On July 29, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) published a meta-analysis on the effects of calcium supplements on the risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular events. The study's results have been reported in the general media.
The study's conclusion suggested that calcium supplements may increase the risk of heart attack (What is heart attack? Please see below). In response to the story, Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., vice president of Global Government and Scientific Affairs for the Natural Products Association notes the following:
"There are thousands of studies on calcium, but the authors selected only eight to do this meta-analysis. None of the selected studies had cardiovascular outcomes as the primary end-points, and data on cardiovascular events were not gathered in a standardized manner, so it would appear much more of a predetermined outcome versus one of great scientific rigor.
"We have seen the argument time and again that people can get all the nutrients they need from a balanced diet. However, we have also seen time and again that the majority of Americans do not eat a balanced diet. With that understanding, we hope that all individuals who use calcium supplements, and especially those populations that are at high risk for fractures, will continue their regimens and not be dissuaded by the attention surrounding this less than satisfactory study."
Source: Natural Products Association
What is heart attack?
If the heart muscle does not have enough blood (and consequently oxygen) it dies and a heart attack occurs. Another name for a heart attack is myocardial infarction, cardiac infarction and coronary thrombosis. According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary, a heart attack is "infarction of a segment of heart muscle, usually due to occlusion of a coronary artery". (Infarction = the process whereby an area of dead tissue is caused by a loss of blood supply).
A heart attack usually happens when a blood clot develops in one of the blood vessels that lead to the heart muscle (coronary arteries). The clot, if it is big enough, can stop the supply of blood to the heart. Blood supply to the heart can also be undermined if the artery suddenly narrows, as in a spasm.
To read about this study please see here http://treatingarthritis.info/47342/analysis-suggesting-calcium-increases-heart-attack-risk-flawed-says-npa/
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