Things To Think About With Calcium Supplementation
Not too long ago some research from Europe showed that dietary calcium could inhibit the absorption of dietary fat in the intestine. The amount of fat excreted was statistically significant.
Does this mean that extra calcium in your diet could aid fat loss?
If only fat loss could be packaged in a pill? But it’s not. The truth is, the amount of extra fat excreted with additional calcium intake will not have a huge effect on fat loss. And one has to be careful with the idea of blocking fat absorption.
Why? Because fat is absolutely necessary for the production of hormones that accelerate fat loss.
Furthermore, extra calcium in the form of supplements can have the following effects:
1. Competition with iron. All the cells in your body need oxygen to produce energy. Iron is used by hemoglobin to transport oxygen. And if you take in too much calcium you can decrease the absorption of iron. Not good.
2. More calcium loss. How so??? Well, if you take antacids they have certain minerals which can actually cause a net calcium loss. So the next time you pop some of those tablets thinking they’ll help out with calcium levels, think again.
3. Stones and potential kidney damage. This is mostly an issue for those who have a history with kidney stones. So if you think you might have kidney issues, please do NOT supplement with calcium without the strict supervision of a doctor.
4. Too much D. Many calcium supplements are super fortified with vitamin D. And if you have hefty amounts of vitamin D coming from other sources in your diet, you risk overdose. Now vitamin D is an exceptional nutrient, but too much of anything is NOT good for you.
Supplements do have their place in any prudent and effective fat loss plan. However, keep in mind that optimal nutrition is NOT accomplished by merely putting a vitamin or mineral into your body. The best approach here is to get nutrients from natural sources.
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