Consuming More Calcium Can Cause More Harm Than Benefits, Study

Calcium has been thought to not give extra protection against bone ageing, according to two studies. Our body requires calcium to build up and maintain strong bones, while the heart, muscles and nerves also need a shield against cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. Hence, The National Institutes of Health  recommend at least 1,000 to 1,300 milligrams of calcium everyday between the ages 4 to 50.

The various parts of our bodies, ie the bones, heart, muscles and nerves require calcium to build strong bones and battle against cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. Those who consume less calcium get exposed to osteoporosis that make bones "brittle and fragile", according to HNGN.

Calcium is also found in dairy products, dark, green, leafy vegetables and fish, along with calcium-strengthened products and supplements.

These supplements are advised by doctors to elderly people, yet the new study found that it would not enhance bone health or prevent fractures.

Middle-aged men and women also require extra calcium for increased bone mineral density, but researchers from the University of Auckland found that while extra calcium can enhance two percent increase in bone mineral density, it is not sufficient to prevent fracture.

"Collectively, these results suggest that clinicians, advocacy organizations and health policymakers should not recommend increasing calcium intake for fracture prevention, either by use of calcium supplements or dietary sources," said Mark Bolland, study lead author and associate professor of medicine for the University of Auckland, in a university news release. "For most patients who are concerned about their bone health, they do not need to worry about their calcium intake."

Hence, scientists came to the result that extra calcium does not contribute to improved bone density. In fact, extra calcium supplements can only result in minor gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation, kidney stones, heart attacks and high calcium levels.

"The small risk of these important adverse effects, together with the moderate risk of minor side effects such as constipation outweighs any benefits of calcium supplements on fracture," Bolland said.

The study was published in the Sept. 30 issue of the British Medical Journal.