Calcium supplementation and artery calcification risk

Some studies hae shown an association between higher Calcium intake and higher CAC scores but the evidence is mixed and it is very important to have some context. The increase in CAC score in these settings may NOT reflect an increase in heart attack risk because this may reflect more STABLE plaque that is LESS prone to rupture and cause heart attacks. This is the same reason that CAC scores may increase with aging and this increase does not necessarily reflect an increase in risk. Which is why we typically do not like to repeat CAC scores after an initial assessment. IN short it is not recommended to stop Calcium supplementation that is otherwise indicated for bone health etc. Hope this perspective helps. This is absolutely correct about the CAC score, however it is recommended that we try to do the calcium by diet first before we do supplementation. The typical calcium requirement in postmenopausal females or males is 1500 mg per day . one cup of milk, one cup of yogurt and one and a half slice of any cheese fat-free or usual gives you 300 mg of calcium each. So if you have 3 to 4 helpings of these every day, you do not need supplementation, . Green leafy vegetables also give you 300 mg of calcium roughly. So if your daily food contains all and you’re just taking a 500 mg of calcium supplementation that is fine . We do not recommend very high dosages of supplemental calcium in post menopausal women.