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Is excess calcium harmful to health?
Robin M Daly1, Peter R Ebeling
1Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Western Hospital, Melbourne 3011, Australia. rdaly@unimelb.edu.au
Nutrients
|January 19, 2012
Summary
Calcium supplements, recommended for bone health, may increase heart attack risk. This review examines the latest evidence on calcium
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Current guidelines recommend 1,000-1,300 mg/day of calcium for older adults to prevent osteoporosis.
- Calcium supplements have historically been considered safe for bone health.
- Recent concerns question the safety of calcium supplements due to potential vascular risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on the association between calcium supplementation and vascular disease.
- To evaluate the impact of calcium supplements on cardiovascular risk factors.
- To inform public health recommendations regarding calcium intake.
Main Methods:
- Review of human observational and prospective studies.
- Analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
- Inclusion of meta-analyses examining calcium supplementation's effects.
Main Results:
- A meta-analysis indicated a ~30% increased risk of myocardial infarction with calcium supplements.
- Evidence on calcium's effects on blood pressure, lipids, and vascular calcification is examined.
- Potential adverse vascular effects warrant re-evaluation of current guidelines.
Conclusions:
- Calcium supplementation may pose risks for vascular health, challenging established osteoporosis prevention strategies.
- Further research is needed to clarify the balance between bone benefits and cardiovascular risks.
- Public health recommendations on calcium intake may require revision based on emerging safety data.
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