Vascular and renal calcification as a consequence of high-dose calcium and vitamin D drugs

Abstract

Calcium-containing drugs occupy an important place in the list of anti-osteoporotic agents. Their consumption, often in combination with high doses of vitamin D, has increased significantly over the last couple of decades. Cases of uncontrolled intake of the macronutrient have become more frequent. Aggressive advertising of high-dose calcium supplements with calciferol of foreign production on television played its role in this. Nowadays doctors of various specialties have to face more and more often the consequences of using such preparations. The article describes the mechanism of calcium deposits formation in vessels and kidneys against the background of calcium supplementation. The results of large-scale studies proving the close relationship between high intake of calcium and vitamin D with calcification of vessels, development of cardiovascular diseases and nephrolithiasis are presented. Doubts are raised about the validity and necessity of high-dose calcium supplements in the treatment of skeletal diseases. The possibilities of successful therapy of postmenopausal osteoporosis without the use of such agents are presented on the example of the preparation Osteo-Vit D3, which does not contain calcium and high doses of calciferol, but increases the mineral density of bone tissue and reduces the volume of calcificates in blood vessels and kidneys.