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The effect of calcium supplementation on bone loss in 32 controlled trials in postmenopausal women
Osteoporosis International, 05/27/09

Nordin BEC – Study demonstrates that calcium supplementation of about 1,000 mg daily has a significant preventive effect on bone loss in postmenopausal women for at least 4 years.

• A review of literature to estimate the effect of calcium supplementation in postmenopausal women
• 32 trials of calcium supplementation in 3,169 postmenopausal women were reviewed
• 24 publications reporting 32 controlled trials lasting at least 1 year were found
• They provided annual percentage changes in bone mass or density at one or more sites in the calcium-treated and control subjects

• Median calcium supplement: 1,000 mg; median duration of trials: 2 yrs; total number of sites measured: 79
• Average of the mean rates of change in bone mass or density:
  • -1.07% p.a. in the controls and
  • -0.27% p.a. (ns) in the treated subjects
• Effect of calcium was much the same at all measured sites (forearm/hand, proximal femur, spine, and total body and others)
• Supplements of <700 mg were not effective, but there was no significant beneficial effect of higher doses
• A faster bone loss at total calcium intakes below 1,150 mg than on intakes over 1,350 mg was noted
• Effect of calcium appeared to be lost after 4 yrs of treatment

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