Better bones, but risk of heart attack...a roll of the dice? BD
Scientists in New Zealand say healthy post-menopausal women who take calcium supplements to maintain bone strength may be increasing their risk of heart attacks.
The researchers from the University of Auckland say this increased heart attack risk could outweigh the benefits to the bones from calcium supplements.
It is quite common for older women to take calcium supplements in order to prevent osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weak and brittle, leading to fractures.
The researchers led by Ian Reid conducted a study involving 1,471 healthy post-menopausal women, aged 55 years or over who had previously taken part in a study to assess the effects of calcium on bone density and fracture rates.
Calcium supplements may increase the risk of heart attacks for older women