Calcium supplements raise heart attack risk
28 May 2012
Calcium supplements may increase the risk of heart attack, according to a large study.
European researchers found an 86 per cent increased risk of heart attack among users of calcium supplements compared to supplement non-users. The risk increased further among those taking only calcium supplements (that is no other vitamin or mineral supplements), who had more than double the risk of heart attack compared to those not taking any supplements.
The findings, from a study of nearly 24,000 middle-aged to older people followed for an average 11 years, suggested that calcium supplements should be taken with caution.
The study also found that boosting dietary calcium intake might not confer any significant benefit in terms of reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Last Reviewed: 28 May 2012
- Li K, Kaaks R, Linseisen J, Rohrmann S. Associations of dietary calcium intake and calcium supplementation with myocardial infarction and stroke risk and overall cardiovascular mortality in the Heidelberg cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study. Heart 2012; 98: 920-925
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