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Cardiology Calcium pills endanger our heart
Many people around the world use so-called supplements with calcium. Researchers now found that such calcium supplements can have harmful effects on the human heart. However, this does not apply to foods that are rich in calcium.
The scientists from the Baltimore Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the University of North Carolina found in one study that calcium in the form of nutritional supplements seems to have deleterious effects on our heart. The physicians published the results of their study in the "Journal of the American Heart Association".
Dietary supplements are becoming increasingly popular. Apparently, these products can also have a negative impact on our health. Physicians found that calcium supplements can increase the risk of heart disease. (Image: fotoperle / fotolia.com) More calcium is not necessarily better
When it comes to the use of vitamins and minerals in nutritional supplements, many people think that more vitamins or more calcium also have a better effect, explains the author. Erin Michos. However, the researchers now say that such supplements could cause heart problems, for example. Users of supplements may want to reconsider their attitude to the products.
Many Americans use calcium supplements
Excess calcium in the form of supplements can damage the cardiovascular system Michos. About 43 percent of American adults currently take a so-called dietary supplement. More than half of women over the age of 60 take calcium supplements to reduce their risk of osteoporosis, the researchers report.
Study examines about 2,700 subjects
The research team analyzed the data from the medical tests of ten years. To do so, they examined about 2,700 adults who had participated in a study on heart disease. The subjects were between the ages of 45 and 85 years. They were all asked about their daily diet and taking supplements. In addition, CT scans were performed to measure calcification of the arteries, explain the physicians. Arterial calcifications are a known risk factor for heart disease.
Experts are investigating various calcium sources
The study found that there is a 27 percent lower risk of heart disease compared to people with the lowest calcium intake when participants consume a lot of calcium. As a next step, physicians examined the effects of the sources that subjects had taken in calcium.
Taking calcium supplements increases the build up of plaque
The researchers then found out that taking calcium supplements leads to a significant increase in the likelihood of plaque build-up in the arteries. In addition, the risks for heart disease increase compared to people who take no supplements. The findings reinforce growing concerns about the potential damage of calcium supplements, the authors explain.
Natural calcium protects our heart
While calcium supplements may present a risk to the heart, natural calcium even protects our heart, say the physicians. This natural calcium is contained in, for example, milk and many dairy products, broccoli, oranges and beans.
Too large doses of calcium supplements seem to be unhealthy
There are clearly differences in how the body responds to dietary supplements or natural foods. Co-author John Anderson of the University of North Carolina may explain that so-called "calcium salts" or excessive doses of calcium are the source of risk.
Calcium supplements increase your chances for kidney stones
The risk of calcium supplements should not be underestimated just because these supplements can be purchased anywhere, the physicians explain. Coronary heart disease kills about 370,000 people each year in America alone. Risks of heart disease must be taken into account, the researchers warn. Another study recently found that calcium supplements can also increase the likelihood of kidney stones. Overall, therefore, caution should be exercised when using. (As)