BrokenLeg1Researchers from the University of Auckland, in New Zealand searched for the effects of exercise on cholesterol, blood pressure, and body weight.

First, the details.

  • 323 healthy men were randomly assigned to take placebo, 600 mg calcium per day, or 1200 mg calcium per day for 2 years.

And, the results.

  • There was no significant effect of calcium treatment on triglycerides; total, LDL (bad), or HDL (good) cholesterol; or the ratio of HDL to LDL cholesterol.
  • There were also no significant changes in weight, fat mass, and lean mass.
  • There were no significant effects on blood pressure.
  • There were no effects on weight or body composition.

The bottom line?

OK, but these are not the primary reasons for taking calcium supplements among older men — maintenance of bone tissue.

12/1/09 21:03 JR

Hi, I’m JR

John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.