Calcium for Weight Loss

If you've failed on every diet you've ever tried, it's not your fault.

Learn the truth about low-calorie and low-fat diets - and discover the only diet that works for natural, permanent weight loss.

The good food you eat on this healthy diet boosts your metabolism, controls your appetite, and improves your moods. And the healthy, nutrient-rich foods keep your kids from getting fat and protects them from diabetes.

This 5-page report is a must-read for anyone who struggles with their weight:

What Scientists Know about Low-Calorie Diets, but Your Doctor Never Told You

Is calcium a "miracle" weight loss product?

In my mind, no weight loss product can be fairly called a "miracle" unless it offers the following benefits:

It's known to be safe when used responsibly
It's inexpensive
Peer reviewed studies prove it has a measurable weight loss benefit
As a nice bonus, it has other health benefits, in addition to weight loss

Calcium appears to fit these criteria when used responsibly for weight loss.

I'm happy to say that the calcium/weight loss research is being carried out by well-known laboratories and universities, and I found a number of studies concerning calcium and weight loss cited in medical journals.

So far the results of the studies are looking very promising.

Here's an excerpt from an article in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. published in April 2002. The article discussed the research findings of R. P. Heaney and colleagues from Creighton University in Nebraska.

"... increasing calcium intake by the equivalent of two dairy servings per day could reduce the risk of overweight substantially, perhaps by as much as 70 percent.

The calcium that was used in the study was only 300 mg more than the control subjects used.

Eating a diet that has an adequate amount of calcium and other trace minerals has also been shown to lower blood pressure, may help reduce PMS symptoms, and some doctors believe it can help cut the risk of colon cancer.

And calcium is inexpensive, when compared to other weight loss products, many of which are of questionable value and safety.

Because it's important to keep the proper balance of trace minerals, I have become quite interested in coral calcium, some of which have been advertised lately on TV.

My first concern when I heard about this calcium source was that removing the coral from the ocean might be bad for the environment. After all, we don't want to use calcium to lose weight if damages the ecosystem.

Fortunately, it appears that the coral calcium is taken from the sand around coral colonies near Okinawa, Japan, under full governmental scrutiny. I was unable to find any references to damage that this practice may have on the environment, so my fears were calmed.

Because these products have a natural mixture of many trace minerals, and seem to be easily digested, this may be a good source for many dieters. Many people do not drink dairy products, for a variety of reasons, and the weight loss studies that recommend dairy products as the best source of calcium for weight loss were paid for by the dairy industry. If another source of calcium is as digestible as dairy products (even more digestible for those with lactose intolerance), and if the supplement also offers a balance of trace minerals that are needed for health, this would be a benefit for many of us.

One thing that did come out during my research is the need to use calcium responsibly, because too much can be just as harmful as too little. The Ice Cream Diet book, which goes into great detail about the benefits of calcium when dieting, recommends that 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams a day is the maximum that anyone should consume on a daily basis. (The information about calcium is the only thing worth reading in The Ice Cream Diet, as far as I'm concerned.) As always, talk to your doctor if you want to use a pure form of calcium for weight loss.

I asked readers to give me feedback on whether or not calcium can help you lose weight. I received one email from a reader who told me that his son was taking coral calcium for an illness, and this young athlete began to lose weight he couldn't actually afford to lose. His parents talked to a doctor, and lowered the amount of calcium he was taking, which seemed to help.

Jasmine responded to my request for personal stories, and says "I've lost weight with coral calcium!"

Dear Jonni, I was just doing a search for calcium and weight loss and came upon your website. I was trying to figure out exactly why I have lost 14 pounds since I started the Nature's Benefit Coral Calcium Powder three months ago. I've been averaging about a pound of weight loss a week since taking 1,200 mg of coral calcium powder every night.

I wasn't expecting to lose weight as I saw Robert Barefoot infomercial on TV and started taking the coral calcium for my chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. The coral calcium has oxygenated my cells and therefore has given me more energy and I can walk further now. I'm also sleeping a bit better.

Just thought I'd drop you a note and let you know that I love my coral
calcium. I gained 40 pounds from the chronic fatigue syndrome and I've so far lost 14 pounds. I only have 12 more pounds to lose before I'm back to my normal weight. I wonder if I'll have to reduce the amount of coral calcium powder I'm taking when I get back to my regular weight because I don't want to lose too much weight!

Jasmine N.

Another reader sent in this email, which she kindly gave me permission to use:

Jonni,

While doing a general search on coral calcium and weight loss, I came upon your site. I have been taking coral calcium for about two weeks. Additionally, I need to lose about 40 pounds and was ready to tackle that demon as well, but not looking forward to feeling hungry. What I didn't know and didn't expect about the coral calcium is that it seems to be suppressing my appetite. I had no idea this was "part of the deal" with coral calcium, but seems to be doing it for me which is making my diet much easier.

This is my personal take on the coral calcium for your information. Thanks for the very informative information on your site.

Robin S.

Remember - calcium can be obtained in a number of healthful, natural foods.

Jonni Good is the author of most of the original articles on this site. Jonni always looks for the easy way to solve common health problems, by working with human nature. Her books have helped hundreds of people lose weight, get fit, and regain their health - with less struggle. Please take a moment to visit her other sites:

Do You Gain Weight... Even when you eat less than your thinner friends? Learn why it happens, and how to use nutritious, satisfying food to break the metabolic pattern that causes some people to gain weight too easily.

Sugar Cravings and Addiction – Describes a simple program to help people break their addiction to sugar and fat. This book has been popular ever since it came out in 2003, and has helped hundreds of people lose their cravings for sugar and other simple carbs. Once the cravings are under control, it's easier to stick with your diet and regain your health.

Weight Lifting for Absolute Beginners – A guide to lifting weights for strong muscles and bones.

The Easy-Does-It Diet – A guide to creating your own delicious and healthy frozen diet meals. Eat healthy, low-fat meals without paying extra for store-bought frozen diet food.

Disclaimer: This site and the articles contained here are for information purposes only. The authors have made every effort to make sure the information is accurate, but no health decisions should ever be made based on this or any other website. Please contact your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.

Calcium for Weight Loss

Is calcium a "miracle" weight loss product?

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