Calcium builds strong bones, and more is better--correct? Well, maybe not.

Abstract

Calcium supplementation has been considered the gold standard therapy for osteoporosis in the general population. It is given in both the placebo and treatment groups of trials evaluating antifracture efficacy of new therapies. Similarly, calcium-based phosphate binders have been considered the gold standard comparator for all new phosphate binders. However, large randomized trials demonstrate conflicting data on the antifracture efficacy of calcium supplementation, particularly in high doses, in patients with osteoporosis without CKD. In addition, recent data suggest an increased risk for cardiovascular events. These new studies raise safety concerns for the general approach with calcium supplementation and binders. This review describes recent data on the adverse effects of calcium supplementation for osteoporosis and how these new data should affect the strategy for phosphate binder use in CKD.

• Authors: Sophie A Jamal, Sharon M Moe
• Journal: Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN (Clin J Am Soc Nephrol) Vol. 7 Issue 11 Pg. 1877-83 (Nov 2012) ISSN: 1555-905X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22837272 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Calcium

Topics

• Bone Density
• Calcium (administration & dosage, adverse effects, metabolism)
• Dietary Supplements
• Humans
• Osteoporosis (prevention & control)
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Renal Insufficiency, Chronic (complications)