Calcium Supplements Pose No Heart Risk

OTTAWA, OntarioAs media outlets continue to report on a meta-analysis released in July (BMJ. 2010;341:c3691. DOI: 10.1136/bmj.c3691) purporting to find a link between the use of calcium dietary supplements and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, Health Canada issued an information update on the situation. The Canadian health agency noted it is conducting an ongoing review of the benefits and risks of taking calcium supplements. However, it noted after reviewing the BMJ study, it determined the study does not, in fact, demonstrate a conclusive association between calcium supplementation and cardiovascular risks.

Their conclusion was similar to that reached by many in the nutrition industry when the study was originally published in late July. They questioned the veracity of the meta-analysis, particularly as the researchers included only 15 trials out of more than 300 available; seven of the selected studies had little to no conclusive cardiovascular data. The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) called the conclusion dramatically overstated," noting the researchers also excluded the large, important trials involving calcium with vitamin D.

Health Canada noted the U.S. Institute of Medicine (IOM) is reviewing the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for calcium, as well as the latest scientific evidence related to calcium and its effects on human health, particularly for the bones. Until IOMs report is complete, Health Canada continues to recommend a daily calcium intake not to exceed 1,500 mg/d, with additional vitamin D (400 IU/d) in adults over age 50.