There has been significant media attention recently surrounding the controversial study purporting to link calcium to increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The recent study was published in Heart magazine and concluded that increased intake of calcium, upwards of 1100mg per day, could possibly lead to a higher risk of heart related issues. The study was focused on calcium supplements exclusively, and not calcium that is naturally found in foods like green leafy vegetables and dairy products. This type of naturally occurring calcium has actually been found to significantly lower one’s risk of heart attack or stroke. This is because naturally occurring calcium is present in foods along with other key substances like magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K2 and minerals like zinc, copper and selenium. Many calcium formulations are created with a 2:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium. Because many people are already obtaining some of their daily intake of calcium from foods, manufacturers have begun to offer a 1:1 ratio formulation that is effective at supplementing one’s dietary intake.

The majority of Americans already consume over ten times the recommended daily intake of calcium, which is the highest intake of calcium worldwide. Surprisingly, Americans also have the highest rate of osteoporosis worldwide. This phenomenon can be explained by the fact that many consumers are using supplements containing only calcium. As previously stated, when calcium is naturally occurring in food it is found along with nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin K2 and magnesium. These three nutrients are essential for the proper absorption or calcium. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium in the gut and maintains adequate calcium and phosphate concentrations to enable the normal mineralization of bones. Vitamin K2 is extremely important in a calcium supplement as it removes excess calcium from the heart and arteries and deposits the mineral in the bones. Vitamin K2 also helps to direct calcium away from the arteries and into the bones. It has been shown to improve bone strength and increase cardiovascular health. Finally, magnesium has long been combined in calcium formulations to increase absorption and to balance the body’s use of the mineral. Without the addition of these key nutrients calcium, especially when taken in large doses, can end up in unintended places in the body, like the arteries. Many low quality calcium providers do not include these key nutrients in the body, which explains why Americans have the highest osteoporosis rate worldwide, even though they are also the highest consumers of calcium.

To safely and effectively supplement with calcium, be sure to choose a good quality product that contains magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin K2, all of which will improve bone density and cardiovascular health. Remember that calcium is an essential mineral that is vital for the development of bones and teeth, the formation of blood clots, the transmission of nerve impulses and a whole host of other bodily functions. Quality calcium formulations are a safe way to ensure that a safe amount of calcium is effectively used by the body in the way it was intended.