Effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular disease outcomes: A review of interventional studies.

Abstract

We summarize the literature of randomized controlled trials and associated meta-analyses related to the effects of calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular disease outcomes. Despite significant epidemiologic data associating abnormal calcium or vitamin D levels with cardiovascular disease risk, no consistent signal has emerged from the interventional literature for a causal relationship between supplementation of these micronutrients and improved cardiovascular outcomes. There is some evidence to support increased risk of coronary heart disease with calcium supplementation alone, and the effects of vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular disease appear to be neutral. Overall, there is no evidence to support the routine use of calcium or vitamin D supplementation for the purposes of improving cardiovascular health.