Association Between Calcium Supplementation and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#female #humans #cardiovascular-diseases #calcium #myocardial-infarction

Association Between Calcium Supplementation and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Sim et al., 2023 | Heart Lung Circ | Meta Analysis

Citation

Sim Ming Gin, Teo Yao Neng, ... Sia Ching-Hui. Association Between Calcium Supplementation and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Heart Lung Circ. 2023-Oct;32(10):1230-1239. doi:10.1016/j.hlc.2023.07.008

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Some observational studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have reported an association between calcium supplementation and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Previous meta-analyses on the topic, based on data from RCTs and observational studies, have contradictory findings. This meta-analysis was conducted to determine the difference in associated risks of calcium supplementation with cardiovascular disease and stroke in RCTs. METHODS: Relevant studies published from database inception to 6 August 2021 were sourced from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Any RCTs focusing on the relationship between calcium supplementation and incidence of cardiovascular disease or stroke were included. Articles were screened independently by two authors, according to the PICO criteria, with disagreements resolved by a third author. RESULTS: Twelve RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Calcium supplementation was not associated with myocardial infarction, total stroke, heart failure admission, and all-cause/cardiovascular mortality. Subgroup analysis focusing on calcium monotherapy/calcium co-therapy with vitamin D, female sex, follow-up duration, and geographical region did not affect the findings. CONCLUSION: Calcium supplementation was not associated with myocardial infarction, total stroke, heart failure admission, and cardiovascular/all-cause mortality. Further studies are required to examine and understand these associations.

Key Findings

Twelve RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Calcium supplementation was not associated with myocardial infarction, total stroke, heart failure admission, and all-cause/cardiovascular mortality. Subgroup analysis focusing on calcium monotherapy/calcium co-therapy with vitamin D, female sex, follow-up duration, and geographical region did not affect the findings.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Calcium
  • Myocardial Infarction
  • Stroke
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Heart Failure

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: calcium-cardiovascular

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09