Calcium supplements and the risk of heart attack

The research suggests that calcium supplements may increase the amount of calcium in the blood.  Over time this may cause a slow build up of calcium in the arteries, causing an increased risk of a heart attack in people who take calcium supplements.

Coeliac UK recommends that you should talk to your doctor for advice on taking nutritional supplements like calcium. If you have any further concerns about the use of calcium supplements we recommend you should talk to your doctor.  Prescribed medications should only be taken or stopped under medical advice - do not stop taking any medication without speaking to your doctor.

The increased risk of heart attack was seen in older women who were taking calcium supplements and who were already having over the recommended amount of calcium they needed from their diet.

This study did not look at people who were taking combined calcium and vitamin D supplements.