Calcium supplements up risk of heart attack: Study

Taking calcium supplements can double the risk of heart attack, claims a new study.

Results of the study show that people who used calcium supplements regularly were 86% more likely to suffer a heart attack than those who did not.

The new findings are based on a study conducted by researchers at German Cancer Research Centre, in Heidelberg, who followed 23,980 people, aged 35-64, for over a decade.

During the period 354 of participants had heart attack and 260 had a stroke. There were 267 associated deaths during the course of study.

For long doctors have recommended calcium supplements to strengthen bones and prevent osteoporotic fractures.

However, a few researches in the past have linked calcium intake in form of supplements to kidney stones, gut and abdominal symptoms.

The researchers in the study have suggested that the supplement be used with great caution and only in case one has a medical condition that requires additional intake of calcium.

Most people have a misconception that popping a pill or two of the calcium supplement can help strengthen bones and prevent bone loss during old age. However, the new study contradicts the commonly held belief and endorses intake of calcium through a balanced diet, until and unless there is a medical need.

The study has been published in the journal Heart.