Don’t rely on vitamin D or calcium supplements to protect your heart, researchers caution.
By Wendy Haaf
While some studies have suggested that low vitamin D levels are linked with poorer heart health, authors of a recent analysis of the scientific literature found that supplements failed to prevent cardiovascular disease in randomized controlled trials. They also found that calcium supplements may in fact increase the risk for heart attack and stroke. Consequently, the researchers recommend relying on food and moderate sun exposure instead to get your vitamin D. If levels of the vitamin are still inadequate, study authors advise, a supplement may have a modest benefit on bone health.
As for calcium, if diet alone doesn’t provide adequate levels, a patient’s overall cardiovascular health should be considered in any decision to add supplements.
Source: European Journal of Internal Medicine
Photo by Mayur Gala on Unsplash
