Be careful with calcium! Evidence is accumulating that supplementation of this popular mineral is associated with an increased risk of heart attack.
Many people take nutritional supplements to give their bodies the vitamins and minerals that are important for good health. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that calcium supplementation, one of the most popular and sought after calcium supplements, may actually increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Back in 2007, the BMJ magazine published an article saying that scientists had identified a worrying trend among people taking calcium supplements. Specialists then analyzed a number of studies whose participants partially took such supplements. The average age of the participants was over 40 years, the duration of their intake of calcium, on average, exceeded one year.
As a result, the experts concluded that the incidence of myocardial infarction is increased among people who use calcium supplements (compared to those who who does not accept). In particular, the researchers stated in the article that
“calcium supplementation (without co-administration of vitamin D) is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction.”
Calcium supplementation is bad for the heart
Therapist Irina Andreeva told MedicForum that this is far from the only study that has found a link between calcium supplements and an increased chance of cardiovascular disease. For example, there is evidence that such supplements contribute to the progression of aortic stenosis (aortic valve stenosis). In the case of this disorder, the heart valve narrows, which reduces or blocks the flow of blood from the heart to the aorta and to the rest of the body.
The doctor warned about the harmful effects of calcium supplements on the heart
The doctor recalled that Calcium should primarily be replenished through food.
- The mineral can be found in the following foods.
- Milk, cheese and other dairy products.
- Fish that can be eaten with bones, such as sardines.
- Nuts and dried fruits.
- Beans, legumes in general.
< li>Green leafy vegetables: kale, okra.
Earlier, the portal MedikForum.ru wrote that the lack of one vitamin increases people's susceptibility to heart disease.