Sat, 31 Jul 2010 08:24:4
AHN News Staff
Auckland, New Zealand (AHN) - Researchers from New Zealand's Aberdeen and Auckland universities have warned that women taking calcium supplements were 30 percent more prone to heart attacks. The study might send alarm bells ringing for a number of women who consume calcium supplements for osteoporosis or to strengthen their skeletal system.
Researchers studied 12,000 patients and were led to believe that the calcium compounds could pose higher risk of heart attacks, strokes and even deaths. The findings were published online in the British Medical Journal, claimed that the supplements shoots up calcium levels circulating in the blood that might affect the cardiovascular system adversely.
According to the study's authors the higher blood calcium levels result in hardening of the arteries, which might lead to heart attacks.
Dr. Alison Avenell, lecturer at the Aberdeen University, who undertook the study said that people must weigh the risks and advantages when it comes to taking supplements.
"It is a balance of risks. People should consider the risks and how they apply to their own circumstances and discuss the matter," she added.
Meanwhile, the Food Standards Agency suggests that 700mg of calcium intake per day is sufficient for adults, and one must take milk, cheese and green, leafy vegetables --- rich sources of calcium --- in appropriate quantities for a healthy life.
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