Despite calcium having been recommended by physicians as a means to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in peri and post menopausal women, recent studies indicate that this type of calcium supplementation amongst mature women may not be ideal. Why? Studies that analyzed the potential benefits of calcium have found that supplementation is often outweighed by the potential risks of myocardial infarction even in patients who used calcium formulation that included vitamin D.
Women over 40 are now strongly cautioned regarding using calcium supplements because they may not be the best way to treat bone density issues due to potential adverse cardiovascular effects. The problem of calcium plaque buildup in the arteries is of more concern in many cases than the problem of osteoporosis. Nevertheless, since studies are based on averages, and the risks of cardiovascular problems in women who take calcium supplements also reflects a tendency in middle aged women to be overweight and have poor diets, there are still cases where physicians will deem a calcium supplement beneficial for women who are not prone to arterial buildup or heart disease. Therefore, more than ever, it’s essential that women consult a physician and have a thorough evaluation of their overall health before choosing even the most apparently harmless natural health supplements like vitamin, calcium, magnesium and potassium blends.
It must be noted that some mature women may still benefit from a liquid calcium supplement if they are not overweight and do not have a propensity toward diabetes, hypothyroidism or hypertension, but that in all cases where heart or circulatory problems exists calcium supplementation will likely be deemed unadvisable. There is only one way to know if natural health supplements will help or hinder a woman’s health, and that is by having a test to determine individual arterial calcium levels. This is done by using a coronary artery calcium score that will quite accurately determine the risks involved versus potential benefits. Women over 40 are encouraged to have this test done before taking vitamin and mineral formulations that are sold over-the-counter. Natural health supplements are not totally risk free and should be taken with care. Vitamins and minerals are best obtained through vegetable-based diets. In many cases, altering eating habits can take care of certain deficiencies with less side effects than supplements.