It is regularly said that you should not take supplements without first consulting a health professional. University of Arizona professor Cynthia A. A study led by Thomson is further proof. It showed that taking calcium and vitamin D supplements together reduced cancer mortality in postmenopausal women. On the other hand, this combo increases the risk of dying 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 daily while the other had a placebo.
The volunteers were followed for a median period of 22.3 years. Analysis showed that participants who consumed the supplements daily had a 7% reduced risk of dying from cancer compared to those who took a placebo.
“Effects of vitamin D supplementation for cancer prevention depend on achieving serum vitamin D concentrations above 50 nmol/L,” Cite authors in articles published in journals History of internal medicineMarch 12, 2024.
Then they recognize him “Given the study design, we were unable to disentangle additional benefits or harms of vitamin D and calcium supplementation compared to vitamin D alone, which merits future studies.”
…but not fatal heart disease
On the other hand, if the combo of the two nutrients protects postmenopausal women from cancer, it may harm their heart health, according to the study. In fact, women who took both supplements had a 6% increased risk of dying from heart disease.
Researchers argue that “Calcium Supplements May Increase Calcification of Coronary Arteries, Which May Increase Mortality from Cardiovascular Disease.”
The various effects observed during this study remind us that it is better to discuss taking supplements with a doctor or pharmacist. A professional can in fact assess whether intake presents a contraindication based on history and health status.
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