Daily Column

September 29th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have been taking calcium plus vitamin D tablets three times a day. I have recently heard on the news that this could cause hardening of the heart arteries. What should a person take to strengthen the bones? I also take Actonel once a week.

DEAR READER:
You are one of many people who have written to me asking the same question. Calcium (or calcium plus D) supplements DO NOT cause hardening of the arteries. The way that the media portrayed the issue caused near panic for thousands of individuals taking these supplements.

The information reported was that arterial plaque caused by excess calcium could lead to heart attack and stroke. While this is true, the problem does not lie in how much calcium in ingested but rather with the body itself. As we age, our bodies become less able to absorb calcium properly. Most of it is excreted but a minimal amount can be carried to other areas of the body, such as the arteries, where it is deposited. Overtime this can lead to large patches of hardened arterial lining which can become cracked or break off, leading to clot formation. If the clot then breaks off, it can be carried to the heart, brain or lungs leading to an emergency situation.

Calcium is necessary for many bodily functions such as bone health, heart action, normal blood clotting, muscle contraction, and nervous system maintenance.

If you are truly concerned, I recommend you speak with your primary care physician or gynecologist. Since they know you best, they can give you the best explanation specific to you.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Osteoporosis”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.