Calcium supplementation does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in women

(new study) - A new study has gone against previous claims that calcium supplementation increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Calcium supplementation is a popular practice for women to strengthen bones. Previous studies have shown that calcium supplementation may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, but the data are conflicting. A new study conducted by Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) found that calcium supplements do not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in women. This research is also published on Osteoporosis International.

The researchers examined supplemental calcium use and cardiovascular-related diseases in a prospective cohort study (prospective cohort study) on 74,245 women, the Nurses' Health Study. 'Health Study). The women involved in the study did not suffer from cardiovascular disease or cancer in the first place. They were monitored for 24 years to estimate the risk of developing heart attacks and strokes. Calcium supplementation is evaluated every 4 years.

'Our research has several distinct advantages compared to previous studies, as it is conducted on a large number of participants, long follow-up times, and a large number of events. cardiovascular confirmation by medical records, detailed information about meals and other factors that contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disease and periodic tests of calcium supplementation monitored for 24 years' , Ms. Julie Paik, master of Public Health, medical doctor, chairman of this scientific research project said.

Researchers found that in the early stages of the study, women who took calcium supplements had higher levels of physical activity, smoke less and absorbed less fat than women. Take calcium supplements. During 24 years of follow-up, there were 2709 heart attacks and 1856 strokes.

'Based on our findings, it is necessary to have more long-term cohort studies to test the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with supplemental calcium use'.

This study is supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Osteoporosis International also confirmed that, after a meta-analysis, the results showed that calcium supplementation with or without vitamin D did not increase the risk of coronary heart disease or the risk of all-cause mortality (all- cause maternal) in older women.