Calcium is a mineral that is crucial for building bone strength, as well as facilitating muscle contraction and nerve transmission. The link between calcium supplements and heart attack risk has been tentatively made, but study results are conflicting and more research needs to be done before a definitive recommendation can be made. If you are at risk for heart disease or have a personal or family history of cardiovascular problems, talk with your doctor about your use of calcium supplements and any guidelines you should follow.
Step 1
Consume only calcium supplements that contain both calcium and vitamin D, as opposed to ones only containing calcium. According to Dr. Martha Grogan at the Mayo Clinic, researchers believe that calcium-only supplements may be linked to an increase in heart attack, not the combination supplements.
Step 2
Take 1,200 mg of calcium daily if you are 51 years of age or older, and 1,000 mg if you are between the ages of 19 and 50, recommends the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you have heart disease or a family history of heart disease, ask your doctor if these recommended dosages should be altered for you.
Step 3
Eat foods rich in calcium instead of taking a supplement. Dietary sources of calcium include milk, yogurt, cheese, kale, broccoli, calcium-fortified orange juice and tofu. Ask your doctor if you should limit calcium-rich foods.
Tips and Warnings
- If you have heart disease and are instructed to limit your calcium intake, there are other ways you can build bone strength, like participating in weight-bearing exercise like walking or weight training several times a week. Before embarking on a fitness routine, ask your doctor if you are healthy enough to participate in exercise.
- Before adding calcium supplements to your routine, consult with your health care provider to make sure it is safe for you to do so and if there are any guidelines you should follow when taking these supplements.
