I've read that calcium supplements may increase the risk of heart attacks. Is this true?
Answer From Rekha Mankad, M.D.
Calcium supplements are usually taken to treat or prevent bone disease, such as osteoporosis. There is some evidence that calcium supplements can increase the risk of heart attack. Some research suggests that the risk is significantly higher in people with diabetes.
One review of studies found that calcium supplements increased the risk of heart disease, particularly in healthy postmenopausal women. But other studies have said calcium supplements don't increase the risk.
More research is needed to know how calcium supplements affect a person's overall risk of heart attack. What is known is that calcium from food sources isn't a concern. Food sources of calcium include dairy products and leafy green vegetables.
Taking calcium with vitamin D does provide a benefit for people who have bone loss or too little calcium. Ask your healthcare professional if a calcium supplement is right for you.
Show References
- Heravi AS, et al. Vitamin D and calcium supplements: Helpful, harmful or neutral for cardiovascular risk? Methodist Debakey Cardiovascular Journal. 2019; doi: 10.14797/mdcj-15-3-207.
- Myung SK, et al. Calcium supplements and risk of cardiovascular disease: A meta-analysis of clinical trials. Nutrients. 2021; doi:10.3390/nu13020368.
- Yang C, et al. The evidence and controversy between dietary calcium intake and calcium supplementation and the risk of cardiovascular disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies and randomized controlled trials. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2019; doi: 10.1080/07315724.2019.1649219.
- Morelli MB, et al. Calcium supplements: Good for the bone, bad for the heart? A systematic updated appraisal. Atherosclerosis. 2020; doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2019.12.003.
- Mankad R (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. March 8, 2021.
- Qiu Z, et al. Associations of habitual calcium supplementation with risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in individuals with and without diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2024; doi:10.2337/dc23-0109.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/expert-answers/calcium-supplements/faq-20058352