Many patients, especially women at risk of osteoporosis, take supplemental calcium. I often tell them it’s actually dangerous to do so without taking special precautions. This article will shed light on the dangers of supplementing unopposed calcium.

Calcium and Bones

It is true: many people need to supplement calcium. Ninety-nine percent of our calcium is stored in our bones and teeth. Anyone with bone disease should consider calcium supplementation.

Calcium isn’t the only mineral in bones, and it needs other nutrients to make sure it ends up there.

Don’t Supplement Calcium Alone

Research shows that high calcium supplementation is associated with increased cardiovascular risk [1]. The studies show that taking too much calcium is leading to calcium deposition within the walls of blood vessels. Additional studies show a link between high calcium intake and increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular mortality, and kidney stones [1].

The Co-Factors

Co-factors are nutrients that shuttle calcium into bones and aid in bone and teeth mineralization. For those supplementing calcium, it’s vital to take co-factors in the same tablet to ensure the calcium stays away from the cardiovascular system and goes where it belongs.

Co-factors include:

• Vitamin D: when taken with calcium, vitamin D is especially helpful in bone mineralization and protective against heart disease [2], [3]
• Vitamin K2: helps inhibit blood vessel mineralization and encourages bone mineralization and organisation [4].
• Magnesium: affects calcium metabolism, has beneficial effects on cardiovascular system, and deficiency is associated with osteoporosis in humans [5].
• Boron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese: these trace minerals are also important for bone health. They are involved in calcium absorption, utilization and supporting collagen production.

Is It Safe to take Calcium Supplements Alone?

It’s not safe; calcium unopposed can deposit in the blood vessels and increase cardiovascular risk. Taking calcium along with nutrients like magnesium, vitamin D3, Vitamin K3 as well as boron, zinc, copper and manganese aid in bone mineralization and protect against cardiovascular risk.