If you take a calcium supplement to guard your wellbeing against osteoporosis, you may be helping extending your longevity in the meantime. This is according to a large new study by Canadian researchers, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, which found that taking a daily calcium supplement and eating foods rich in calcium may help women live longer.
According to the study’s lead author, David Goltzman, MD, of McGill University in Montreal, Canada, ‘Our study found daily use of calcium supplements was associated with a lower risk of death among women. Our analysis showed that total calcium intake among women was more likely to be beneficial than harmful and that the same was true of calcium intake from dairy sources, non-dairy sources, and supplements. In fact, we observed that supplemental calcium intake up to 1000 mg/d among women was associated with statistically significant decreased mortality.’
For the study, the researchers examined the health of over 9,000 Canadians between 1995 and 2007, during which time 1,160 participants died. The results of the study revealed that calcium supplement-taking women had a “hazard ratio” of 0.78. This means that their risk of dying was roughly 78% compared to women who did not take a calcium supplement. Unfortunately for men, the study found no conclusive evidence that calcium supplements had any impact on the mortality rates of men.
Goltzman explained, ‘Higher amounts of calcium were potentially linked to longer lifespans in women, regardless of the source of the calcium. That is, the same benefits were seen when the calcium came from dairy foods, non-dairy foods or supplements.’ Goltzman’s team surmised that calcium supplements have bee linked to lower cholesterol levels and a lower risk of hypertension, as well as fewer bone fractures, and so there are several possible explanations for the lowered risk of mortality.
However, before you rush out and stock up on calcium supplements, bear in mind that some previous studies have linked calcium supplements to heart disease risk. For example, a recent Annals of Internal Medicine study found that calcium and vitamin D supplements may be detrimental to health, or at least their benefits may be overstated. As it stands, wellness experts recommend that older women take vitamin D and calcium supplements to prevent fractures, but you should consult your doctor before taking any supplement.