Can Calcium Supplements Increase Risk of Heart Disease?

That's what some medical experts are saying. It's estimated that roughly half of the United States adult population takes at least one daily supplement, one of the most common being calcium. Calcium supports strong bones, making it particularly beneficial for older adults. According to a new study, however, taking calcium.

Researchers from John Hopkins University of School of Medicine analyzed data in more than 2,700 men and women, some of whom were taking calcium supplements, over the course of 10 years. They discovered that calcium supplements caused an increased buildup of plaque within the arteries, which could subsequently lead to heart disease.

Arterial plaque is a key risk factor of heart disease. When there's too much plaque stuck in the arteries, it restricts the flow of the blood; thus, increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack. And heart disease is a serious problem here in the U.S., taking the lives of more than half a million Americans each year. Assuming this study is correct, though, you can lower your risk of heart disease by avoiding calcium supplements.

How exactly do calcium supplements lead to arterial plaque buildup? This question remains open for discussion, although researchers speculate that it could be attributed to the excess calcium depositing itself in soft tissue. When individuals take a calcium supplement, that excess calcium must deposit somewhere – and researchers believe that it could be finding its way into the arteries. If this is the case, it could most certainly increase the risk of heart disease.

Researchers also discovered that participants in the study who consumed the most calcium-rich foods in their diet had the lowest levels of plaque buildup within their arteries This indicates that it's better to choose calcium-rich foods instead of taking a calcium supplement.

"When it comes to using vitamin and mineral supplements, particularly calcium supplements being taken for bone health, many Americans think that more is always better," said Dr. Erin Michos of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "But our study adds to the body of evidence that excess calcium in the form of supplements may harm the heart and vascular system."

To recap, it's best to consume calcium from natural sources rather than supplements. Some of the best sources of calcium include broccoli, milk, cheese, yogurt, kale, spinach, legumes and seafood.

This study was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.