Calcium Intake and 10-Year Weight Change in Middle-Aged Adults

ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to examine the purported effects of calcium on modulating body weight.DesignRetrospective data was used to assess the relationship between calcium intake and weight change over an 8- to 12-year period among middle-aged adults.SubjectsParticipants were 10,591 men and women aged 53 to 57 years recruited during 2000-2002.Statistical AnalysisLinear regression was used to model associations of 10-year weight change and calcium intake, adjusted for weight at age 45 years, energy intake, physical activity, and other factors.ResultsCalcium intake was associated with 10-year weight change only in women. Women with current calcium supplement dose of >500 mg/day had a 10-year weight gain of 5.1 kg (95% confidence interval 4.7 to 5.5) compared to 6.9 kg (95% confidence interval 6.5 to 7.4) among nonusers (P for trend=0.001). Trends were similar for total calcium intake from diet plus supplements (P for trend=0.001). Dietary calcium alone had no significant effect on 10-year weight change.ConclusionsIncreasing total calcium intake, in the form of calcium supplementation, may be beneficial to weight maintenance, especially in women during midlife.