The calcium supplement pills do not help prevent fractures.

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The calcium supplement pills do not help prevent fractures.


According to some studies, excess calcium in the body can lead to several diseases, such as heart disease or kidney stones. To help the hard bone, the researchers recommend more exercise and adequate vitamin D, the best source is from natural light.
Two new research report evaluated 59 and 50 cases and found that calcium supplements or calcium-rich foods do not prevent fractures.
An editorial published in the British Medical Journal (British Medical Journal) suggests that, despite incontrovertible evidence of excess calcium do not prevent the fracture, but very strange that many medical institutions economic and public health still recommended dose calcium supplements.
The author of the editorial, said: "The profitability of the global industry of supplements have a role here ... The manufacturers are greedy and have a tendency research effort because the money (with authority academic credits) instead follow a path defined by the needs of patients and the public. "
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For example, the Council of Food and Nutrition (Food and Nutrition Board -FNB) of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies recommends 1,200 mg of calcium per day for people aged over 50 years, this is a large inappropriate for all ages.
Three years ago, the United States Preventative Services Task Force made ​​a proposal, based on evidence, that women in post menopause should not use calcium supplements daily.
The study in Sweden showed that those who consumed the most calcium-rich dairy products to an increased risk of fracture and premature death.
Side effects of calcium supplements

Due to heavy advertising, so many people feel themselves to be good calcium intake, or at least it will not cause any harm. However, too much calcium can have dangerous side effects. Excess calcium can build up in the arteries, increases the risk of myocardial infarction; in the kidneys, increase the risk of kidney stone formation; in the stomach, increased acid levels and increase the risk of bleeding stomach ulcers in acute cases; in the intestines, causing severe constipation.
Calcium supplements or calcium-rich foods do not prevent fractures. (Halfpoint / iStock)
High calcium in the blood can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion and seizures. Calcium may interact with other medications, such as antibiotics or medicines for osteoporosis, since it prevents the absorption of the drug into the bloodstream; can also reduce the effects of drugs such as calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers.
Coronary calcium index or index Agatston is what?

Agatston calcium indicator or coronary artery is a test to indicate the buildup of calcium plaque in the inner layer of the lining of the arteries leading to the heart, the concentration has been assessed by taking X-rays specially called CT.
From the X-ray image shows that this plaque (they cause heart attacks) filled with calcium. So as thick plaque, the risk of developing coronary heart disease is higher. However, this test can ignore the "plaque on artery walls inflamed," which can not be detected by X-rays and may be inaccurate diagnosis is no plaque. The index can range from 0 to 400. An index greater than 100 indicates you are at risk for a heart attack. Only the larger the number the higher the risk of heart attack.
We do not recommend you do this test because you are exposed to radiation equivalent to the magnitude of 150 lung X-ray, and radiation from any source, all increase the risk of developing cancer. Your doctor may obtain useful information about the risk for a heart attack based on blood tests or from the questions related to lifestyle. I mention this because it tests showed the presence of calcium in the arterial plaque, which may be related to excess calcium in the diet or supplements taken into the body. This relationship is not clear, but I think there is reason to worry.
Recommendations

More than 54 million people in North America have osteoporosis, are responsible for over 30% of women over age 50 fracture. In the US, more than 12 billion dollars are spent annually for that calcium supplements largely unregulated, so there is no way to know it is effective and safe or not.
If you have osteoporosis, the evidence that it is fragile your bones (fractures with minor trauma or no trauma), please consult your doctor. The best way to make sure the bone without a doctor's prescription is the exercise, such as weight training or using the treadmill can strengthen; walking, running or dancing.
To keep bones healthy, do not smoke, avoid sitting near smokers, limited alcohol and getting enough vitamin D (vitamin D levels in blood hidroxy higher than 50 nmol / L), sunlight is a source of vitamins D best.
Gabe Mirkin, MD, medical practice for over 50 years. Licensed in Sports Medicine, Allergy and Immunology, Pediatrics and Immunology at Children's. This article was originally published on the site DrMirkin.com .