Calcium for Heart Health Support
Calcium supplements do not benefit the heart and may modestly raise cardiovascular risk at high supplemental doses.
Overview
Verdict
How It Works
Dosing & Protocol
Typical dose
- Recommended dose
- Not recommended for heart health - get calcium from food
- Expected timeframe
- Not applicable - no cardiovascular benefit demonstrated
Protocol
- studied dose
- 500-1200 mg/day of supplemental elemental calcium in bone trials, with cardiovascular outcomes assessed secondarily
- evidence note
- Verdict is insufficient, and the direction of concern runs the wrong way
- what happened
- Reanalyses of trial data have suggested a small excess of myocardial infarction with calcium supplements, while dietary calcium shows no such association and may be neutral or mildly protective. No trial supports taking calcium supplements to protect the heart
- what to do instead
- Food sources of calcium, plus the interventions that actually reduce cardiovascular events: blood pressure control, lipid management, not smoking, and physical activity
- if you supplement for bone
- Keep supplemental calcium to the dietary shortfall only, at no more than 500 mg per dose
Evidence
What the studies say
Effect of calcium supplements on risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular events: meta-analysis
Bolland MJ, Avenell A, Baron JA +4 more
Calcium supplements without co-administered vitamin D were associated with an approximately 30% increased risk of myocardial infarction in pooled patient-level analysis.
Safety
Caveats
The evidence signal here is potential harm rather than benefit: excess supplemental calcium has been linked to a small increase in myocardial infarction in reanalyses, and to vascular calcification concerns, particularly in chronic kidney disease. Cap total intake at 2000-2500 mg/day and prefer dietary sources. Supplements raise kidney stone risk. Avoid supplementing in hypercalcaemia, hyperparathyroidism and sarcoidosis. Separate from thyroid medication and some antibiotics by 2 hours. Standard prenatal doses are appropriate in pregnancy.
Less likely to help if
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.
Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.