Weight loss in premenopausal women and calcium intake

The Facts:
* Overweight premenopausal women who lost weight did not lose bone mass if they maintained an adequate calcium intake (at least 1g per day).
* Despite losing 7.2% of initial weight over a 6-month period, no major reduction in bone mineral density, or increase in bone turnover, was observed.
* Absorption of calcium was adequate and not significantly affected by weight loss.

Shaun’s comment: We know that calcium supplements are important for women after the menopause, but what about before that time? And what about if women are overweight, dieting, and possibly not taking in enough calcium in the diet? Reassuringly, this study shows that sufficient calcium is still absorbed. The message therefore is to wait until menopause before starting a calcium supplement, as long as your diet is well balanced.

Study reference:
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/85/4/972