A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine journal reported conflicting findings regarding Vitamin D and Calcium supplements. The massive research lasted 22 years and included 36,282 participants, and here are key findings that will make you rethink taking these two supplements.
The good and the bad
The research included over 30 thousand older women hoping to prove that regular intake of Vitamin D in combination with Calcium comes with benefits. The conclusion was that the supplement combo lowered the long-term odds of dying from cancer by 7%. However, it also raised the odds of heart disease by 6%.
Placebo group compared to those who took the supplements
The study found that people who took vitamin D had the same risk of bone fractures as those in the placebo group. Participants took supplements for seven years, and their progress was followed for another 15.
Reducing cancer
When it comes to reducing cancer, 1817 women taking supplements died, while 1943, in the placebo group, passed away from the disease. Though small, this is statistically a significant number.
The numbers
In the group who took a combination of supplements, 2621 women died of heart disease, while in the placebo group, that number was 2420. Both results are statistically significant. The study concluded that there was an 11% lower risk for total cancer, including 31% and 19% of colorectal cancer and breast cancer.
Other issues
The researchers noted that daily Calcium and vitamin D supplementation can increase the risks of kidney stones. While the study offered some positive findings, the overall conclusion found that supplements did not affect all-cause mortality in postmenopausal women.
What to take instead of calcium supplements
If you lack vitamin D and calcium, you should talk to your doctor. John Hopkins Medicine advises that those lacking Calcium add more almonds, dried figs, leafy greens, low-fat dairy, and soybeans to their diet.
Vitamin D is more challenging
Soaking vitamin D through the sun is the primary method of boosting serum vitamin D levels. When it comes to dietary changes, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health warned that foods do not provide much comfort, though some foods can be helpful.
Foods richer in vitamin D
Among the foods listed are egg yolk, cod liver oil, beef liver, salmon, sardines, swordfish, tuna, or any other oily fish, mushrooms, and dairy products with vitamin D, orange juice, and cereals fortified with vitamin D. Spending time in the sunshine, with protection, is still the best method to increase vitamin D.
Potentially harmful
The combination of Calcium and vitamin D is well known since Calcium helps the body absorb Vitamin D. However, a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that there are benefits for osteoporosis patients, but the combination was labeled as making no difference or being harmful overall.
Limitations of the study
The study of 36,282 postmenopausal women came with its shortcomings. The participants did not have a previous history of breast or colorectal cancer, but other cancer histories were not reported. It is almost impossible to understand which side effects came from Vitamin D and which resulted from Calcium.
More supplements that don’t work
Johns Hopkins researchers’ examination of multivitamins shows no proof of benefit. In fact, there’s little evidence that any supplement can change the course of any chronic illness. According to Forbes, the list of supplements that don’t work includes Vitamin C, Vitamin A and beta carotene, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B6.
Vitamin deficiencies can lead to health issues
Micronutrient deficiencies, notably vitamin A, zinc, iodine, and iron, are significant public health problems worldwide. Additionally, taking supplements without talking to your doctor can be harmful.
The complexity of taking supplements
Some pre-existing health conditions don’t mix well with specific supplements, and some vitamins can counteract or react with prescription medications.
Top 3 U.S. States That Almost No One Leaves (And for Good Reason)
Top 3 U.S. States That Almost No One Leaves (And for Good Reason)
Related posts:
Kate Smith, a self-proclaimed word nerd who relishes the power of language to inform, entertain, and inspire. Kate's passion for sharing knowledge and sparking meaningful conversations fuels her every word.