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Risk factors

Calcium supplements and cardiovascular risk

Nature Reviews Cardiology volume 9, pages 497–498 (2012)Cite this article

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In the Heidelberg–EPIC study, an association was found between the use of calcium supplements and risk of myocardial infarction, corroborating published data. Given these findings and the absence of clear beneficial effect on fracture risk, the use of these supplements should be discouraged, and individuals advised to obtain calcium from a balanced diet.

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Figure 1: Putative mechanisms by which calcium supplements increase cardiovascular risk.

References

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Acknowledgements

I. R. Reid and M. J. Bolland are supported by the Health Research Council of New Zealand.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Auckland, 1023, Grafton, New Zealand

    Ian R. Reid & Mark J. Bolland

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  1. Ian R. Reid
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Correspondence to Ian R. Reid.

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Competing interests

I. R. Reid has acted as a consultant for Sanofi. M. J. Bolland declares no competing interests.

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Reid, I., Bolland, M. Calcium supplements and cardiovascular risk. Nat Rev Cardiol 9, 497–498 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrcardio.2012.101

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