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Body composition, energy expenditure and physical activity

The influence of calcium supplementation on substrate metabolism during exercise in humans: a randomized controlled trial

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 68, pages 712–718 (2014)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Background/Objectives:

High calcium intakes enhance fat loss under restricted energy intake. Mechanisms explaining this may involve reduced dietary fat absorption, enhanced lipid utilization and (or) reductions in appetite. This study aimed to assess the impact of 2 weeks of calcium supplementation on substrate utilization during exercise and appetite sensations at rest.

Subjects/Methods:

Thirteen physically active males completed two 14-d supplemental periods, in a double-blind, randomized crossover design separated by a ⩾4-week washout period. During supplementation, a test-drink was consumed daily containing 400 and 1400 mg of calcium during control (CON) and high-calcium (CAL) periods, respectively. Cycling-based exercise tests were conducted before and after each supplemental period to determine substrate utilization rates and circulating metabolic markers (non-esterified fatty acid, glycerol, glucose and lactate concentrations) across a range of exercise intensities. Visual analog scales were completed in the fasting, rested state to determine subjective appetite sensations.

Results:

No significant differences between supplements were observed in lipid or carbohydrate utilization rates, nor in circulating metabolic markers (both P>0.05). Maximum rates of lipid utilization were 0.47±0.05 and 0.44±0.05 g/min for CON and CAL, respectively, prior to supplementation and 0.44±0.05 and 0.42±0.05 g/min, respectively, post-supplementation (main effects of time, supplement and time x supplement interaction effect all P>0.05). Furthermore, no significant differences were detected in any subjective appetite sensations (all P>0.05).

Conclusions:

Two weeks of calcium supplementation does not influence substrate utilization during exercise in physically active males.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the participants for their commitment and Miss KL Luck for assisting with preparation of test-drinks and blinding. We extend our gratitude to ARLA Foods Ingredients amba for the donation of the calcium supplement. This study was funded solely by Northumbria University.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK

    J T Gonzalez & E J Stevenson

  2. Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK

    J T Gonzalez, B P Green, M D Campbell, P L S Rumbold & E J Stevenson

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  1. J T Gonzalez
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to J T Gonzalez.

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Competing interests

PLRS and EJS have previously received funding from The Dairy Council (UK), which was not related in any way to the work in this article. All other authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Contributors: Critically reviewed the paper: JTG, BPG, MDC, PLSR and EJS. Conceived and designed the experiments, analyzed the data and wrote the paper: JTG and EJS. Performed the experiments: JTG, BPG and MDC.

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Gonzalez, J., Green, B., Campbell, M. et al. The influence of calcium supplementation on substrate metabolism during exercise in humans: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Clin Nutr 68, 712–718 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2014.41

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2014.41

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