Uh, oh….can CALCIUM cause heart attacks?!?!

I know that one of my first blogs was talking about how important adequate calcium intake is, and it still totally is!  Calcium, as we all now know is really good for you, it not only help to strengthen bones, but it aids in muscle contraction, allowing for optimal cardiovascular health, and help to keep your joints inflammation free.  So, am I going to tell you that calcium is actually bad for you?

Kinda, sorta!?!?!? Recent new studies have come out showing that calcium intake can actually increase WOMENS risk of heart attacks by 27-31%!   The studies were looking at older women who take calcium supplements (without Vitamin D) in 500mg  pills.  The study was pretty large in size and was published in the British medical Journal, which is very well regarded, as far as medical journals go.

Many HCP’s are not changing their patients medication regimes as of right now, because the risk of broken bones and osteoporosis is so significant for so many older women, but they are taking into account their medical history and risk of cardiac disease.  So, your HCP may not stop your current calcium supplementation, and don’t stop until you see them and talk to them about your specific course of treatment.  BUT if you do have risk factors, you may not be started on calcium supplementation and encouraged to take in calcium through your diet….as always, I am pushing the raw milk, but see my list linked above to look for some calcium rich foods and lay off the supplements, if you are worried, but make sure to boost the calcium in your diet!!

Yours in Good Health!
B

Comments Closed