The Calcium Cholesterol Connection

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If you think taking supplemental calcium is only good for bone

health, think again. Calcium is a multifaceted nutrient. It happens

to be the most abundant mineral in our bodies. Aside from its well-

known role in promoting bone health, calcium is important for

maximizing enzyme activity, facilitating nerve function, and helping

to regulate heart rhythm and muscle contraction. Low calcium intake

has not only been associated with poor bone health, but may also

contribute to poor blood pressure and even abnormal cell growth. The

benefit of calcium now appears to extend to a completely new arena,

which is cholesterol metabolism.

 

In a recent study published in the American Journal of Medicine, 223

women were randomly assigned to take either 1 gram (1,000 mg) of

calcium daily in the form of calcium citrate or an inactive placebo

for one year1. Investigators measured levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol

and HDL (good) cholesterol at the onset of study, and then again

periodically over the 12-month period. At the end of the trial, both

HDL cholesterol and HDL-to-LDL ratios had increased more for women

taking the calcium supplement compared to those taking placebo.

 

On average, women taking calcium saw an increase in HDL cholesterol

levels of about 7%. Authors indicated that this is another reason to

encourage postmenopausal women to take calcium. Further studies are

suggested to see if similar benefits are obtained with men, and

whether or not calcium supplementation may affect cardiovascular

health. The Right Form of Calcium is CriticalWhen taking calcium it's

important to use the right form.

 

Studies show that calcium carbonate has variable absorption,

depending on stomach pH. Calcium citrate malate is believed to be

most efficiently absorbed in the stomach and intestines. There may

actually be as much as a 1000% increase in absorption rates with

calcium citrate malate compared to other forms of calcium. Evidence

supporting the incredible benefits of calcium citrate malate was

published on September 4, 1997 in the prestigious New England Journal

of Medicine2. Several hundred elderly patients were studied. Half

were given 500 mg elemental calcium citrate malate with 700 IU

vitamin D, and the other half was given placebo. The results were

excellent. Calcium/vitamin D supplements improved bone health and

appeared to reduce fracture rates by more than 50%. In addition,

certain forms of calcium other than calcium citrate malate may

contain toxic heavy metals.

 

The worst offenders are carbonate (especially oyster shells, a common

form). It's very important to take magnesium in addition to calcium

supplements. Most people consume only about half of the Recommended

Dietary Allowances (RDA)/Daily Values (DV) of magnesium in their

diets. Low levels of magnesium may lead to poor bone and

cardiovascular health.

 

Resource: http://www.hypercet.com/?aid=128372