Strengthened by its large sample size and extended follow-up period, the findings of study reveals the supplement that does not confer any heart benefits, and instead may reflect an elevated overall risk of open heart surgery and mortality
A growing number of individuals are resorting to supplements as a means to obtain essential vitamins and minerals. However, recent findings imply that this strategy might not be as prudent as thought.
A report in the Heart journal brings to light the potential dangers that come with the consumption of calcium supplements.
Calcium, commonly recognized for its contribution to the fortification of bones and teeth, is also critical in the blood clotting process.
Governmental health agencies emphasize that a diverse and balanced food intake should suffice in providing the required amount of calcium.
Interestingly, the aforementioned study in the Heart journal establishes a connection between calcium supplements and an escalated threat of mortality for those afflicted with aortic valve stenosis, which is a progressive and potentially lethal disorder.
Moreover, the research revealed that calcium supplementation almost triples the likelihood of necessitating an aortic valve replacement – the sole efficacious procedure which entails substituting the impaired valve.
Disturbingly, the intake of these supplements exacerbates the cardiac ailment, regardless of their combination with vitamin D, as per the study.
Aortic stenosis is a condition in which the aortic valve – the heart’s principal exit valve – becomes rigid and constricts. Consequently, it is unable to open completely, resulting in the reduction or obstruction of blood flow from the heart to the aorta and the rest of the body.
The debate surrounding the relationship between calcium or vitamin D intake through diet or supplements and the risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality is ongoing and intense.
However, the existing evidence regarding their safety predominantly originates from animal-based studies, while the consumption of these supplements has skyrocketed, especially among postmenopausal women, the authors highlighted.
Hence, the researchers endeavored to examine the potential repercussions of these supplements on mortality from all causes and cardiovascular diseases, the requirement for aortic valve replacement, and the progression of aortic stenosis in the elderly population.
In pursuit of this, the cardiac well-being of 2,657 subjects (average age 74; 42 percent female) with mild to moderate aortic stenosis was monitored between 2008 and 2018, with an average tracking duration of over 5.5 years.
The participants were segregated into three groups: those not consuming any supplements (1,292), those consuming only vitamin D (332), and those consuming calcium with or without vitamin D (1,033), of which 115 consumed only calcium supplements.
It was observed that the supplement-consuming individuals were significantly more likely to have diabetes and coronary artery disease compared to their counterparts.
They also exhibited a higher likelihood of consuming statins, warfarin, and phosphate binders, having undergone coronary artery bypass grafts, and requiring kidney dialysis.
Throughout the observation period, 540 individuals passed away, and 774 required aortic valve replacements.
Over one-third of the subjects in each group developed severe aortic stenosis within five years.
While vitamin D supplementation alone did not appear to influence survival rates, the combination of calcium and vitamin D was correlated with a significantly elevated (31 percent) mortality risk from all causes and twice the risk of a cardiovascular death.
Calcium supplements alone also indicated a higher risk of mortality from all causes (24 percent) and almost threefold risk of requiring an aortic valve replacement.
This study was observational in nature and thus couldn’t definitively ascertain causation. Additionally, subjects consuming supplements generally had more heart disease and mortality risk factors, and the study did not evaluate the quantities of calcium intake through diet and supplements.
However, the researchers concluded that “Strengthened by its large sample size and extended follow-up period, our study suggests that calcium supplementation does not confer any [cardiovascular] benefit, and instead may reflect an elevated overall risk of AVR [aortic valve replacement] and mortality, especially in those not undergoing AVR.”.
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