Taking vitamin D and calcium together lowers postmenopausal women’s risk of cancer death…but increases their risk of deadly heart disease, according to researchers at the University of Arizona.
- Taking calcium and vitamin D together reduces the risk of dying from cancer in postmenopausal women.
- On the other hand, they are more likely to die from heart disease.
- Researchers suggest that calcium supplements may promote calcification of the coronary arteries.
It is regularly said that you should not take supplements without first consulting a health professional. The study, led by Professor Cynthia A. Thomson of the University of Arizona, is further proof. It reveals that calcium and vitamin D supplements taken together can reduce cancer mortality in postmenopausal women. On the other hand, this combo increases their risk of death from cardiovascular diseases.
Taking vitamin D and calcium protects against cancer…
The team reviewed the records of 36,282 postmenopausal women who participated in the Women’s Health Initiative trial. Half of the volunteers took 1,000 mg of calcium carbonate and 400 IU of vitamin D3 every day while the other had a placebo.
The volunteers were followed over a median period of 22.3 years. Analyzes reveal that participants who consumed the supplements daily saw their risk of dying from cancer reduced by 7% compared to those taking the placebo.
“The effects of vitamin D supplementation for cancer prevention may depend on achieving serum vitamin D concentrations above 50 nmol/L,” specify the authors in the article published in the journal Annals of Internal MedicineMarch 12, 2024.
They then recognize that “Given the study design, we were unable to disentangle additional benefits or harms of supplementation with vitamin D and calcium in combination compared to vitamin D alone, a topic that merits future study “.
…but not fatal heart disease
On the other hand, if the combo of the two nutrients seems to protect postmenopausal women from cancers, it could undermine their heart health, according to the study. In fact, women who consumed both supplements had a 6% increased risk of dying from heart disease.
The researchers argue that “Calcium supplements may increase calcification of the coronary arteries, thereby increasing mortality from cardiovascular disease.”
The different effects observed during this study remind us that it is preferable to discuss taking supplements with a doctor or pharmacist. The professional can in fact assess whether the intake presents contraindications based on history and state of health.