A recent report on a large randomized study from New Zealand evaluated extra calcium supplement use (at least 500 mg/ day) in more than12,000 patients over the age of 40. The findings were not entirely surprising. The pooled data revealed that excess calcium carries a significant risk for heart attack. More over there was also an increased risk for stroke and sudden death in patients who took calcium supplements.
How calcium causes the increase risk of heart disease is not fully understood but believed to be due to alteration in vessel compliance. This eventually leads to calcium build up in the blood vessel wall. These authors summarized the data were succinctly. For every 1000 people treated with calcium for 5 years, it leads to prevention of 26 fractures, but on the other hand, there were 14 additional heart attacks.
So where does this live the patents who have osteoporosis and all the calcium fanatics?
Well, there is no increased risk when eating the daily-recommended levels of calcium. It is the excess level of calcium that is of concern. The eternal myth that bigger is better certainly does not hold up for calcium (or for any other foods). For people who want to prevent osteoporosis, eat natural foods and leafy green vegetables that contain calcium. Moreover, drink adequate milk and eat consume dairy products. And do not forget to walk.
What is so difficult is why the American population is so fanatical about calcium pills. The majority of these health supplement pills and minerals are made in the Orient. There are countless reports about fakes and counterfeit products including dry wall and chalk material found in these pills- so why take a pill instead of fresh fruit?
If you do take calcium supplements, speak to your doctor about it first and do not go overboard. The daily recommend calcium intake for both men and women is about 1000 mg/day. Like everything else in life, too much of calcium may not be good for you- here is to a glass of milk.
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