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.

nathji

8/16/09 10:15pm

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