A study conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital has found a potential link between calcium intake and a hormonal condition in women known as hyperparathyroidism (HPT).
HPT is when the parathyroid glands become overactive and secrete too much parathyroid hormone, which can lead to brittle bones, fractures and kidney stones. Other studies have also revealed that HPT can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke
The research followed 58,384 U.S. women, ages 39 to 66 years old, who were part of the the Nurse’s Health Study I from 1986 to 2008. After the study ended, there were 277 cases of confirmed HPT in the study subjects.
The participants were divided into five groups based on their calcium intake. After certain factors like age and body mass index were taken into account, the results showed that the group that consumed the most calcium had a 44 percent lower chance of developing HPT than the lowest intake group. Calcium supplements also proved effective in warding off the hormonal disorder.
“Increased calcium intake, including both dietary and supplemental calcium, is independently associated with a reduced risk of developing primary hyperparathyroidism in women,” said the authors of the study.
Benefits of calcium
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), calcium helps keeps bones and teeth sturdy. Calcium also plays a vital role in the movement of muscles, helps to transmit signals between the brain and other parts of the body and is essential for releasing hormones and enzymes.
ODS also notes that adults between 19 and 50 years old should get 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. The Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) reports that you can get calcium from collard greens, black-eyed peas, soy milk and almonds. You may also want to take a CalMax supplement from Dr. Newton’s Naturals.