Calcium Supplements Linked to Higher CVD Mortality Risk in Men

The highest intakes of calcium (>1400 mg/day) were associated with higher all-cause risk for death (after adjustment for age, total energy, vitamin D, and calcium supplement intake, as well as other dietary, physical, and demographic factors) as compared with intakes of 600 to 1000 mg/day. Disease-specific mortality risks were elevated for CVD (HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.09 - 2.02) and for ischemic heart disease (HR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.48 - 3.09) at daily calcium intakes above 1400 mg. At calcium intakes less than 600 mg/day, these same mortality risks were also elevated. None of these patterns was apparent for mortality from stroke. Women with the highest intake of calcium (>1400 mg/day) and who used supplement tablets had an all-cause risk for death 2.5 times higher than women who had similar total intakes but were not taking a supplement (Daniel M. Keller, PhD).

The latest report is taken from an analysis of the National Institutes of Health--AARP Diet and Health Study, a study that included 388 229 men and women 50 to 71 years of age from six US states. Individuals self-reported frequency of food intake and portion size during a one-year period and answered questions about the frequency in which they consumed multivitamins, calcium-containing antacids, or calcium supplements alone. During a mean follow-up of 12 years, increased the risk of CVD death and heart-disease death by 20% and 19%, respectively, in men, but there was no association in women. In an analysis that looked only at those taking calcium supplements and not multivitamins, the risk of CVD death and heart-disease death was 24% and 37% higher in men who took 1000 mg/day of calcium compared with those who took no supplements. Again, no association was observed in women who took calcium supplements alone (By: Michael O’Riordan).

Resource: Medscape.com