Calcium vitamins
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The Role of Calcium and Vitamin D in Health: A Comprehensive Overview
Calcium and Vitamin D for Bone Health
Importance of Calcium and Vitamin D in Bone Maintenance
Calcium and vitamin D are crucial for maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis, particularly in populations at risk such as postmenopausal women. These nutrients work synergistically to enhance bone density and strength, which is vital for reducing the risk of fractures3 7. Supplementation with calcium and vitamin D has been shown to improve bone mineral density (BMD) and maintain parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, which are essential for bone metabolism1.
Effects on Bone Density During High Physical Activity
In a study involving military personnel undergoing basic combat training, supplementation with calcium and vitamin D significantly improved bone density and strength. This was evidenced by increased circulating ionized calcium and maintained PTH levels, which are critical during periods of elevated bone turnover1. These findings underscore the importance of these nutrients in supporting bone health during intense physical activity.
Calcium and Vitamin D in Metabolic Health
Impact on Lipid and Lipoprotein Profiles
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation can also positively affect metabolic health. In overweight or obese women undergoing a weight-loss intervention, supplementation with these nutrients enhanced the beneficial effects of weight loss on plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations. Specifically, there were significant reductions in LDL cholesterol and improvements in the total:HDL and LDL:HDL cholesterol ratios2.
Glucose Metabolism and Insulin Sensitivity
For individuals at high risk of diabetes, vitamin D supplementation has been shown to improve pancreatic β-cell function and insulin secretion. This was demonstrated in a study where adults at risk of type 2 diabetes experienced improved glucose homeostasis with vitamin D supplementation5. Additionally, in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), calcium and vitamin D co-supplementation led to significant improvements in insulin sensitivity and reductions in serum insulin levels and triglycerides8.
Calcium and Vitamin D in Cancer Prevention
Reduced Cancer Risk
Several studies have indicated that calcium and vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk of certain cancers. A randomized trial found that postmenopausal women who received calcium and vitamin D had a significantly lower incidence of all types of cancer compared to those who received a placebo4. This suggests a potential protective effect of these nutrients against cancer development.
Colorectal Cancer
However, the evidence is mixed regarding the prevention of specific cancers such as colorectal cancer. A large-scale study involving postmenopausal women found no significant difference in the incidence of colorectal cancer between those who received calcium and vitamin D supplements and those who received a placebo6. This highlights the need for further research to clarify the role of these nutrients in cancer prevention.
Cardiovascular Health and Calcium/Vitamin D Supplementation
Cardiovascular Events
The relationship between calcium and vitamin D supplementation and cardiovascular health remains uncertain. A study involving postmenopausal women found that supplementation did not significantly increase or decrease the risk of coronary or cerebrovascular events over a seven-year period10. This suggests that while these supplements are beneficial for bone health, their impact on cardiovascular health requires further investigation.
Conclusion
Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients with well-documented benefits for bone health, particularly in populations at risk of osteoporosis and during periods of high physical activity. They also play a role in improving metabolic health, including lipid profiles and glucose metabolism. While there is evidence suggesting a potential protective effect against certain cancers, the impact on specific cancers like colorectal cancer and cardiovascular health remains inconclusive. Further research is needed to fully understand the broad health implications of calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation maintains parathyroid hormone and improves bone density during initial military training: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial.
Supplemental calcium and vitamin D maintain bone health and improve bone density during initial military training compared to placebo.
RCT
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedSupplementation with calcium + vitamin D enhances the beneficial effect of weight loss on plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations.
Consumption of calcium+vitamin D during a weight-loss intervention enhanced the beneficial effect of body weight loss on the lipid and lipoprotein profile in overweight or obese women with usual low daily calcium intake.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedCalcium and vitamin D.
Maintaining adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D is crucial for maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis.
Highly CitedVitamin D and calcium supplementation reduces cancer risk: results of a randomized trial.
Improving calcium and vitamin D nutritional status significantly reduces all-cancer risk in postmenopausal women.
RCT
Large Human TrialVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedEffects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on pancreatic β cell function, insulin sensitivity, and glycemia in adults at high risk of diabetes: the Calcium and Vitamin D for Diabetes Mellitus (CaDDM) randomized controlled trial.
Short-term cholecalciferol supplementation improved pancreatic cell function and had a marginal effect on attenuating Hb A(1c) rise in adults at risk of type 2 diabetes.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedCalcium plus vitamin D supplementation and the risk of colorectal cancer.
Daily calcium and vitamin D supplementation for seven years did not significantly reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women.
RCTLarge Human TrialHighly CitedCalcium plus vitamin D supplementation and the risk of fractures.
Calcium with vitamin D supplementation improved hip bone density in healthy postmenopausal women, but did not significantly reduce hip fracture risk and increased the risk of kidney stones.
RCTLarge Human TrialHighly CitedCalcium plus vitamin D supplementation affects glucose metabolism and lipid concentrations in overweight and obese vitamin D deficient women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation for eight weeks in overweight and obese vitamin D deficient women with PCOS improved glucose metabolism and lipid levels, but did not affect FPG or other lipid profiles.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D
Dietary reference values for calcium and vitamin D have been established to help clarify their importance for bone health and overall health.
Highly CitedCalcium/Vitamin D Supplementation and Cardiovascular Events
Calcium/vitamin D supplementation does not increase or decrease coronary or cerebrovascular risk in generally healthy postmenopausal women over a 7-year use period.
RCTLarge Human TrialHighly Cited