-
Get the latest information and research on osteoporosis.
-
Find treatment, guidance and advice on living with osteoporosis.
-
Share your experience and get involved. Joining the conversation is the first step to ending osteoporosis and broken bones.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation Responds to Study Linking Calcium Supplements to Increased Heart Attack Risk
NOF cautions individuals and healthcare providers to consider benefits of appropriate calcium intake to bone health and fracture prevention in light of recent media coverage of calcium supplements and heart attack risk.
WASHINGTON, DC (May 24, 2012) — A study published in the June issue of the journal Heart suggests a link between increased risk of heart attack and calcium supplementation. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) believes that more research is needed to better understand the potential relationship between calcium supplements and heart attack risk and individuals should consult with their healthcare providers before discontinuing use of calcium supplements while continuing to meet their daily calcium needs from food sources first.
“While the benefits of calcium to bone health are well documented, this study’s findings are inconclusive. Calcium plays a critical role in reducing the risk for osteoporosis and broken bones. Media coverage of the study’s findings that does not highlight the important benefits of calcium to bone health could lead individuals to stop taking calcium supplements without consulting with their healthcare provider, resulting in an increased risk of broken bones,” said Robert Recker, M.D., president of the National Osteoporosis Foundation. “A woman’s risk for fractures from osteoporosis is greater than the combined risk for heart attack, stroke and breast cancer.”
NOF recommends that individuals meet their daily calcium needs through food sources first and take a calcium supplement only if they aren't getting enough calcium from their diet to reach the 1,000 mg or 1,200 mg total. Inadequate calcium intake has been proven to lead to increased risk for osteoporosis and broken bones. NOF recommends women under age 50 need a total of 1,000 mg of calcium from all sources every day, while women 50 and older need a total of 1,200 mg of calcium. Men 70 and younger need a total of 1,000 mg of calcium from all sources every day, while men older than 70 need a total of 1,200 mg of calcium. Most individuals can obtain a significant portion of their daily calcium needs from calcium-rich foods like low-fat and fat-free dairy products, certain green vegetables and calcium-fortified foods.
Osteoporosis is a disease in which an individual’s bones become thin and are more likely to break. An estimated 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and 34 million more are at risk for the disease. Osteoporosis currently causes an estimated two million fractures each year and often results in immobility, pain, placement in a nursing home, isolation and other health problems.
Calcium and the Heart Bone Basics Alert for more detailed information about calcium.
About the National Osteoporosis Foundation
Established in 1984, the National Osteoporosis Foundation, a leading community-focused health organization, is dedicated to the prevention of osteoporosis and broken bones, the promotion of strong bones for life and the reduction of human suffering through programs of awareness, education, advocacy and research. For more information on the National Osteoporosis Foundation, visit www.nof.org.
The latest
Last week, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Panel voted that the risks of calcitonin salmon outweigh the benefits for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The panel joined health authorities around the world in reviewing the drug’s safety after two recent studies showed slightly higher rates of cancer among patients taking calcitonin. The panel voted against continued use of the drug by a narrow majority, pointing out that it has not been found very effective in preventing bone fractures.
In today's Washington Post article "Calcium and Vitamin D findings show that caring for your bones can be compilicated," NOF's senior clinical director, Dr. Felicia Cosman helps clear up some of the confusion around the recent and conflicting research on calcium and vitamin D. She says: "It’s confusing, even for doctors. But there’s a common thread: None of the heart or kidney risks were associated with calcium from food."
CIRCA, the leading international buyer of fine jewelry, diamonds and watches, announced a new partnership with NOF at a Generations of Strength luncheon at the Friars Club in New York City on February 26. To kick-off the partnership, CIRCA’s Acting CEO Mary L. Forté presented NOF Executive Director and CEO Amy Porter with a check for $25,000, to support NOF’s mission.
Explore by tag
