Does taking calcium tablets help you lose weight? Experts: May increase risk of stones

"Have you taken calcium supplements today?" When it comes to calcium supplements and taking calcium tablets, most people will think of the effects of increasing bone density and delaying osteoporosis. However, in addition to the above-mentioned effects, there is a saying circulating on the Internet recently that "taking calcium tablets before meals can help inhibit fat absorption and aid weight loss." But do calcium supplements really have such magical effects? Nutritionists say that this method is not only ineffective, but also increases the risk of stones.

There has been a rumor circulating on the Internet recently that taking calcium tablets before meals can help inhibit fat absorption and aid weight loss.

Recently, it has been widely circulated on the Internet that people who want to lose weight can take calcium tablets before meals to help lose weight. The content mentioned that due to the property of calcium combining with fatty acids, especially stearic acid, it can inhibit fat absorption, promote fat decomposition, and reduce body weight and body fat. Therefore, taking calcium supplements before meals can help prevent the body from absorbing too much fat, thereby achieving the goal of losing weight and reducing body fat.

Nutritionist: Calcium supplementation has limited effect on weight loss

Regarding the above statement, nutritionist Wang Zinan said that calcium does have the property of combining with stearic acid, but if one wants to achieve the purpose of helping to lose weight in this way, the effect is quite limited. Moreover, it can only work if the food you consume contains saturated fatty acids such as stearic acid, and its effectiveness is even more limited for people who are accustomed to a low-fat diet.

If we really have to judge, the method of using calcium supplements to assist weight loss is more suitable for Westerners who have a high intake of high-fat foods in their diet. It is less suitable for Oriental people who mainly consume carbohydrates such as rice and noodles in their three meals a day and have a low intake of high fats. Most importantly, the claim that taking calcium can help with weight loss has not been supported by any relevant human trials, dosage data, etc. internationally, so it is not recommended for people to try it easily.

If you do not take in the required amount of water each day while supplementing calcium, the risk of stone formation may increase, and in severe cases, it may even induce hypercalcemia.

Does taking calcium tablets help you lose weight? Be careful! Stones on the body

In addition, nutritionist Wang Zinan also reminded the public that according to the announcement of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the recommended daily calcium intake for adults should be 1,000 mg, which is sufficient. Excessive calcium supplementation will not only fail to achieve the effect of weight loss, but will also cause a burden on the body. Especially when taking calcium supplements but not taking in the required daily water intake, insufficient water intake may increase the risk of stone formation, and in severe cases may even induce hypercalcemia, causing other discomforts, so it is imperative to prevent this.