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Calcium and vitamin D supplements may up kidney stone risk

06.27.2012

Calcium and vitamin D supplements typically play an important role in healthcare and wellness programs for older women. These nutrients are known to help build stronger bones, which is important for those who are at risk of developing osteoporosis. But new evidence suggests that the supplements may not be as safe as previously thought.

A team of researchers from Creighton University found that people who take supplements containing very high levels of these nutrients are more likely to have excessive calcium in their blood and urine, compared to those with more moderate intakes. Calcium in the blood and urine is known to be a major risk factor in the development of kidney stones.

In the study, the researchers administered supplements containing varying levels of calcium and vitamin D to a group of 163 healthy postmenopausal women. The results showed that those who received supplements containing the greatest quantities of these nutrients were the most likely to have high levels of calcium in their systems.

"The use of calcium and vitamin D supplementation may not be as benign as previously thought," said J. Christopher Gallagher, who led the investigation. "Pending further information, people should not exceed the guidelines suggested by the Institute of Medicine, which are 800 international units of vitamin D, and 800-1,200 milligrams per day of calcium."

He added that it is important for doctors to monitor the health of patients who take calcium and vitamin D supplements, given the health risks that may be associated with their use. However, this is something that physicians rarely do in healthy patients. Healthcare and wellness programs that advise supplement use should take this risk into consideration.

Categories: Health and Wellness