A groundbreaking study reveals that habitual Calcium supplementation significantly increases the risk of Cardiovascular Disease and mortality in individuals with diabetes. This vital information sheds new light on the potential dangers of these commonly recommended supplements, particularly for those managing diabetes.
The Danger Lurking in Your Calcium Supplements: Elevated Cardiovascular Risks for Diabetics
A recent study published in Diabetes Care has uncovered alarming findings about the risks associated with Calcium supplementation for individuals with diabetes. This extensive research, encompassing data from 434,374 participants in the UK Biobank, reveals a stark contrast in health outcomes between diabetics and non-diabetics taking Calcium supplements.
The study, led by Zixin Qiu and colleagues, titled "Associations of Habitual Calcium Supplementation With Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in Individuals With and Without Diabetes," found that habitual Calcium supplementation was linked to significantly higher risks of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and mortality in diabetic individuals, but not in those without diabetes. Specifically, diabetic participants who regularly took Calcium supplements faced a 34% higher risk of Cardiovascular Disease incidence (HR 1.34; 95% CI 1.14, 1.57), a 67% higher risk of Cardiovascular Disease mortality (HR 1.67; 95% CI 1.19, 2.33), and a 44% higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.44; 95% CI 1.20, 1.72).
In contrast, no significant association was observed in non-diabetic participants (HR 0.97 for CVD incidence; HR 1.05 for CVD mortality; HR 1.02 for all-cause mortality). The study found significant multiplicative and additive interactions between Calcium supplementation and diabetes status on risks of CVD events and mortality, highlighting the compounded risk for diabetics.
Previous Research on Calcium Supplements and Heart Health
The findings of this study align with previous research showing a negative association between Calcium supplements and heart health. An alarming meta-analysis published in the Journal, Nutrients titled "Cardiovascular Effects of Calcium Supplements" concluded that Calcium supplements increase the risk of heart attack by 27%-31% and the risk of stroke by 12%-20%1. This study based its findings on randomized, placebo-controlled trials and noted that the increased cardiovascular risk associated with Calcium supplements is consistent with previous observations that higher circulating Calcium concentrations are linked with Cardiovascular Disease.
The study suggested several possible pathophysiological mechanisms for these effects, including impacts on vascular calcification, vascular cells, blood coagulation, and calcium-sensing receptors. The researchers concluded that "the non-skeletal risks of calcium supplements appear to outweigh any skeletal benefits."
The Issue with Inorganic Calcium
The reality behind these findings is that Inorganic Calcium, commonly found in supplements, is toxic and dangerous compared to Calcium from food sources. Inorganic Calcium supplements, such as those derived from limestone, bone meal, or oyster shell, lack the natural co-factors found in food that help the body properly utilize Calcium. Without these co-factors, inorganic calcium can end up in places it shouldn't be, such as in the arteries, leading to vascular calcification and increased cardiovascular risk.
Previous articles have delved into the cardio-toxicity of Inorganic Calcium supplements and the flawed guidelines that have led to their widespread use. For instance, the World Health Organization's bone mineral density (BMD) guidelines set in the mid-90s reclassified normal aging as a disease by using the bones of a 25-year-old at peak bone mass as the standard for older women. This resulted in millions of women being diagnosed with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia and being prescribed Calcium supplements unnecessarily.
The Paradigm Needs A Shift
Given these findings, it's evident that a significant shift is necessary in our approach to calcium supplementation, particularly for women. The reliance on inorganic Calcium supplements, which have been linked to increased cardiovascular risk, needs to be
re-evaluated. Instead, the focus should turn towards obtaining calcium from natural food sources.
Nutrient-rich foods like kale, bone-building broths such as miso, plums, and pomegranates are excellent choices. These foods provide natural Calcium along with essential co-factors that aid in its proper absorption and utilization by the body.
Promoting a holistic approach to bone health is crucial. This involves a balanced diet filled with plant-derived minerals, regular physical activity, and maintaining optimal hormone levels. Such a comprehensive strategy not only supports robust bone health but also helps safeguard against Cardiovascular Disease and other health issues. By embracing this method, we can ensure better overall well-being and longevity.
In Conclusion
This compelling study prompts a reevaluation of Calcium supplement recommendations, particularly for diabetics. Given the elevated risks, it's clear that diabetic individuals should exercise caution and seek professional advice before continuing or initiating Calcium supplementation. By focusing on natural dietary sources of Calcium and adopting a holistic approach to health, we can protect our hearts and bones simultaneously.
As always, we have the sources for the information provided within this article below. If anyone has any questions, or would like to learn more about us here at Dr. Dekel's Office of Holistic Health & Anti-Aging, just email us at Brandon@drdekelsoffice.com. Our staff of medical professionals will get back with you as quickly as possiblle.
Love to All,
Dr. Dekel MD & Team
"Remember, Attitudes Are Contagious, Is Your's Worth Catching?", Brandon Roberts/V.P.
References
1. Zixin Qiu et al., "Associations of Habitual Calcium Supplementation With Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in Individuals With and Without Diabetes," Diabetes Care 47, no. 2 (2024): 199-207, https://doi.org/10.2337/dc23-0109.
2. UK Biobank, "UK Biobank: Protocol for a Large-Scale Prospective Epidemiological Resource," 2023, https://www.ukbiobank.ac.uk/.
3. American Heart Association, "Vitamin Supplements: Hype or Help for Healthy Eating," May 3, 2022, https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/vitamin-supplements-hype-or-help-for-healthy-eating.
4. Ian R. Reid, "Cardiovascular Effects of Calcium Supplements," Nutrients 5, no. 7 (2013): 2522-2529, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5072522.
5. BMJ 2010; 341 doi: 10.1136/bmj.c3691 (Published 29 July 2010)
6. Calcium supplements with or without vitamin D and risk of cardiovascular events: reanalysis of the Women's Health Initiative limited access dataset and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2011;342:d2040. Epub 2011 Apr 19. PMID: 21505219.
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