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Calcium-containing drugs increase the risk of strokes
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Millions of Britons taking bone-boosting tablets are at serious risk. Doctors say calcium should be taken in small doses and only when needed. Research has shown that people who regularly take calcium tablets increase their risk of heart disease by 86%. They are more than twice as likely to suffer a heart attack as those who take no supplements at all.
However, scientists also say that there is no point in increasing the intake of foods with a high calcium content. This also increases the risk of strokes. According to Professor Sabine Rohmann from the University of Zurich, if increasing calcium intake with food cannot put a significant strain on the cardiovascular system, then calcium tablets should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
In addition, Professor Ian Reed and his colleague Mark Bolland from the University of Auckland in New Zealand argue that the safety of calcium tablets is now being questioned and under intense scrutiny. "Doctors around the world prescribe calcium to patients on the basis that it is natural and therefore safe, so why not take more of it to strengthen bones," they say.
Scientists write about previous studies that gave reason to say that calcium consumption causes diseases such as obesity, diabetes and stroke. Now it has been proven that it also affects the body's arteries.
Doctors are sure that most people do not need to take calcium in tablets at all. It is enough, for example, in dairy products. It would also be good to follow a diet.
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