Calcium is one among the essential nutrients that determines the quality of life of the elderly. A recent study published in ‘Clinical Nutrition Research’ showed that calcium fortified beverage (CFB) has beneficial effect on insulin sensitivity and some antioxidant enzymes in healthy elderly

In this trial, researchers evaluated the effect of calcium fortified beverage (CFB) intake on insulin sensitivity and antioxidant metabolism in healthy elderly. A crossover clinical trial was performed and antioxidant status of healthy elderly (age above 65 years, n = 8) was analyzed. Subjects did not take CFB for 0-3 weeks. They then took it for 3-6 weeks. CFB supplementation decreased the insulin levels (Δ3-6 weeks: 1.19 ± 0.65 μ IU/mL → Δ0-3 weeks: -0.58 ± 0.38 μ IU/mL). The increasing degree of fasting blood glucose level was suppressed by intake of CFB, although the suppression was not statistically significant. Catalase activity was significantly increased by CFB supplementation compared to the no CFB supplementation period. H2O2-induced DNA oxidative damage was also decreased significantly by CFB supplementation.

The study concluded that intake of CFB has potential beneficial effect on diabetes management and antioxidant metabolism.