Many older adults take calcium supplements to improve bone health. The AARP Diet and Health Study with 390,000 older adults assessed calcium supplements, calcium-containing antacids and multivitamins at baseline. About 50% of men and 70% of women supplemented calcium, and the average dietary intake of calcium for both was 700 mg. During 12 years of follow-up men who supplemented at least 1000 mg of calcium daily experienced 20% higher risk for cardiovascular disease than those who did not supplement. This increase was not found in women.
PositiveTip: Men and women should eat a healthful diet of calcium-containing vegetables, legumes and low-fat dairy products( if they choose) rather than supplements.