A 10-year study was recently completed that analyzed the link between calcium supplements and heart problems. Conducted by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the study involved more than 2,700 adults in the United States. The researchers confidently concluded that an excessive consumption of calcium in the form of supplements can lead to plaque accumulation in the arteries. This conclusion comes as a shock to the Albuquerque home care providers who believe that calcium can only benefit the body. Although this mineral plays a key role in bone health, it might be harmful in large quantities. The experts at the John Hopkins University emphasize that calcium from food sources does not cause a significant increase in plaque and other cardiovascular problems.
The National Institutes of Health estimates that more than 40 percent of American adults take some type of supplement that includes calcium. A large percentage of U.S. citizens should now be more cautious when it comes to taking supplements that include this mineral and other nutrients. In response to the recent study, a professor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provided a brief explanation of the negative effects caused by calcium in the body. According to John Anderson, calcium does not get fully deposited in the skeletal systems of elderly people. Senior citizens simply don’t effectively absorb this essential mineral that’s supposed to regenerate and strengthen bones. Elderly folks with kidney problems are more prone to having calcium accumulate in the arteries. After all, the urinary system plays a key role in flushing out excess calcium and other minerals from the bloodstream.
Senior citizens are encouraged to consult their primary care physicians before taking any calcium supplements that are available without prescriptions. An experienced doctor can recommend a safe dosage of calcium intake that won’t cause any major heart problems in the long term. However, doctors agree that Albuquerque live-in home care providers should encourage seniors to eat calcium-rich foods instead.
Learn more about senior nutrition by reaching out to Home Care Assistance of Albuquerque, NM. We provide flexible live-in, hourly and respite care Albuquerque, NM, families depend on to help seniors age in place with dignity. Contact us at 505-798-0800 today to learn more about our services and how they benefit our clients.
