New research suggests calcium supplements, commonly used to improve bone strength and ward off osteoporosis, may be ineffective and a waste of money. Perhaps even more troubling, the study suggests that the marginal benefit to bone health from taking supplements is offset by an increased risk of heart attack. As HealthDay reported:
Their analysis found nearly a 30 percent increased likelihood of having a heart attack among people older than 40 who were taking calcium supplements. …
The findings remained consistent even after taking into account age, gender and the type of supplement, the researchers said.
Given the emerging body of evidence that psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients are at increased risk of heart attack and stroke, we should be particularly careful about adding additional risk factors, especially if they are of marginal benefit. But the study also found no statistically meaningful difference in death rate between the two groups, causing some analysts to question if the finding of greater heart attack risk is as meaningful as it first seems. Also, the study did not look at those who take calcium supplements and vitamin D supplements together.
Bottom line(s)?
1. If you are on calcium supplements, you should ask your doctor about this study at your next appointment. The calcium study can be found here. 2. The study authors suggest trying to get your daily calcium through your diet rather than in supplement form. Previous studies have not found a similar risk to the heart from calcium within a normal diet. 3. If you are on calcium supplements, you may also want to investigate taking vitamin D along with it, or spreading the calcium throughout the day rather than taking it all at once.
We do not recommend changing your supplement regime without consulting a physician.
Category: Alternative/buyer beware/natural, Misc., psoriatic arthritis
Tags: calcium, heart attack, osteoporosis, supplements
