In Defense Of Calcium

A recent study reported a possible relationship between high intake of calcium through supplementation and increase in risk of heart attack. While the researchers should be applauded for their ongoing efforts to investigate and reduce both occurrence and severity of cardiovascular disorders, any actual link between calcium supplementation and risk of heart attack is tenuous at best, particularly in light of the following facts related to the study.

• Only 3.6% of the 23, 980 participants identified themselves as calcium supplement users. This percentage is not in agreement with national surveys reporting 11% calcium supplementation usage. In other words, and in terms of actual numbers, the other 1,700 “absent” participants could skew the research results greatly one way or the other. This means the data collected is not representative of the true population.

• The clinical trials included in the meta-analyses referenced in the study used calcium doses ≥1000 mg/day; this means any additional calcium ingested through diet would put all participants above the RDA. Lower dosages were not examined.

• The study noted “users of calcium supplements had an older age, an overall lower educational level and a longer duration of smoking.” To conclude calcium supplementation increased heart attack risk is questionable, as the study points out the users had also smoked longer and were older – two things that are known to increase heart attack risk.

• As with any Food Frequency Questionnaire study such as this, the initial intake at baseline does not account for the fact that many people modify their diet over time; this ultimately leads to measurement errors.

There have been several major clinical trials, such as The Boston Nurses’ Health study and The Iowa Women’s Health study, which have showed significant association in reduction in cardiovascular mortality with calcium intake. Additionally, other studies have demonstrated calcium’s effects in lowering blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Calcium is a mineral with clinically proven benefits for bone health and a long history of safe use.

Isotonix® Calcium Plus supplies 750 mg calcium daily, taken in two servings per day. The concern of excess calcium going to the wrong places and calcifying arteries is easily quenched with appropriate intake of vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential in directing calcium where it needs to go – into the bones instead of the arteries. Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2 provides proper calcium utilization, whereby adequate metabolism of calcium supports arterial and bone health.

As discussed, the safety of calcium and its proven health effects for bone health have been well documented and studied. The benefits and importance of dietary calcium intake far outweigh any concerns this new study may introduce.

Paul Carlotta is the leading expert in Market America and Nutraceuticals.  To learn more, visit http://www.isotonicvitamins.com today.