Calcium and Vitamin D for Belly Fat?

About 8 ounces (240mL) of the juice was consumed 3 times per day, providing a total daily dose of 1050 mg of calcium and 300 IU of vitamin D. The study was conducted on overweight and obese individuals. The authors conclude, “A large portion of the population is deficient in vitamin D, and dietary calcium intake often does not meet current recommendations. Although more needs to be learned about the role of calcium and vitamin D in lipolysis, the data underscore the possible role of these 2 nutrients in fat metabolism and support a potential role of calcium and vitamin D in the preferential and beneficial reduction of visceral adipose tissue, which has been linked to several metabolic disorders.”

A similar study that was published a couple years ago in the British Journal of Nutrition, reported comparable results. Instead of drinking juice, the study subjects took pills that contained calcium and vitamin D. Only women with the lowest calcium intake prior to the study seemed to get added fat-loss benefits from the supplement. Supplement users lost 13 pounds, on average, versus 3 pounds in the placebo group. The authors of that study concluded, “Our hypothesis is that the brain can detect the lack of calcium and seeks to compensate by spurring food intake, which obviously works against the goals of any weight loss program. Sufficient calcium intake seems to stifle the desire to eat more.”

More studies will have to be done to determine the exact mechanism by which these nutrients aid in fat burning. Until then, at least get your vitamin D tested and take a good multi vitamin-mineral supplement.

Talk Back:

Do You Have a Problem With Belly Fat? Have You Tried Supplementing with Vitamin D and Calcium? Post Your Answer Below.