Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Calcium Supplements May Increase Heart Disease Risk, Study Suggests
Think of calcium like building blocks for your body, especially for strong bones.
You can get calcium from yummy foods like milk and cheese, which is great for your heart.
But, if you take extra calcium in pill form, it's like getting a super-fast rush of calcium.
This big, fast surge might cause problems, like making your blood vessels stiff and even leading to heart attacks.
Scientists found that getting calcium from food is good for your heart, but getting too much too quickly from pills could be risky.
So, while calcium is important, it's better to get it from your food than from supplements if you're worried about your heart.
Dietary calcium intake is associated with beneficial cardiovascular effects, while calcium supplements may increase cardiovascular risk.
A study found that calcium supplements were significantly associated with an increased risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and Congenital Heart Disease (CHD).
Calcium supplements might increase the risk of heart attack by 20-30% due to changes in blood calcium levels leading to vascular calcification.
Arterial calcification caused by calcium supplements leads to stiffening of blood vessels, potentially increasing blood pressure and reducing blood flow.
The risk-benefit balance of calcium supplements for bone health versus potential cardiovascular damage needs careful consideration.
- Who
- Adults aged 19-64, individuals taking calcium supplements
- What
- Potential increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with calcium supplements compared to dietary calcium
- When
- Ongoing research, recent study published in the journal Nutrients
- Where
- Global scientific community, with specific mention of a study in the journal Nutrients
- Why
- Calcium supplements rapidly increase circulating calcium levels, potentially leading to vascular calcification, arterial stiffness, altered blood flow, and increased risk of heart attack and stroke, while dietary calcium increases levels more gradually and is linked to cardiovascular protection.
- Recommended Daily Calcium Intake
- 700mg for adults aged 19-64
- Risk Associated with Supplements
- Increased risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)
- Potential Mechanisms for Increased Risk
- Vascular calcification, arterial stiffness, altered coagulation, impaired vascular function
- Benefit of Dietary Calcium
- Associated with beneficial cardiovascular effects, including protection from hypertension and stroke
- Calcium Supplementation Caution
- Risks may outweigh bone health benefits, especially for those with cardiovascular disease risk