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For those of us with elderly parents at home, calcium tablets are part and parcel of the medicine cabinet. Usually, it is the elderly moms who take it regularly, often to improve bone health. But the benefits of calcium go beyond that. Our heart, nerves and muscles all require adequate calcium for proper functioning.
Dietary calcium is generally enough for us. However, certain groups may need supplements because the diet does not fulfil their requirements.
For example, vegans, lactose-intolerance patients, people on long-term steroid therapy, those with diseases preventing calcium absorption, etc. In addition, elderly post-menopausal women are often advised by their physicians to use calcium supplements.
The reason calcium supplements are often suggested for elderly females is because of osteoporosis. This is a serious global public health issue. Many women immensely suffer through their twilight years due to this disease.
There is a general consensus that calcium can help these women. An article published in the Journal of Bone Metabolism (2014) discussed how calcium supplements can increase bone density, consequently lowering the risk of osteoporosis in the elderly.
Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, US, also emphasized the impact of calcium in disease prevention. Furthermore, the International Foundation for Osteoporosis recommends calcium and vitamin D supplements for osteoporosis patients.
There is a perception that since calcium strengthens bones, it can help prevent fractures. However, the US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement 2018 refuted that idea.
However, they acknowledged the benefits for those with a high risk of fracture, e.g., patients with vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis, or a family history of the disease.
There are multiple other benefits. Calcium supplements could be a good option during pregnancy to reduce the risk of eclampsia, as indicated by a 2013 WHO statement. As shown by researchers from the University of Auckland, positive effects have also been observed regarding cholesterol reduction and normal blood pressure maintenance.
A Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health study also demonstrated the potential of calcium supplements in preventing colon cancer. Calcium supplements are part of the treatment plan for diseases like hypoparathyroidism and osteomalacia.
But too much of anything is not good. Excess calcium in the blood could lead to many issues. There could be mental confusion, depression, abdominal pain, cardiac problems etc.
There is also a huge debate about the risks of continuous calcium supplementation. One of the focal points is the risk of stroke and heart problems.
A British Medical Journal (2011) publication analyzed several studies and concluded that taking calcium supplements in excess of 1000 mg/day can increase the risk of myocardial infarction by 30%. However, further proof is needed before we can conclusively associate calcium with cardiovascular diseases.
Do calcium supplements cause kidney stones? Evidence is variable. US Institute of Medicine opined that doses over 2000 mg/day increase the risk. Regardless, if the kidneys are normal, the risk of stone is quite low, and it depends on many factors, not just calcium.
For males taking calcium supplements, the issue of prostate cancer has been raised. There are studies both in favour and against this. This is being investigated further to find the definitive answer.
Dietary calcium is generally safe. If our needs are served by it, there is no need for a supplement. Additional calcium is only recommended when there is a gap between the dietary and required amounts. So, the dose must be carefully constructed and may vary from person to person.
Therefore, we should not gobble up tablet after tablet of calcium because it could cause more harm than good. We need to check with the physician and follow the prescribed plan.