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A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro
Published on: June 2, 2022
Cardiovascular effects of calcium supplements
1Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. i.reid@auckland.ac.nz
Nutrients
|July 17, 2013
Summary
Calcium supplements offer minimal bone protection and may significantly increase risks of heart attack and stroke. These non-skeletal risks appear to outweigh any skeletal benefits, making them potentially unnecessary for osteoporosis treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Cardiovascular Health
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Calcium supplements are widely used to prevent bone loss and fractures.
- Evidence for reduced fracture incidence with calcium is limited and of questionable significance.
- Concerns exist regarding potential cardiovascular risks associated with calcium supplementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the overall safety and efficacy of calcium supplements.
- To assess the impact of calcium on fracture incidence and cardiovascular events.
- To determine if calcium supplementation is necessary for osteoporosis management.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials of calcium supplements.
- Pre-specified analyses to assess cardiovascular risks, including myocardial infarction and stroke.
- Evaluation of skeletal benefits in terms of fracture reduction.
Main Results:
- Calcium supplements showed a borderline 10% decrease in fracture incidence.
- A significant increase in myocardial infarction (27%-31%) and stroke (12%-20%) risk was observed.
- Co-administration with vitamin D did not mitigate these adverse cardiovascular effects.
Conclusions:
- The non-skeletal risks of calcium supplements, particularly cardiovascular events, appear to outweigh skeletal benefits.
- Calcium supplements may not be necessary for osteoporosis treatment, especially when other therapies are used.
- Further research into the mechanisms linking calcium supplements to cardiovascular disease is warranted.
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