Calcium as a weight loss nutrient is hotly debated, with some studies showing benefit and others not showing benefit.  A new study helps place the argument in proper perspective and clearly shows that a higher intake of calcium¹ is supportive of weight loss efforts.

In the world of the quick fix many people are looking for a magic bullet that will melt away pounds.  Calcium has never been proven to do that – in fact no nutrient has ever been proven to do that. 

On the other hand many nutrients have been shown to be supportive of healthy metabolism that encourages weight loss.  In some cases weight loss may not be possible without such support.  In other cases nutrients simply help make losing weight easier.  This is the subject of metabolic efficiency – as different from a basic calculation which says to exercise more and eat less.

With this background the important point is actually finding a strategy that helps to get you on a path of weight loss.  This almost always involves eating less and possibly exercising more.  But then the question of metabolic efficiency raises its hand. 

In this two year study participants were placed on a weight loss diet.  Those with the highest intake of dairy calcium (over 580 mg per day) lost 12 pounds on average while those with the lowest intake of dairy calcium (150 mg or less per day) lost 7 pounds.  The data shows that higher calcium intake is one nutrient that can help improve metabolic efficiency and encourage a better weight loss result for those who are actively taking steps to lose weight.

Posted by Byron J Richards at 02:45 PM.

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