From Maine Source blog:  http://carolinamaine.blogspot.com/

Personally, I think the New Zealand researchers were negligent
regarding the health of the women in their study. The average age of
participants was 74. In basic anatomy, we learn that the heart is a
sodium, calcium, potassium ion pump. As one ages, the heart can become
weaker. When this happens, a build up of calcium ions can cause the
heart to stall. It was negligent to put older women on such high doses
of calcium.

Women in their older years should monitor their calcium intake and
supplement according to their heart health. This study did not take
actual heart health into consideration. "The researchers took into
account such factors as cigarette smoking, high cholesterol, and blood
pressure problems." No heart wall thickness was determined. Heart wall
thickness is also an indicator of heart disease and/or an indicator
that a heart attack is likely.

Since "The risk of a heart attack was about 1.5 times greater for
those in the supplement group, but the link did not reach statistical
significance.", post-menopausal women should continue taking calcium
supplements that are appropriate for their age, cardiovascular health,
and dietary needs. Weight bearing exercise during post-menopausal
years is also helpful in retaining bone mass.

Calcium: Heart Risk For Older Women? Photo from cbs.news.com
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/16/health/webmd/main3719794.shtml?source=
RSSattr=HOME_3719794

Posted by Maine Source at 4:26 PM