Do Calcium Supplements Really Increase Your Risk for a Heart Attack?
Posted Aug 11 2010 4:13am
On July 29, the British Medical Journal published a meta-analysis on the effects of calcium supplements on the risk of heart disease. The results were reported in the general media. The study’s conclusion suggested that calcium supplements may increase the risk of a heart attack.
In response to the story, Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., vice president of Global Government and Scientific Affairs for the Natural Products Association notes the following:
“There are thousands of studies on calcium, but the authors selected only eight to do this meta-analysis. None of the selected studies had cardiovascular outcomes as the primary end-points, and data on cardiovascular events were not gathered in a standardized manner, so it would appear much more of a predetermined outcome versus one of great scientific rigor.”
Unfortunately this happens all to often a new study comes out and the media headlines saturate the public with only half the story. You never hear all the facts of the study. Surprisingly many studies I hear quoted on the news are inaccurate or incomplete. In order to find out the truth you should either read the study yourself or ask your healthcare provider for all the facts.
Bottom Line: Do NOT stop taking your calcium supplements without first discussing your risk with your healthcare provider.
On July 29, the British Medical Journal published a meta-analysis on the effects of calcium supplements on the risk of heart disease. The results were reported in the general media. The study’s conclusion suggested that calcium supplements may increase the risk of a heart attack.
In response to the story, Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., vice president of Global Government and Scientific Affairs for the Natural Products Association notes the following:
“There are thousands of studies on calcium, but the authors selected only eight to do this meta-analysis. None of the selected studies had cardiovascular outcomes as the primary end-points, and data on cardiovascular events were not gathered in a standardized manner, so it would appear much more of a predetermined outcome versus one of great scientific rigor.”
Unfortunately this happens all to often a new study comes out and the media headlines saturate the public with only half the story. You never hear all the facts of the study. Surprisingly many studies I hear quoted on the news are inaccurate or incomplete. In order to find out the truth you should either read the study yourself or ask your healthcare provider for all the facts.
Bottom Line: Do NOT stop taking your calcium supplements without first discussing your risk with your healthcare provider.