Effects of a calcium supplement on serum lipoproteins, apolipoprotein B, and blood pressure in overweight men

Calcium Lipoproteins Apolipoprotein B Blood pressure Overweight Background: Calcium supplements can improve hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and regulation of body weight in overweight persons. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of calcium supplementation on blood pressure and serum lipid profile. Materials and Methods: 49 overweight men (age range = 34.4 ± 4.8, BMI = 27.5 ± 1.7) were given a placebo or carbonate calcium (1,250 mg elemental calcium) daily for 8 weeks in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Serum lipids and blood pressure were measured before and after the trial. A 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire was completed for each person at baseline, in the 4th week, and at the end of the study. Results: There were no significant differences in weight, serum triglycerides, and HDL-c between the experimental and control groups at the end of the study, but there were significant differences in the mean changes of total cholesterol (12.9 versus 1%, P < .001), LDL-c (8.5 versus 1.6%, P = .003), and apolipoprotein B (7.2 vs. 0.18%, P = .044) in the experimental versus control groups at the end of the study. Additionally, in the experimental group, mean changes of systolic blood pressure had reduced significantly compared to the placebo group (6.84 vs. 3.05%, P = .046). Conclusions: The results suggest that calcium supplements may have a favorable effect on reducing cardiovascular risk in overweight men.