Facebook Pixel

Taking Calcium Supplements May Increase Heart Attack Risk

 
Rate This
heart attack risk may increase with use of calcium supplements Stockbyte/Thinkstock

One of the most common health supplements used by consumers is calcium. In the past 30 years, calcium has achieved fame as a supplement to strengthen the bones and prevent fractures.

A lot of other benefits have been attributable to calcium but most claims are without any scientific merit.

The majority of people who take calcium regularly are postmenopausal women and the elderly.

In the last few years, almost on a weekly basis there is something new about calcium. Some reports indicate that calcium is good for the heart and others say exactly the opposite.

This week, a large study from Germany revealed that calcium supplement may increase the risk of heart attack.

The researchers at the German Research Center in Heidelberg followed close to 24,000 people for over a decade. What they observed was that 881 cardiovascular events occurred, totalling 354 myocardial infarctions (MI), 260 stroke cases and 267 cardiovascular disease deaths.

The researchers found that people taking calcium supplements were 86 percent more likely to have a heart attack during the study. (1, 2)

Based on this study, the researchers caution people taking calcium supplements that they may be at a risk for heart attacks.

However, people from the health supplement industry are not too happy with these results and insist that osteoporosis is a real issue for women. The people who manufacture calcium supplements claim that it is irresponsible for scientists to advise women to cut of their calcium supplements based on a flawed study.

Most health care professionals now believe that liberally taking large dose of calcium may not be safe. More data seem to indicate that long-term use of calcium may not be safe.

For consumers, the best advice is to eat a healthy well-balanced diet that contains adequate levels of calcium. Good sources of calcium include dairy products, milk and fortified cereals.

If there is a need to take calcium supplement, it is important to speak to your doctor first.

Sources:

1.Gallagher J. Calcium pill pose heart risk. Retrieved May 28, 2012.
Abstract: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-18175707

2. Li K, Kaaks R, Linseisen J, Rohrmann S. Associations of dietary calcium intake and calcium supplementation with myocardial infarction and stroke risk and overall cardiovascular mortality in the Heidelberg cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study (EPIC-Heidelberg).
Heart. 2012 Jun;98(12):920-5.
Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22626900

Reviewed May 29, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

Add a Comment3 Comments

I agree. Calcium Supplements are also like the medicines but a little bit different. Before taking these, you need to go to doctors first for suggestions.

July 19, 2012 - 12:58pm

This shows that you can't trust man-made or "man-fiddled" things. Sticking to nutrients from natural products is the wisest thing. Mostly nutrients in supplements are man- made and far inferior to natural ones. As far as claims by researchers who have stake in, or connections with, manufacturers of these supplements, are concerned you can draw your own conclusions as to who they would favor.

June 1, 2012 - 5:28am

To much calcium they cause kidney stones. A relative of my mine was told that she had kidney stone and went to a specialist and said you have to much calcium in your diet and that she must stop having them for awhile. The doctor treated her and her kidney stone went away. I don't know how long it's been but she stopped having kidney stones. To much calcium is this bad so you shouldn't have a lot in your daily diet.

Melissa

May 30, 2012 - 7:46pm
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Add a Comment

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.