August 2010

Q. I was just wondering about your opinion with regards to Calcium supplements and Heart Attacks for older women. I have taken these supplements, about 1500 mg for years and now I hear they cause build up in your coronary arteries and you should only get calcium from calcium rich foods. Any opinion or comments? Thanks.........

A. So many women were confused by a recent study that suggested taking calcium supplements could increase the risk of coronary disease. This study was poorly done and did not take into account individual risk factors for coronary disease. The medical experts that ABC queried about this study found many flaws and believed it made no sense. We do have lots of evidence that calcium is important to minimize high blood pressure and is an important element of bone growth. In fact, many women lose more calcium daily in their urine then they take in their diet so are potentially deficient.

Common sense should prevail here. Women after menopause need about 1200 mg of Calcium to replace losses. Calcium however cannot be effectively absorbed without vitamin D - which is perhaps an even more important vitamin/hormone. I would recommend about 1000 or more IU of vitamin D daily for most women - especially women who don't get southern sunlight exposure.

I have not discontinued my calcium and vitamin D nor have I heard that most physicians are doing otherwise.

Thanks for reaching out.