Calcium (Ca) supplements are widely taken by postmenopausal women for the maintenance of bone health and prevention of osteoporosis. Beneficial effects on high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC) have been reported following Ca supplementation either alone or with vitamin D( Reference Reid, Mason and Horne 1 , Reference Schnatz, Jiang and Vila-Wright 2 ). Short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) have been shown in vivo to increase Ca absorption and thus may indirectly affect lipid status( Reference Morohashi, Sano and Ohta 3 ). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a Ca rich natural marine-derived multi-mineral supplement (trade name Aquamin) administered alone or in combination with scFOS (trade name Nutraflora) on circulating lipid concentrations in postmenopausal women.
A total of 214 postmenopausal women (mean BMI 27·3 (SD 4·7) kg/m2) aged 48–75 years completed a two year double-blind placebo controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned to daily supplements of 800 mg of Ca (2·4 g Aquamin) (n = 75), 800 mg of Ca with 3 g of scFOSs (3·2 g Nutraflora) (CaFOS) (n = 60) or maltodextrin (MD) (n = 79). TC, LDL, HDL and triglyceride concentrations were measured at baseline and 24 months. Per-protocol analysis using ANCOVA (with baseline measures as covariates) was conducted to assess time × treatment effects between groups, controlling for age, BMI and baseline calcium intake (mean intake 868 mg Ca/day) using least significant difference for post hoc comparisons.
A significant time × treatment effect was observed for LDL for the Ca (P = 0·009) and CaFOS groups (P = 0·01), see Fig. 1. Significant time × treatment effects were found for TC for the Ca and CaFOS groups (P = 0·02 and P = 0·03 respectively), see Fig. 2. There was no significant treatment effect for the two groups for HDL, LDL:HDL and triglyceride concentrations.
Fig. 1 Effects on LDL cholesterol over 24 months. Data are means ± SE.
Fig. 2 Effect on Total cholesterol over 24 months. Data are means ± SE.
Supplementation with Aquamin, a Ca rich natural marine-derived multi-mineral supplement has beneficial effects on the lipid profile of postmenopausal women over two years; a possible mechanism is Ca binding to bile acids which might lead to increased excretion of bile salts and a subsequent increase in lipolysis. Administration of Aquamin may have a role in maintaining cardiovascular health in women and further research on this area is warranted.
This work was funded by Marigot (Cork, Ireland), Ingredion Inc. (Westchester, IL) and a PhD studentship received from the Department for Employment and Learning.
