Extra calcium intake reduces blood pressure in normotensive people

An increase in calcium intake slightly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in normotensive people. The effect was confirmed in multiple prespecified subgroups, including a possible dose–response effect, reinforcing the efficacy of the intervention. The effects were observed after only 3.5 months of intervention.

Although the effect was small, an adequate calcium intake should be an objective to be reached in the general population.

Studies with interventions of calcium 1500mg per day or higher showed a greater reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure than those with interventions of less than 1000mg per day.

Studies performed in younger people tended to show greater reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure than those in older people.