Calcium lowers mortality rates in women says new study

Women taking up to 1,000mg calcium per day (through supplements or dietary sources) had 22% lower mortality rates over a 10 year period says a study of 9,033 Canadians.

The research team analysed data that monitored the health of 9,033 Canadians between 1995 and 2007. During that period, 1,160 participants died.

“Our study found daily use of calcium supplements was associated with a lower risk of death among women,” says lead author Dr David Goltzman. “The benefit was seen for women who took doses of up to 1,000mg per day, regardless of whether the supplement contained vitamin D.”

The same benefits were seen when the calcium came from dairy foods, non-dairy foods or supplements.

No statistical benefit was seen in men and there was no benefit from taking calcium at doses bigger than 1,000mg a day.

The study will be published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

Previous research suggested that high-dose supplements of calcium could increase risk of heart disease so the current study will go some way to reassure those who take supplements for osteoporosis.

“Our recommendation would be to assess dietary intake to meet calcium and vitamin D requirements for bone health and to consider supplementation as necessary to meet the requirements,” suggests Dr Goltzman.

The reason that no benefit was seen in men could be that men tend to have a bigger calcium dietary intake than women.

“The benefits found in this study could be from women having extra supplies, bringing them up to normal and optimal levels,” says Carrie Ruxton from the Health Supplements Information Service.

Experts believe that very high doses of calcium circulating in the blood may lead to hardening of the arteries and heart attacks. But dietary calcium is taken in small amounts throughout the day, so is absorbed slowly.

Calcium can be found in dairy products, fish and green, leafy vegetables.