Use IOM Guidelines on Calcium, Vitamin D Loosely

There were significant differences in the comparison groups in the reanalysis, including differences in personal history of MI, Dr. Sellmeyer noted. “Whether this truly represents an increased risk or not is unclear,” she said.

Another study by some of the same investigators “got a ton of press” even though it was a relatively small meta-analysis, she added. The attempted meta-analysis of 190 trials of calcium supplementation yielded 15 eligible trials, but most of the data came from 5 trials. The meta-analysis reported a 31% increase in risk for MI in calcium supplement users, with possibly a higher risk in those taking more than 1,600 mg/day (BMJ 2010;341:c3691). “It's really hard to know at this point” whether the risk of vascular calcification from supplementation is significant, Dr. Sellmeyer said. “I think it does behoove us to be judicious with our calcium and not let people consume more calcium than we think is really beneficial.”

Dr. Sellmeyer said she has no relevant conflicts of interest.

Most people need about 1,200 IU/day of vitamin D to reach 'sufficient' serum levels in the 30–32-ng/mL range.

Source DR. SELLMEYER