Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation. Myths and Realities with Regard to Cardiovascular Risk.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the physiological role of calcium and vitamin D in bone and muscle health, as well as assess their supplementation effects on bone health and potential cardiovascular side effects.
Results Summary
The study found that calcium and vitamin D supplementation positively affects bone health in osteoporosis patients but raised concerns about potential cardiovascular side effects. Observational studies showed mixed results regarding bone mineral density and vitamin D/calcium status.
Population
Patients with osteoporosis and general bone health considerations.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
vitamin D and calcium | neutral | bone diseases | - | - | are considered crucial for the treatment | #1 |
vitamin D and calcium | neutral | bone homeostasis | - | - | contribute to | #2 |
vitamin D and calcium | neutral | muscle health | - | - | preserve | #3 |
vitamin D and calcium | decrease | falls and fractures | - | - | reducing the risk | #4 |
Low vitamin D concentrations | increase | secondary hyperparathyroidism | - | - | result in | #5 |
Low vitamin D concentrations | increase | bone loss | - | - | contribute to | #6 |
supplementation with calcium and vitamin D | increase | bone | patients with osteoporosis | - | positive effect | #7 |
supplementation with calcium and vitamin D | neutral | cardiovascular (CV) system | - | - | potential side effects | #8 |
Vitamin D and calcium are considered crucial for the treatment of bone diseases. Both vitamin D and calcium contribute to bone homeostasis but also preserve muscle health by reducing the risk of falls and fractures. Low vitamin D concentrations result in secondary hyperparathyroidism and contribute to bone loss, although the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism varies, even in patients with severe vitamin D deficiency. Findings from observational studies have shown controversial results regarding the association between bone mineral density and vitamin D/calcium status, thus sparking a debate regarding optimum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and calcium for the best possible skeletal health. Although most of the intervention studies reported a positive effect of supplementation with calcium and vitamin D on bone in patients with osteoporosis, this therapeutic approach has been a matter of debate regarding potential side effects on the cardiovascular (CV) system. Thus, the aim of this review is to consider the current evidence on the physiological role of vitamin D and calcium on bone and muscle health. Moreover, we provide an overview on observational and interventional studies that investigate the effect of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on bone health, also taking into account the possible CV side-effects. We also provide molecular insights on the effect of calcium plus vitamin D on the CV system.