation exists between habitual calcium intake and body weight and body fat. DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention study was conducted in 110 young girls. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive 500 mg Ca/d as calcium carbonate or placebo for 1 y. Two groups of girls were selected according to habitual calcium intake from a large group; one group consumed 1000-1304 mg/d (40th-60th percentile; n = 60) and the other group consumed <713 mg/d (<20th percentile; n = 50). Height, body weight, body fat, and calcium intake were measured at baseline and after 1 y. RESULTS: At baseline a significant negative correlation was observed between habitual dietary calcium intake and percentage of body fat (r = -0.242, P = 0.011). However, calcium supplementation had no effect on height, body weight, or percentage body fat. CONCLUSIONS: Habitual dietary calcium intake was inversely associated with body fat, but a low-dose calcium supplement had no effect on body weight, height, or body fat over 1 y in young girls. It is possible that the effect of calcium on body weight is only exerted if it is ingested as part of a meal, or the effect may be due to other ingredients in dairy products, and calcium may simply be a marker for a high dairy intake.

Key Findings

At baseline a significant negative correlation was observed between habitual dietary calcium intake and percentage of body fat (r = -0.242, P = 0.011). However, calcium supplementation had no effect on height, body weight, or percentage body fat.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population young girls
Sample Size 60
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adipose Tissue
  • Adolescent
  • Body Composition
  • Body Height
  • Body Weight
  • Calcium
  • Calcium, Dietary
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Vitamin D

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: calcium-weight

Provenance

  • PMID: 16400044
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09