Fat Loss And Calcium
The BBC aired a documentary touting the benefits of calcium. And one of the benefits was its ability to block dietary fat from being digested.
However, can taking extra calcium really make a difference in your fat loss efforts?
If only fat loss could be packaged in a pill? But it’s not. The truth is, the amount of extra fat excreted with additional calcium intake will not have a huge effect on fat loss. And one has to be careful with the idea of blocking fat absorption.
Why? Because fat is absolutely necessary for the production of hormones that accelerate fat loss.
Furthermore, extra calcium in the form of supplements can have the following effects:
1. Compromised iron assimilation. Taking a high amount of one nutrient usually has an effect on another nutrient. And this is the case with calcium and iron. Now remember that iron is critical for maintaining energy levels. Why? Because it helps transport oxygen throughout your body. Without oxygen there is no life.
2. More calcium loss. How so??? Well, if you take antacids they have certain minerals which can actually cause a net calcium loss. So the next time you pop some of those tablets thinking they’ll help out with calcium levels, think again.
3. Painful stones. Kidney stones are not fun by any stretch of the imagination. And if you have a history here, then calcium supplementation should be done under the supervision of a qualified doctor.
4. Overdose of vitamin D. Vitamin D is the new kid on the block. Everyone under the sun is recommending high intakes of Vitamin D, even Harvard University researchers. HOWEVER, too much of anything is bad for you. If you already have a high amount of Vitamin D in your diet, taking a calcium supplement which is usually fortified with Vitamin D could put you over the top.
Now calcium supplements aren’t all evil, taking them in excess is. And the tricky part here is that many of the foods we eat can be fortified with a multitude of vitamins and minerals. This can add up as the weeks and months go by. So be careful with what you put in your body!
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October 08 2009 05:06 am | Supplements