Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
08:43
Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
Calcium intake, vascular calcification, and vascular disease
Lisa A Spence1, Connie M Weaver
1Tate & Lyle, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, USA.
Nutrition Reviews
|January 4, 2013
Summary
Calcium supplements show no significant cardiovascular risk in most studies. More research is needed to understand calcium
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Nutritional Science
- Gerontology
Background:
- Emerging research suggests a potential link between calcium supplementation and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in older adults.
- Existing evidence is conflicting, necessitating a comprehensive review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the current evidence on calcium supplementation and CVD risk.
- To identify research gaps concerning calcium's impact on cardiovascular health.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a systematic review including meta-analyses and original articles.
- Searched PubMed using terms: calcium intake, calcium supplementation, cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, mortality, vascular calcification.
Main Results:
- The majority of reviewed studies found no statistically significant adverse or beneficial effects of calcium supplementation on CVD or its endpoints.
- Some studies suggested a possible increased risk, but consensus is lacking.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence does not establish a definitive link between calcium supplementation and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
- Further experimental research is required to clarify the role of calcium intake (level and source) in vascular calcification and disease.
- Novel approaches like (41)C kinetic modeling in swine may help address research gaps in soft tissue calcification.
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