Calcium Supplements Linked to Increased Risk of Heart Attack
Studying the link between calcium supplements and heart attacks
The study, which was published July 29 on BMJ.com, analyzed data from a total of 12,000 patients who participated in 11 randomized calcium supplement trials.
The researchers found taking calcium supplements increased the risk of heart attack by 30%. Smaller, "non-significant" increases in the risk of stroke and sudden death were also noted.
The findings were consistent across all 11 trials and did not alter based on age, gender, or the type of calcium supplement.
While the study did not focus on why calcium supplements raise the risk of heart attack, the researchers theorize it may be due to the rapid increase in blood calcium levels. Previous medical research has shown checking for high calcium levels to be an effective way for predicting a future heart attack in otherwise healthy individuals.
A second theory suggests calcium supplements increase the calcification of arterial plaque, which can lead to or worsen cardiovascular disease.
The study did not compare the effects of calcium supplements that either contained or were taken with vitamin D. Studies have linked vitamin D supplementation with a decreased risk of heart disease and heart attack. More research is needed to determine if adding vitamin D to a calcium supplement is enough to prevent the cardiovascular side effects seen with calcium alone.
Alternative options for osteoporosis prevention and treatment
Since calcium supplements are only modestly effective in building bone density and preventing bone fractures, the researchers suggest women and doctors reassess the use of supplementation and consider other forms of treatment for osteoporosis.
The increased risk of heart attack associated with calcium supplements was not witnessed with calcium from dietary sources. This may be due to the fact the calcium in food enters the blood at a slower rate. A calcium-rich diet is therefore a safe alternative to calcium supplements for preventing osteoporosis.
See the slideshow "9 Simple Diet Changes to Help Prevent Osteoporosis and Keep Bones Strong" for additional bone healthy dietary habits.
Published by Amanda C. Strosahl
Born and raised on the banks of the Mississippi river, Amanda moved to the Greater Indianapolis area in 1994, where she worked alongside her husband in the newspaper industry until 2008. She now works as a f... View profile
- Side Effects of Vitamin Supplements: Vitamin C, Calcium, Zinc, and Vitamin E - www.associatedcontent.com/article/2043863/side_effects_of_vitamin_supplements.html?ca
- How to Build Strong Bones and Fight Osteoporosis - www.associatedcontent.com/article/1958388/how_to_build_strong_bones_and_fight.html?ca
- Increasing Your Calcium Intake when You Don't Eat Dairy - contributor.yahoo.com/user/527390/amanda_c_strosahl.html