Calcium supplements increase heart disease risk

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Is this true? Recent well-designed studies suggest that it is. Supplementing with calcium may increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. It may increase your risk of a heart attack by a staggering 30%.

However, these studies evaluate the use of calcium (calcium carbonate or citrate), as a single nutrient. These supplements do not include vitamin D, potassium, or magnesium, all of which are essential for heart health. Thankfully, studies evaluating the use of supplements with both calcium and vitamin D suggest no negative impact on heart health. Supplements with a 2:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium may even have a protective effect for some heart conditions.

Why might calcium supplementation alone increase your risk of developing heart disease? Theories include over-consumption of calcium, since many postmenopausal women and health professionals aren’t aware that the recommendation of 1000 – 1200mg calcium includes calcium obtained from food sources. (For a list of foods and their calcium content, visit this website here). Overconsumption of calcium may cause calcium deposition in artery walls and increase blood ‘thickness’. It may also cause a magnesium deficiency that appears as heart disease.

Naturopathic Doctors have been aware of the complications of prescribing calcium for some time. Good health includes balanced eating and supplementation only when an individual is assessed for health parameters, including their diet, toxin exposure, and organ function. Appropriate supplementation for bones includes a variety of minerals and vitamins for total bone health.

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We respectfully acknowledge that Kingston Integrated Healthcare is situated on ancestral Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee Territory. Since time immemorial they have cared for these lands and waters, and we are grateful. We recognize that a healthy environment is essential to the wellbeing of all people and all life.


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