Calcium primer: current controversies and common clinical questions.
The use of calcium supplements has recently come under fire because of studies purportedly showing a relationship to cardiovascular events. Although the conclusions made sensational headlines in the popular press, numerous editorials and convincing scientific evidence to the contrary went unnoticed. This controversy and others, such as the relationship of proton-pump inhibitors and osteoporosis, caffeine consumption and the risk of calciuria, and the effects of loop diuretics on fracture risk, are common clinical queries of both primary care physicians and subspecialists. The purpose of this article, therefore, is to provide a concise review of select literature pertinent to current clinical practice and to provide no-nonsense recommendations for common clinical dilemmas regarding calcium supplementation.
Cleveland Clinic Center for Human Nutrition, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Mary H
MH
McDaniel
Susan E
SE
Williams
D006801:Humans; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors
D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors
Calcium; calcium supplements; cardiovascular risk; loop diuretics; proton-pump inhibitors