Study Links Calcium Supplements with Heart Attack Risk
The results of a recent study indicate that the use of a calcium supplements for those treating osteoporosis leads to an increased risk of heart attack. After a smaller study indicated the increase in risk, researchers performed a meta-analysis on data logged from previous studies in which patients were asked to take calcium supplements. The comparison of that data also indicated that heart attack risk was higher in groups that were asked to take the supplements.
The risk of heart attack increased between 27 and 31 percent for patients involved in various studies. The results remained constant for patients of varying age, weight, gender, and brand of supplement. The authors of the study are urging the medical community to reassess to the use of supplements for the management of osteoporosis. Patients whose calcium intake is through dietary sources do not show the same increased risk of heart attack.