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Strength of evidence for Calcium at NLM – Oct 2010

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/781.html

It seems to consider the benefits of Calcium by itself, and not in combination with vitamin D

'insufficient evidence' seems to indicate insufficient evidence when not combined with vitamin D)

The following is a tiny subset of the information

Effective for...

  • Raising calcium levels in people who have low calcium.
  • Preventing low calcium levels.
  • Reversing high potassium levels, when given intravenously (by IV).
  • Use as an antacid as calcium carbonate.
  • Reducing phosphate levels in people with kidney disease.

Likely effective for...

  • Treating osteoporosis (weak bones).
  • Preventing bone loss caused by insufficient calcium in the diet. This can reduce the risk of breaking bones.
  • Reducing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)..
  • Increasing fetal bone density in pregnant women with low calcium intake.
  • Reducing bone loss in people taking drugs called corticosteroids, when used in combination with vitamin D.
  • Reducing thyroid hormone levels in people with kidney failure.

Possibly effective for...

  • Reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. .
  • High blood pressure.
  • High blood pressure in pregnancy (pre-eclampsia).
  • High cholesterol.
  • Reducing weight and body fat while dieting.
  • Preventing stroke in women.
  • Preventing fluoride poisoning in children when taken with vitamins C and D.
  • Reducing tooth loss in elderly people.

Possibly ineffective for...

  • Preventing breast cancer in older (postmenopausal) women.
  • Reducing lead levels in breast-feeding women.

Insufficient evidence to rate effectiveness for...

  • Preventing falls.
  • Metabolic syndrome.
  • Cancer.
  • Pregnancy-related leg cramps.
  • Diabetes. .
  • Lyme disease.
  • Seizures.
  • Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of calcium for these uses.

Strength of evidence for Calcium at NLM – Oct 2010        
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