Elevated Intakes of Calcium and Vitamin D without Added Calories and Fat in Overweight Adults: A Crossover Study in Wisconsin

Rothacker DQ, Ellis PK. Current Therapeutic Research. 2002;63(8):507-512.

Objective

To assess the contribution of a daily Slim•Fast meal replacement shake on calcium and vitamin D intakes of overweight and obese individuals.

Methods

One hundred seventeen overweight and obese male and female patients were enrolled in an 8-day crossover design study. Study days, categorized as "control days" and "active days", were typical week days. On control days, patients consumed their regular diets, and recorded all food and drink consumed. On active days, the patients' first meal of the day was a Slim•Fast meal replacement shake. Control and active days were alternated.

Results

Both calcium and vitamin D intakes increased significantly on active days compared with control days (P=0.019). Daily calcium intake increased by 30% and vitamin D intake approximately doubled for both males and females on active days compared with controls. More than 85% of patients met the calcium recommended daily value (RDV) on active days, compared with only 40% on control days.

Conclusion

Replacing one meal per day with a Slim•Fast meal replacement shake may provide a viable dietary strategy for overweight individuals to meet their calcium and vitamin D requirements without increasing caloric intake.

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