Researchers have discovered that calcium from supplements and dairy products has no effect on the bones of people over 50.
The study published in the British Medical Journal’s online publication claimed that rather than strengthen bones, the extra calcium can build up in the arteries, causing heart disease, or in the kidneys, causing kidney stones.
The researchers said “Dietary calcium intake is not associated with risk of fracture, and there is no clinical trial evidence that increasing calcium intake from dietary sources prevents fractures.
“Evidence that calcium supplements prevent fractures is weak and inconsistent.”
Women over 50 are advised to get 1,200 mg of calcium a day and women under 50 are advised to get 1,000 mg a day. Men are advised to get 1,000 mg a day although men over 70 are supposed to get 1,200 mg.