Health for Body Mind and Soul

Many individuals use calcium supplements to help increase bone density as they age.  However, a new study points out some potential risks with using this dietary supplement.

Researchers at the University of Auckland in New Zealand recently researched the potential risks with using calcium supplements.  This particular study analyzed data from a total of 36,000 women and their use of calcium supplements.  In their study, the 16,718 women who started taking calcium supplements as part of the study showed an elevated risk for developing heart disease.  The risk ranged between 13 and 22 percent more for women who were already taking the supplement or never took a calcium supplement.  The women in the study received 1000 mg of calcium and 400 iu of vitamin D per day.

Read about the original study here.

The researchers believe that the increased level of calcium in the blood is the main cause of the increased risk.  Women who were previously taking calcium supplements did not show an elevated risk of heart disease.  Women who are considering starting on a calcium supplement should consult with the doctors about any potential risks and side effects.

Other studies have investigated other potential associations between calcium and diseases.  One recent study researched the potential risk between calcium intake and prostate cancer.

In this study, 672 men were given calcium supplements over the course of 4 years.  Participants were tracked during the study and up to 12 years after the study.  In this study, there was no significant increase or decrease in the risk of prostate cancer between those who took calcium and those who did not.  It is also important to note that some other studies have shown a link between prostate cancer and intake of calcium supplements.  However, other studies have not been fully randomized as this study was.

Read the study abstract here.

According to these research findings, there may be a risk of heart disease associated with beginning calcium supplements.  However, some diseases such as prostate cancer do not appear to be associated with calcium supplement intake.