High-dose calcium intake increases the risk of heart disease by 20%

Many people, especially men and women in middle age and older, are taking calcium supplements to prevent osteoporosis. However, experts warn that this supplement could be harmful because it increases the risk of death from heart disease.

Hundreds of thousands of adults are taking calcium supplements, or as directed by doctors to fight osteoporosis - a disease in which bones become thinner and more brittle and broken - or as a measure bone prevention and protection.

However, a new study of 388,000 people found that men taking calcium supplements at doses of more than 1,000 mg per day were at risk for heart disease and died because it was up to 20% higher. This effect was not recorded in women.

According to the researchers, taking high-dose calcium supplements is a benefit
harm ' because it increases the risk of heart disease and death in men by 20%.

However, people with calcium-rich diets only through food and beverages will not face an increased risk of heart disease, according to researchers from the US National Cancer Institute.

Supplementary pills will increase the concentration of calcium circulating in the blood and appear to have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system. Experts believe that higher levels of calcium in the blood lead to arteriosclerosis, which can eventually cause heart attacks.

The British Food Standards Bureau recommends adults need 700mg of calcium per day and they should be supplemented with foods like milk, cheese and leafy green vegetables.

The authors conclude: 'Whether there is a gender difference in the effect of calcium supplements on our cardiovascular system needs further investigation. In the face of the fact that people are increasingly abusing calcium supplements, it is important to evaluate the use of calcium pills in addition to enhancing bone health. '

Compared to men, older women are more at risk of osteoporosis because the rate of bone damage increases due to menopause. On average, the proportion of people over 50 who have a fracture due to osteoporosis in women is 1: 2 and in men is 1: 5.