Calcium supplements and the risk of cardiovascular events

Published: 2010-09-07

Osteoporosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older people and most guidelines recommend adequate calcium intake as an integral part of the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis. In the light of conflicting evidence about the effect on cardiovascular health, researchers did a meta-analysis of trials of cardiovascular events in randomised trials of calcium supplements without vitamin D [1].

The study, totalling 12,000 participants, found that calcium supplements increase the risk of myocardial infarction by about 30%. Given the modest benefits of calcium supplements on bone density and fracture prevention, a reassessment of the role of calcium supplements in the management of osteoporosis is warranted.

1. BMJ. 2010;341:c3691.