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A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro

Published on: June 2, 2022

Effect of calcium or vitamin D supplementation on vascular outcomes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Pei-Juan Mao1, Chi Zhang, Lan Tang

  • 1Department of VIP Special Clinic, Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.

International Journal of Cardiology
|September 17, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Calcium and vitamin D supplements do not significantly impact major vascular events in older adults. However, calcium supplementation alone may increase risks for cardiovascular events, myocardial infarction, and stroke.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Nutritional Science
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • The impact of calcium or vitamin D supplementation on serious vascular outcomes in older adults is not well-established.
  • A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted to address this uncertainty.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of calcium or vitamin D supplementation on the risk of major cardiovascular outcomes.
  • To analyze potential differences in effects between calcium and vitamin D, and by sex.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic electronic searches of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for relevant randomized controlled trials.
  • Meta-analysis using a random-effect model to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for vascular outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Eleven trials involving 50,252 individuals were included, reporting 2685 major cardiovascular events.
  • Neither calcium nor vitamin D supplementation showed a significant effect on major cardiovascular events, myocardial infarction, or stroke compared to placebo.
  • Subgroup analysis suggested a potential, though not statistically significant, increased risk with calcium alone, particularly in males.

Conclusions:

  • Calcium or vitamin D supplementation does not appear to increase the risk of major vascular events in older adults.
  • Calcium supplementation alone may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, myocardial infarction, and stroke.
Abstract

Keywords:
CalciumMeta-analysisMyocardial infarctionStrokeVitamin D

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