Posted March 9, 2014
Daily supplementation with calcium and vitamin D may help to improve women’s cholesterol profiles after menopause, finds a new study in the journal Menopause.
Study authors report that a daily supplement containing 1,000 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D3 was associated with significantly higher blood levels of 25OHD3 and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels that were 4 to 5 points lower than placebo in postmenopausal women. In fact, women taking the supplements were more than twice as likely to have “normal” vitamin D levels, or at least 30 ng/mL.
“Women with higher 25OHD3 concentrations have more favorable lipid profiles, including increased HDL [high-density lipoprotein] cholesterol, lower LDL cholesterol, and lower fasting plasma triglycerides,” report researchers.
“The results of this study should inspire even more women to be conscientious about their calcium and vitamin D intake, a simple and safe way to improve health,” comments Dr. Margery Gass, executive director of the North American Menopause Society.
© 2014 Living Naturally