February 13,
2013
Don’t stop taking calcium supplements without talking to your
GP
High
intakes of calcium in women are associated with an increased risk
of dying from heart disease, according to new research.
A Swedish study involving only women concluded
there was an increased incidence of heart
and circulatory disease in those with a high
dietary calcium intake. It also showed there is an
increased cardiovascular risk if a woman with a high dietary
calcium intake uses calcium supplements, too.
And the results showed an increased incidence
of cardiovascular disease in those with a low dietary
calcium intake.
Maureen Talbot, our Senior Cardiac Nurse,
said: “This research does not prove that long-term calcium
intake contributes to the onset of cardiovascular disease in women.
However, the issue does warrant more research to
establish if calcium intake can cause heart problems.
“Women need calcium in their diet to
strengthen their bones and reduce their risk of developing
osteoporosis. Calcium supplements are prescribed for a
specific reason so you should never stop taking them
without consulting your GP.”
The research was published in the
British Medical Journal.