Calcium is a mineral normally associated with bone health, but it also plays a role in other functions in the body, including blood clotting, muscle contraction and hormone secretion. Moreover, calcium intake from supplementation, but not dietary sources, might be effective for reducing the risk for type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease.
Diabetes
The two main types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas doesn't produce insulin, the hormone that lowers blood sugar. On the other hand, in type 2 diabetes the body's cells are resistant to insulin effects. Both types of diabetes lead to high levels of glucose in the blood, which increases the risk for kidney dysfunction, heart disease and obesity, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Calcium Supplementation
Calcium supplementation might reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes, according to a study conducted by researchers from Tufts University and Brigham and Women's Hospital. Scientists followed women with no history of diabetes for 20 years. They assessed calcium intake from supplementation and diet. Researchers discovered that calcium intake of 500 mg or more per day from supplementation was associated with a decrease risk for type 2 diabetes compared to those receiving 250 mg of calcium or less per day. In addition, a higher intake of calcium from dietary sources wasn't associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, according to findings reported in the March 2006 issue of "Diabetes Care."
Dietary Calcium
Scientists from the University of Melbourne and Edith Cowan University in Australia found similar results regarding dietary calcium and type 2 diabetes risk. Researchers followed men and women without diabetes for five years. They found that higher dietary calcium was not associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, according to research published in the March 2011 issue of "Diabetes Care."
Side Effects and Interactions
Excessive calcium from supplements may produce side effects, including vomiting, kidney toxicity and increased urination. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, calcium may interact with medications such as blood pressure medications, estrogens and gentamicin. Speak to a health care provider before consuming any calcium supplements.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Diabetes
- "Diabetes Care"; Vitamin D and Calcium Intake in Relation to Type 2 Diabetes in Women; A.G. Pittas et al.; March 2006
- "Diabetes Care"; Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, Calcium Intake, and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes After 5 Years; C. Gagnon et al.; March 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Calcium
