Research indicates that calcium and vitamin D supplements may reduce the risk of cancer deaths in postmenopausal women but may also increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. These supplements are often recommended for women in this stage of life to prevent bone loss. However, experts caution that women should discuss with their doctor whether they should take supplements. A recent study reported that women who took calcium and vitamin D supplements had a 7% lower risk of death from cancer, but a 6% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the study found a 11% lower risk for total cancer, with lower incidences of colorectal and invasive breast cancer.
The research was a follow-up analysis to a large randomized trial of calcium and vitamin D supplementation involving over 36,000 postmenopausal women. While the study found positive effects on cancer prevention, the results should be interpreted carefully due to the study design. There is a need for future research to determine whether the combination of calcium and vitamin D supplements or vitamin D alone is more beneficial. Factors such as lifestyle habits and overall health status could potentially influence the results seen in the study.
Menopausal women are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to the low levels of estrogen in the body. Previous observational studies have suggested that taking calcium supplements could raise the risk of cardiovascular disease-related events. It is particularly significant for women consuming more than 1,400mg of calcium a day. The recommended daily intake of calcium for women over 50 is 1,200mg per day. The decrease in estrogen production during menopause affects calcium absorption and can lead to a loss of bone mineral density, resulting in osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures later in life.
To protect bone health during and after menopause, women are advised to consider hormone replacement therapy, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation. However, individual factors such as medical history and risk of osteoporosis need to be taken into account. While hormone replacement therapy may not be an option for women with breast cancer, weight-bearing exercise, and calcium and vitamin D supplementation can help slow down bone loss. The research suggests that calcium and vitamin D supplementation may play a role in affecting cancer biology when nutrient status is insufficient.
Overall, it is essential for women to maintain an active lifestyle, quit smoking, follow a healthy diet, and consult with a healthcare provider about the appropriateness of taking supplements during and after menopause. Every woman’s medical history and risk factors should be considered when making decisions about health supplements. While the research provides insights into the potential benefits and risks of calcium and vitamin D supplementation in postmenopausal women, further studies are needed to explore the specific impacts of these supplements on cancer and cardiovascular disease outcomes.
