Dietary calcium source influences body composition, glucose metabolism and hormone levels in a mouse model of postmenopausal obesity.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of obesity has risen dramatically, with postmenopausal women particularly prone to increased adiposity. Epidemiologic data suggest that dietary calcium, particularly from dairy products, can decrease weight gain. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of different calcium sources in a mouse model of postmenopausal obesity.


METHODS
Ovariectomized C57BL/6 mice were randomized to either low-fat (LF) or high-fat (HF) diets containing either calcium phosphate from non-fat dried milk and whey mineral concentrate (dairy) or calcium carbonate (supplement).


RESULTS
Dairy, but not supplement, decreased weight gain and percent body fat in HF mice, with no effect on food consumption. Dairy improved insulin resistance and glucose tolerance, while supplement increased bone mineral density in LF mice. Dairy had no effect on bone.


CONCLUSIONS
The beneficial effects of dietary calcium on body weight and bone health after menopause may be significantly influenced by other dietary components.
De Angel
Rebecca E
RE
Department of Nutritional Sciences, One University Station A2703, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, U.S.A. perkinss@mail.utexas.edu
Berrigan
David
D
Núñez
Nomelí P
NP
Hursting
Stephen D
SD
Perkins
Susan N
SN
D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology*; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003611:Dairy Products; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D006728:Hormones / Q000097:blood*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*; D010052:Ovariectomy; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*
D001786:Blood Glucose; D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D006728:Hormones