Commenting on research published in the online issue of the journal Heart linking calcium supplements to significantly increased heart attack risk, RCP cardiology spokesman Dr Kevin Fox said:
We have good evidence that calcium is good for bones. Calcium is important for other organs including the heart. This study raises a concern that calcium supplements, but not calcium when taken as part of a healthy diet, might not be good for the heart. The study is large but the analysis quite complex and so the conclusions to be treated cautiously.
The message is that if you have a medical need to take calcium supplements to protect your bones you should do so and there is good evidence to support this. If you have no medical need, then just stick to a healthy mixed diet and don't take unnecessary supplements.
For further information, please contact Andrew McCracken, RCP Communications and New Media Adviser, on +44 (0)203 075 1354 / 07990 745 608, or email andrew.mccracken@rcplondon.ac.uk