Dietary Calcium Intake of 1200 mg/d May Have Negative Correlation on Percent Body Fat

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined whether a correlation existed between calcium intake and body composition in 102 premenopausal Caucasian women. Data collected included 3 days of 24-hour food records, the Framingham Physical Activity instrument, and selected anthropometric and demographic information. Calcium intake was not statistically correlated with body composition. The high-calcium group (intake ≥1200 mg/d) had a significantly higher mean caloric intake (P ≤ .01) and significantly lower percent body fat (P ≤ .05) than the low-calcium group (intake <1200 mg/d). Based on our findings, there may be association between daily ingestion of at least 1200 mg of calcium and decreased percent body fat