It is becoming increasingly common for older men to take calcium pills for their cardiovascular benefits, but in an unfortunate ironic twist, a new study published in Online First is reporting that calcium pills may actually be linked to heart problems.
In a study conducted by the National Cancer Institute, researchers found that men taking more than 1,000 mg of calcium pills a day had a 20 percent higher risk of dying of cardiovascular disease. These findings were reached after researchers analyzed data from the National Institute of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study.
Troubling Findings
The study, led by Qian Xiao, Ph.D., examined over 388,229 men and women from 50 to 71 years old. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire detailing their eating habits, lifestyle and medical history.
Among the participants, 56 percent of women and 23 percent of men reported taking calcium supplements. Those that reported taking calcium supplements were typically college educated, physically active, and not smokers. Despite this, in the 12 years of follow-up, 7,904 men and 3,874 women died of cardiovascular disease. Researchers were immediately concerned about the much higher rate of cardiovascular disease in the men.
Do The Warnings Apply to Women?
Curiously, although excess calcium intake could prove to be a threat to men, researchers found there was no increased risk in women. Questions still remain, though, with researchers stating that “Whether there is a sex difference in the cardiovascular effect of calcium supplements warrants further investigation.”
We specialize in providing our over 1,000,000 customers with relevant product and condition information created by our professional editorial staff which includes our team of medical writers, medical practitioners, and health educators. eDrugStore.com Staff on Facebook