Excess Calcium and disastrous effects on heart, eyes, breasts
I feel this is so important a question that only some expert can answer it. People who have been on Calcium and Biophosphonates have reported on NOF in answer to my question about calcification of the aorta as reported by a friend's mother -- that they have experienced similar problems:
My note on NOF: "Can Excess Calcium cause calcification of the aorta?"
First it was excess calcium in the eyes, (NOF member Caleigh) then the aorta NOF Member Bob Wallace), and now in the breast and teeth and shoulder areas (NOF Member Sante Fe) as reported. Surely these findings should cause all of us to sit up and think of Calcium intakes -- and to question the medical community more and more on the subject. Many doctors would still be ignorant about these episodes and would shrug their shoulders and dismiss them!! Best wishes, Yours, Priya
Hi Priya, thanks for your question. I hope I answered this question below in your other query about calcium and aortic calcification, but if not here's a link from the Harvard Health Letters that explains this issue a bit further. Below is just a quote from a longer article, the link to the full article is available below.
Quote from Harvard Health July 13, 2009 printed in Newsday.com:
"Q: Will taking calcium supplements deposit calcium in my arteries?
A: CT scans show calcium deposits in the atherosclerotic plaques in arteries, so there's been some concern that high calcium intake might "feed" those deposits. But calcium deposits are a consequence of the inflammatory processes that produce the atherosclerosis and probably have little to do with blood levels of the mineral.
The way to avoid calcium deposits in your arteries is to minimize atherosclerosis, which means exercising, avoiding cigarette smoking, and controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. And calcium might help in that regard because it seems to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels."
http://www.newsday.com/news/health/calcium-curious-how-much-is-enough-1.1307375
I hope this answers the question. In all cases, have your Dr. suggest the amount you should take, because many medical issues need to be factored in. Each of us would have varying advice depending on blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, exercise, smoking etc.
Good luck with your health and in finding the appropriate answer for you, since each of us would be given differing opinions based on *our personal* health issues.
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nathji
Sunday, August 16, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Dearest Pam,
Many thanks for the wonderful elucidation. This is by far the most scholarly and reliable article on the subject comign as it from Harvard. I will post it on NOF as well where the members seem to be floundering in the darkness till now! You always get us the right answers -- how much labour and effort you must be going through yourself. I hope you are feeling better!
Yours,
Priya