Stop Your Calcium Supplements:
An Evolve Direct Primary Care Primary Care Update
In this Evolve Direct Primary Care primary care update, we discuss the 2 new studies published this week which say taking calcium to prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures is not helpful–and may even be harmful. As a result, recommendations should be changing soon.
For many years, older adults, have been told to take 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium. But the two papers, by the same team of New Zealand researchers, suggest we should stop our calcium. In fact, women who
1400mg of Calcium per day was associated with increased risk of heart attack and death.
take over 1,400mg of calcium per day are at an increased risk of death (from all causes), increased risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease (see this summary of the trials in the NYT) or this study published in Heart in 2012. or this opinion piece. Other less worrisome but certainly bothersome side effects often include constipation.
The Bottom Line
The Details
One study reviewed 59 different previous studies with a total 13,790 men and women over 50. They found that taking supplements or increasing dietary calcium only increased bone density 1-2%, which is not enough to change bone fracture risk.
The other study reviewed 55 different studies. Of the 4 best studies, which all together totaled over 45,000 participants. Taken together, it showed no benefit of calcium supplements toward lowering the risk of fracture at any site.
Summary
At Evolve Direct Primary Care, we are recommending that our patients stop calcium supplementation. We recommend each individual discuss this recent data with their own doctors. If you do not have a primary and would like to discuss with one of our providers, feel free to schedule on-line at this link.
Evolve Direct Primary Care: Better health starts with healthier living!
