Calcium builds strong bones, and more is better--correct? Well, maybe not.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of calcium supplementation for osteoporosis and its implications for phosphate binder use in CKD.
Results Summary
The study found conflicting data on the antifracture efficacy of calcium supplementation, particularly in high doses, and raised concerns about an increased risk of cardiovascular events. These findings challenge the traditional use of calcium as a gold standard therapy for osteoporosis and phosphate binders in CKD.
Population
Patients with osteoporosis without CKD and implications for CKD patients.
Effective Dosage
High doses (specific amounts not mentioned)
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
calcium supplementation | neutral | osteoporosis | the general population | - | has been considered the gold standard therapy | #1 |
calcium supplementation | no change | antifracture efficacy | patients with osteoporosis without CKD | - | demonstrate conflicting data on the antifracture efficacy | #2 |
calcium supplementation | increase | cardiovascular events | - | - | suggest an increased risk | #3 |
Calcium supplementation has been considered the gold standard therapy for osteoporosis in the general population. It is given in both the placebo and treatment groups of trials evaluating antifracture efficacy of new therapies. Similarly, calcium-based phosphate binders have been considered the gold standard comparator for all new phosphate binders. However, large randomized trials demonstrate conflicting data on the antifracture efficacy of calcium supplementation, particularly in high doses, in patients with osteoporosis without CKD. In addition, recent data suggest an increased risk for cardiovascular events. These new studies raise safety concerns for the general approach with calcium supplementation and binders. This review describes recent data on the adverse effects of calcium supplementation for osteoporosis and how these new data should affect the strategy for phosphate binder use in CKD.