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High calcium intake doubles women's death risk: Study

Written by:

QMI Agency

Feb. 13, 2013

(Fotolia)

Older women have long been told to boost their calcium intake to battle brittle bones, but new research suggests high amounts can increase the risk of death.

Researchers from Uppsala University studied data from 61,443 Swedish women over an average of 19 years as part of a Swedish Mammography Cohort. They logged their calcium intake, such as from cheese and/or supplements, and other health habits.

The study found the risk of cardiovascular death doubled in women with a high calcium intake compared to women who consumed less calcium.

"Women who had a higher dietary intake of calcium exceeding 1,400 mg/day and also used supplements had a higher death rate compared to those not taking supplements," the statement said.

Researchers also found the death rates were higher among women with a very low intake.

The research was published Tuesday on bmj.com.

 

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