Higher Intake Of Calcium Among Men Increases Risk Of Death From Cardiovascular Disease

Men are at much higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) when taking greater amounts of supplemental calcium, according to a prospective U.S. study that analyzed diet and health data collected on 388,000 middle-aged men and women. The greater risk was not found among women, however. After an average of 12 years of follow-up, 51 percent of men and 70 percent of women were found to have taken calcium supplements. Men who took more than 1,000 mg/day of supplemental calcium had a significantly increased risk of total CVD death, especially from heart disease.