25 April 2011
Long-term supplementation with calcium may modestly increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, suggests a new study.
The new meta-analysis included data from 28,072 participants of 13 randomized controlled trials evaluating the intake of calcium supplements alone or in combination with vitamin D (1g calcium and 400 IU vitamin D daily) over a long time period in connection with the risk of cardiovascular events (1). The analysis results indicate that the increased intakes may modestly elevate the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, suggesting an unfavorable risk-to-benefit profile when comparing the benefits of calcium on fracture prevention with the risk of cardiovascular events: treating 1,000 patients with calcium or calcium plus
vitamin D for five years would cause an additional six myocardial infarctions or strokes and prevent only three fractures. The researchers speculate that increased serum calcium concentration due to long term treatment with supplements could increase the risk of vascular calcification.
Experts criticized that the meta-analysis’ methods, saying that they are flawed and point to many more studies touting the beneficial effects of calcium in bone health. As there is not enough evidence to confirm the association between calcium supplements and cardiovascular risk, further studies would need to be carried out to determine potential negative effects.
15 July 2011
Using vitamin E supplements for a long time may be associated with a risk reduction of the motor neurone disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a pooled analysis from the USA of data from five prospective cohort studies suggests.
1 May 2015
Phases of intensive physical and mental exertions such as illnesses or physical exercise can be exhausting and the body then needs time to recuperate. A period of convalescence serves to gradually restore health after illness. The term regeneration describes the functional or structural restoration of damaged tissue or organs after physical exercise. As well as complete healing and strengthening, the objective is to prevent recurrences and possible complications like frequent re-infections or chronic exhaustion and loss of performance capacity. Regeneration and convalescence are biologically complicated processes in which the replenishment of energy stores and micronutrient reserves plays an important part. Both during the period of stress and afterwards, a sufficient intake of micronutrients like vitamins and minerals is essential to compensate for the increased demand, prevent deficiencies and support the recovering organism.
15 October 2014
According to a new review, a greater vitamin D fortification of foods and supplementation can help to tackle vitamin D deficiencies that remain prevalent across Europe.
