Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Calcium Boosts Heart Attack Risk

Calcium Boosts Heart Attack Risk
Prevention guidelines also made headlines when a large study found that calcium supplements taken without vitamin D may increase the risk for heart attack as much as 30%. Researchers reported the finding online July 29 in BMJ, based on their meta-analysis of 15 randomized trials with up to 11,921 participants. Most guidelines for osteoporosis currently recommend the supplements, despite relatively small benefits in bone health, but senior author Dr. Ian R. Reid, from the University of Auckland in New Zealand, said that in most cases, "discontinuation of calcium would seem appropriate." The study raised many questions, such as why calcium could have this effect during a relatively short period of time. Pending further research, some experts advised eating foods high in calcium, rather than taking supplements.

No comments:

Post a Comment