Women at mid-life and beyond are pretty much universally advised to take calcium supplements, to keep bones strong and prevent osteoporosis. But there's evidence that those same supplements can hurt our hearts.
A recently published study of more than 24,000 adults over 45 found that those who got their calcium from supplements were more than twice as likely to suffer a heart attack. Consuming calcium in food did not pose a risk—in fact, people who consumed moderate amounts of calcium (from both food and supplements) were less likely to experience a heart attack than those who consumed the least calcium.
This isn't really breaking news (since reading similar past studies, such as this one, I've ignored my doctor's advice to take calcium supplements). But it is yet more evidence supporting the conclusion of this recent commentary on vitamin supplements and cancer, that popping nutrient pills is at least as likely to be harmful as helpful. It's a far safer strategy to get your vitamins and minerals by eating a wide variety of plants and other whole, unprocessed foods.
For more about the calcium supplement/heart attack connection, and pill-free ways to keep your bones strong, read these 8 Healthy Bone Tips.
More about calcium and bone health:
A Supplement You Can Probably Skip
