Cardiovascular Impact of Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements: A Narrative Review.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and cardiovascular safety of calcium and vitamin D supplementation for fracture prevention in elderly populations.
Results Summary
The study found mixed results regarding the effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular outcomes, with most guidelines recommending up to 1,200 mg daily of calcium without concern for cardiovascular risk. There is compelling evidence that modest vitamin D supplementation is safe but does not confer cardiovascular benefit or harm.
Population
Elderly populations
Effective Dosage
Up to 1,200 mg daily of calcium
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
calcium and vitamin D supplements | decrease | fracture | elderly populations | - | have been widely used for fracture prevention | #1 |
calcium and vitamin D supplementation | no change | cardiovascular outcomes | - | - | Inconsistent results have been reported concerning the effects | #2 |
calcium intake | no change | cardiovascular risk | - | - | recommend | #3 |
modest vitamin D supplementation | no change | cardiovascular benefit | - | - | does not confer cardiovascular benefit or cardiovascular harm | #4 |
modest vitamin D supplementation | no change | cardiovascular harm | - | - | does not confer cardiovascular benefit or cardiovascular harm | #5 |
Calcium and vitamin D play an important role in mineral homeostasis and the maintenance of skeletal health. Calcium and vitamin D supplements have been widely used for fracture prevention in elderly populations. Many trials have studied the effectiveness and cardiovascular safety of calcium and vitamin D supplementation, with disparate results. In this review, we summarize the most important trials and systematic reviews. There is significant heterogeneity in clinical trial design, differences in the nature of trial outcomes (self-reported vs. verified), prior calcium intake, and trial size. Inconsistent results have been reported concerning the effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular outcomes. Most current guidelines recommend calcium intake of up to 1,200 mg daily, preferably from the diet, without concern for cardiovascular risk. Recommendations regarding vitamin D supplementation vary widely. There is compelling evidence from well-conducted randomized trials that modest vitamin D supplementation is safe but does not confer cardiovascular benefit or cardiovascular harm.