Calcium supplements linked to increased heart risk

Individuals who have received unhealthy cholesterol test results may want to exercise caution when considering taking calcium supplements. New research suggests that these products may raise the risk of experiencing a heart attack. This could compound the already high cardiovascular risk of people with elevated cholesterol.

For the study, researchers from the University of Auckland in New Zealand analyzed the medical records of nearly 24,000 individuals. While dietary calcium consumption was not linked to cardiovascular risk, the results showed that people who took calcium supplements were significantly more likely to experience a heart attack than non-supplement users.

According to the findings, people who used supplements were 83 percent more likely to experience a heart attack during the 11-year follow-up period, compared people who never used supplements.

The researchers said the findings indicate that people should exercise caution when considering using calcium supplements. Many people, particularly the elderly, are advised to use these products to support their bone health. However, this may jeopardize other areas of well-being.