Calcium Supplements Reportedly Raise Risk for Myocardial Infarction

Patients on calcium supplements show a modest increase in risk for myocardial infarction, according to a BMJ meta-analysis.
Investigators gathered data on some 12,000 participants in randomized controlled trials using calcium supplements without vitamin D. Subjects on calcium showed a roughly 30% increase in risk for MI and nonsignificant increases for stroke, death, and the composite outcome of MI, stroke, or sudden death.

The authors propose that one mechanism for the effect could be the danger of increased vessel calcification.
They estimate that although treating 1000 people for 5 years would prevent 26 fractures, it would also lead to 14 MIs, 10 strokes, and 13 deaths.

An editorial concludes: "Patients with osteoporosis should generally not be treated with calcium supplements, either alone or combined with vitamin D, unless they are also receiving an effective treatment for osteoporosis."

BMJ article (Free)

BMJ editorial (Free)


Dato' Dr. Ismail Yaacob
Medical Director/Consultant Physician
Kedah Medical Centre