Well, this is disturbing

[Zen]

"Calcium Supplements Raise Cardiac Risk 30 Percent"

It goes on to say, "Moreover, noting that calcium supplements appeared to have only a minor effect on bone health and perhaps no effect in preventing fractures, the researchers suggested that their use in preventing or treating osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) should be reconsidered."

http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=641629

[OakLeaf]

Meta-analysis, probably controlled for almost nothing.

Still, how could taking massive doses of an electrolyte, out of balance with other electrolytes, NOT increase cardiac risk?

[ny biker]

They also excluded studies where people took supplements that included vitamin D. Not sure about New Zealand, but pretty much all supplements in the US include both calcium and D. However if you just take Tums, that does not have Vitamin D, IIRC.

Also from what I've read, the calcium gets absorbed better if you don't have too much at once, so for that reason also it's better to spread out the supplements over the course of the day instead of taking them all at once. I take a multivitamin at breakfast, which has some calcium in it, so if I take a supplement I take it with lunch. But my bones are ridiculously dense already and I eat lots of dairy products, so I don't take the supplment every day and at most I only take 1 per day (600 mg calcium).

[OakLeaf]

pretty much all supplements in the US include both calcium and D.

Not where I buy mine? Some do, some don't. I make a point of getting my calcium/magnesium without vitamin D - the whole sunlight debate and D2 vs D3 is a whole 'nother thing, but anyway. There are just as many calcium supplements without vitamin D or other minerals as with, in the stores I go to (both drug stores and natural food stores).

[PamNY]

It can be discouraging to figure this stuff out. Some days I think we might as well smoke cigarettes and eat Hostess Ho Hos.

[trista]

It can be discouraging to figure this stuff out. Some days I think we might as well smoke cigarettes and eat Hostess Ho Hos.

No kidding. You never know about anything, ever. So-called "studies" that so many recommendations are based off of are later turned around by yet another "study." Don't eat eggs, eat eggs; babies on their tummies, babies on their backs; wear stability shoes, don't wear stability shoes...

[KnottedYet]

We're all going to die.

Do what makes sense and feels right.

(and I second what Oak said: meta-analysis are incredible crap from the get-go)

[Jolt]

Good variety of non-processed foods. Grains, lean proteins, fruits, veggies. Dairy if it works for you.

Water.


Non processed!

+1 on this--it's better to get your nutrients from actual food than to rely on supplements.

[OakLeaf]

I sweat a lot. I'd have to eat nothing but spinach and sunflower seeds, and then I'd be deficient in something else. What I supplement is just to prevent leg cramps.

[KnottedYet]

I supplement the nutrients I'm short on (due to an intestinal disease which prevents me from absorbing stuff properly). Always taken with food. I figure since they are supposed to be IN food I may as well take 'em WITH food so they won't be lonely...

[Biciclista]

I have read in many places that if you are not getting enough vit D (From the sun or suppliments or food) the calcium won't be absorbed anyway.
If they excluded the Vit D takers in the survey they probably eliminated the group that was actually benefiting from the calcium...

[Jolt]

I think what passes as 'supplemental' is more often 'instead.'

Also think people who exercise excessively, as well as those with a medical need, benefit from supplements.

Average people often just need to eat better and exercise a little more. Often, not always.

(no offense anyone

Much better put than my comment above--thanks!

[OakLeaf]

I think this is the wrong forum to say that anyone who isn't suffering from overtraining syndrome is "exercising excessively."

[snowroo]

The article I read said another group quoted a study whereby calcium supplements were shown to protect from cardiac problems.

You'd have to back to the original study and analyze it.

Common sense: try get your calcium from diet. Do weight bearing exercise. Supplement if you are at risk. Lower your other risk factors for heart disease.