That Pesky Calcium Study…

Written by Neal Smoller on August 25th, 2010 in Uncategorized

We’ve gotten many phone calls regarding this new calcium study released July 29th in the British Medical Journal and we want to clarify all of the confusion portrayed in the media.

First, the results… The study found that high doses of calcium may cause a 30% increase in heart attack risk.

From the Boston Globe:

“Ian Reid of the University of Auckland in New Zealand and colleagues pooled the results of 11 clinical trials in which 12,000 people over 40 were randomly assigned to take either a placebo or at least 500 milligrams of calcium a day for an average of 3 1/2 years. After considering age, smoking, high blood pressure, and other risk factors for heart disease, the researchers found that people who took calcium supplements were 30 percent more likely to have a heart attack than people who took placebos.”

Our Thoughts
First, the study is poorly designed.

Meta-analysis, or the pooling of results of already completed studies, is not the best way to get great proof. There are many variables and you can get something that may seem related or causative, but after a thorough well designed study is completed, that relationship doesn’t exist. The best way to conduct a study is to start fresh, with the goals in mind, moving forward. Looking backward may not give you the clearest view of the problem.

The analysis excluded studies where patients took vitamin D along with calcium, an important vitamin used in the proper absorption and utilization of calcium.

The form of calcium used was calcium carbonate. The dosing was inappropriate, with some patients taking well over the recommended
amounts of total daily intake.

Adequate Intakes (AIs) for Calcium

Age	Male	Female	Pregnant	Lactating
0-6 months	210 mg	210 mg
7-12 months	270 mg	270 mg
1-3 years	500 mg	500 mg
4-8 years	800 mg	800 mg
9-13 years	1,300 mg	1,300 mg
14-18 years	1,300 mg	1,300 mg	1,300 mg	1,300 mg
19-50 years	1,000 mg	1,000 mg	1,000 mg	1,000 mg
50+ years	1,200 mg	1,200 mg

This number includes dietary intake.

This study was not conclusive due to its design and should be only used as a guide. From it, we can only conclude taking calcium carbonate at high doses without vitamin D MAY increase heart disease risk.

Taking forms of calcium that are more absorbable along with vitamin D, magnesium, and other bone building minerals at correct
doses that account for dietary calcium long term is safe and lowers the risk of osteoporosis. This has been well documented in many
well designed studies.

Talk to one of our staff about what calcium product to choose. Schedule an appointment today for a free nutritional consult – we can review your diet and supplements to be certain the doses are appropriate for you!