Researchers from New Zealand's University of Auckland observed medical data of 1,500 women, with the focus being their bone density. The volunteers were divided into two groups, one group being given a daily dose of calcium supplement, and the other, placebo pills. The scientists then monitored the health of the women twice a year, for a span of five years.
The experiment yielded results that showed 60 individuals from the group given the calcium supplements to have experienced heart attacks, strokes, or even sudden death, reported the AFP. The total number of events for the group was 76.
Of the group given the placebo pill, 50 women experienced the said conditions, with the number of instances adding up to 54.
The groups were composed of equal numbers of patients.
"Loading with high doses of calcium reduces bone loss, but at a cost in heart heath that is not justified," observed researcher Ian Reid, MD, a professor of medicine and endocrinology.
Dr. Reid, however, mentioned the need for further study on the matter, as the link between calcium and cardiovascular conditions to still be inconclusive.
The study's findings were criticized by some members of the medical field, either doubting the conclusions or calling the results "implausible."
"Extra calcium doesn't build up in your arteries," Robert P. Heany, MD, a professor at Creighton University in Nebraska told WebMD, opposing one of Dr. Reid's suspicions. "The body regulates the blood concentration of calcium."
He added that the possibility of fractures must be considered and weighed in comparison to the findings of the research.
Despite this, Dr. Reid still insisted a possible need to regulate the calcium intake of women over 70.
The study is to be published in the Wednesday issue of the British Medical Journal.
