Research
Micronutrients & recovery
Increased calcium intake may help prevent colorectal cancer, and may offer modest protection against breast cancer, though evidence is weaker. Calcium may also play a role in weight management and cardiovascular health through modest blood pressure and lipid-lowering effects.
While calcium is best known for bones, it may also help prevent colorectal cancer and support heart health by modestly lowering blood pressure. However, evidence for breast cancer protection and weight management is still preliminary. Prioritize getting calcium from food rather than relying on supplements for these secondary benefits.
ModerateConditionalMEDIUM confidence
There is some evidence that increased intakes of calcium later in life may help in the prevention of colorectal cancers. There is weaker evidence to suggest that calcium may offer some protection against breast cancer... Calcium exerts modest blood pressure and lipid-lowering effects, which may be of relevance in reducing risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, there is preliminary evidence suggesting that calcium may play a role in weight management.
Why this rating
The paper describes evidence as 'some', 'weaker', or 'preliminary', and notes that human trials are in their infancy for weight management.
Source
Dietary calcium and health
Hannah Theobald · Nutrition Bulletin · 2005
narrative_reviewCited 201×
Read the paper This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →