Calcium necessary at or above 600 mg daily

Recent studies have suggested that dietary calcium may have beneficial effects on adiposity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and blood pressure (BP). One potential mechanism underlying these benefits involves modifications in intracellular calcium concentration. A British Journal of Nutrition study aimed to evaluate the associations of dietary calcium with adiposity, metabolic profile, blood pressure, inflammatory state and endothelial function in healthy pre-menopausal women. Women aged 18–50 years were allocated into two groups according to calcium intake: low calcium group (less than 600 mg daily) and high calcium group (more than 600 mg daily). 

Women in the low calcium group compared with those in the high calcium group exhibited higher values of BMI, waist circumference, waist:height ratio, percentage of body fat, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, leptin, diastolic and mean blood pressure; and lower levels of HDL-cholesterol, adiponectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule. Women in the high calcium group had lower risk for overweight, obesity, abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, HDL-cholesterol, and high blood pressure. The findings of the present study suggest that calcium intake above 600 mg is inversely associated with numerous cardiovascular risk factors.

Bonnie: As we have incessantly stated since recent studies have greatly confused the public, around 600 mg. of supplemental calcium is ideal, as long as it is accompanied with magnesium and vitamin D3. Of course, every person should be evaluated individually to assess their needs.