Question:

What has calcium and got to do with tiny glandsfound inside your thyroid ?

Give Up ?

Well, apparently some think it has a lot to do with it.

Quite recently you might have heard in the media about researchthat high calcium intakes promote fat burning. For a while now,those related to the dairy industry have been pushing thecalcium and link.[2]

The latest claim has been based on a study designed to examinethe mechanism by which calcium may increase the fat burningeffect of a meal. The study's outcome suggests that these glandsmay play some role in the calcium and story.

But there is a downside that some have forgotten to mention.This study was very small and used participants that were notoverweight. The study focussed more on the way in which calciummay affect fat oxidation, rather than whether there is a causallink between calcium and weight loss.

You can see the research abstract for yourself

There is a lot of evidence to suggest that high calcium intakeis linked to weight loss.[4] However, some are suspicious thatthese studies have been funded by parties with a vested interestin the calcium and issue. [3]

It is not always true that because a scientist has receivedfunding from industry that their work will automatically bebiased, but it should be made clear where the money has comefrom. If it does not matter where the money came from, thenindependent researchers should be able to get the same outcome.

Having said this, why have other published studies found noevidence of a link between calcium and weight loss?

Supporters of the calcium and link say that this isbecause drinking more milk may only help to lose weight, if theindividual was calcium deficient in the first place.[4,5]

The overwhelming truth is that, and even the 24/24 Milk websiteacknowledges this, is that the research is still emerging.[6]There is still more work to be done. However, in their favor,there is a lot of evidence to suggest that there is some kind oflink between calcium and weight loss.

So should we drink milk, or not to lose weight?

Whatever the outcome of the dairy and research,dairy foods still provide your body with a myriad of nutrientsimportant for good health.

If you are not getting 3 servings of dairy each day, then on ageneral basis, you need to increase your dairy intake, but watchyour calories.

Include low fat dairy within a well balanced diet, caloriecontrolled diet.

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines For Americans recommends that youget 3 cups of low-fat or fat-free milk -- or the same amount oflow-fat yogurt and/or low-fat cheese on a daily basis. [1]

This essentially is the general message being put across by thedairy industry at the moment.[6]

If you consume whole milk products, most likely you willactually put on weight, because of the extra calories.

What should we do before increasing our dairy intake?

Talk to your doctor. Everyone is different, with differingneeds. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether an increaseddairy intake is appropriate for you.

More Information:

Tufts University The Dairy- Debate

American Dietetic Association Milk Your Diet: A New Approach to Fuel Your WeightLoss Efforts

2005Dietary Guidelines For Americans

[2] 3 A Day 3 ADay Calcium and Position, Milking The Data

[4] Ilich JZ. A lighter side of calcium: role of calcium anddairy foods in body weight. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol. 2005Mar;56(1):33-8. Abstract

[5] MedicineNet Lawsuits Challenge Dairy Claims

[6] 24/24Milk ExpertsWeigh In: Q & A

Date Written: 19th December 2005

This article represents the opinion of the author and in no wayshould be taken as medical advice. See your doctor today anddiscuss real dietary solutions specifically for your weight losssituation.

This website and Savvy Fat Burning Food makes no warranties,expressed or implied, regarding errors or omissions and assumesno legal liability or responsibility for loss, damage, illnessor medical event resulting from the use of information containedwithin this article.

About the author:Want to learn about calcium and weight loss, or just beinghealthy ? Many people do, and reading about research and thefood that goes into your mouth represents an important way youcan educate yourself about balanced nutrition. Visit Savvy FatBurning Food today, and read more about Calcium and WeightLoss.