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Effects of dietary calcium supplementation on blood pressure. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

H C Bucher1, R J Cook, G H Guyatt

  • 1Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University Medical Center, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

JAMA
|April 3, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Supplemental calcium may slightly lower systolic blood pressure but not diastolic. Further research is needed to explore potential effects in specific populations, especially those with inadequate calcium intake.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Nutritional Science
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Hypertension is a major global health concern.
  • Dietary factors, including calcium intake, are investigated for their role in blood pressure regulation.
  • Previous studies on calcium supplementation and blood pressure have yielded mixed results.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the effect of supplemental calcium on blood pressure.
  • To analyze data from randomized controlled trials to determine the overall impact of calcium on systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases.
  • Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving calcium supplementation versus placebo were included.
  • Data from 33 RCTs, totaling 2412 patients, were analyzed using a random-effects model.

Main Results:

  • Pooled analysis indicated a statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure of -1.27 mm Hg (P=.01).
  • No significant reduction was observed in diastolic blood pressure (-0.24 mm Hg; P=.49).
  • No identified mediators explained the observed differences in blood pressure reduction.

Conclusions:

  • Calcium supplementation may result in a modest decrease in systolic blood pressure.
  • The effect on diastolic blood pressure was not significant.
  • Further investigation is warranted to explore potential benefits in subpopulations, particularly those with insufficient calcium intake.
Abstract

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