Health Canada is informing Canadians that it is conducting an ongoing review of the benefits and risks associated with taking calcium supplements.
The review was to response the recent study published in the British Medical Journal. The study identified a potential link between the use of calcium supplements (used without supplementary vitamin D) and an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, in patients with, or at risk of, osteoporosis. Health Canada has reviewed this study, its strengths and limitations, and determined that it does not demonstrate a conclusive association between calcium supplementation and cardiovascular risks. However, Health Canada will continue to review new data and will take appropriate action as necessary.
Calcium supplementation alone should not exceed 1,500 mg/day for all age groups. As well, Health Canada recommends that everyone over the age of 50 should take a daily vitamin D supplement of 10 micrograms (400 IU) in addition to following Canada's Food Guide.
Source: Health Canada (2010).Ongoing Review of Calcium Supplements.Retrieved from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_163-eng.php
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)