Some earlier studies found evidence of a possible relationship between calcium intake and body fat percentage in children. The study had suggested that low calcium intake may cause an increase in body fat.
To test this possible relationship researchers at South Dakota State University enrolled 173 children age 3 to 5 years old into a clinical trial. Children were randomized to receive a daily calcium supplement or placebo for one year. Body fat percentage, weight, and calcium levels were monitored during the study period and compared to baseline.
The results, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found no relationship between calcium intake and body fat percentage.
Children who were taking the calcium supplement did not show any difference in body fat percentage compared to children not on the supplement. There was one small exception, a group of children who were calcium deficient and receiving a supplement showed a slight decrease in fat mass compared to others. But this relationship was not strong enough to warrant further studies or to suggest that children start taking a calcium supplement.
Most children are not deficient in calcium because of the consumption of dairy products and fortification in other foods. The average recommended daily intake of calcium for children is 500-800 mg per day depending on age.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on December 29, 2006 03:06 PM
