Women who supplement their diet with extra calcium to prevent osteoporosis could be at risk of developing a serious heart condition.
According to researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden, the mineral – which can be easily purchased from pharmacies and health stores – may be doing more damage than good.
The 19-year study examined 61,443 women born between 1914 and 1940 – taking into account whether they were going through the menopause or undertaking hormone replacement therapy – and found most females who died from heart and cardiovascular disease had an above average calcium intake.
Professor Karl Michaelsson, who led the research, stated those who do not eat or drink any dairy products should perhaps take the supplement.
“However, those who eat a little cheese or yoghurt simply don’t need supplements. In fact this study shows they could have very serious underlying health implications,” he was quoted by the Express as saying.
Individuals who took 1,400mg a day were at the highest risk of illness and these findings are likely to have implications for the estimated half of middle-aged and elderly British women who are reinforcing their diet with the element.