Evaluating the Effects of Supplementation with Calcium, Vitamin D, or Their Combination on Lipid Profile and Body Weight in Overweight Military Personnel

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Obesity is a major public health problem worldwide and it has been reported that the prevalence of overweightness and dyslipidemia increases in military personnel. This study was designed to evaluate the independent or combined effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on blood lipid profile and body weight in overweight military male personnel. Methods: Overall, 120 overweight males were allocated to 4 groups, including 1, Calcium supplementation (2 tablets per day; each containing 500 mg of calcium carbonate); 2, vitamin D supplementation (2 tablets per day; each containing 200 IU of vitamin D3); 3, Ca + Vit D supplementation (2 tablets per day; each containing 500 mg calcium carbonate plus 200 IU vitamin D3); and 4, Placebo (2 tablets per day, containing micro-cellulose). In all groups, blood lipid, body weight, and anthropometric indices were measured at baseline and after 6 weeks. Changes of lipid profile and body weight following intervention were calculated as before minus after the intervention. Data was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: Serum triglycerides and total cholesterol significantly decreased in the calcium-treated group more than the other groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, LDL and body weight significantly decreased in Ca + Vit D treated group more than the other groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: It seems that Ca or Ca plus Vit D supplements decrease triglycerides, total Cholesterol, LDL, and body weight in overweight patients.