I have been diagnosed with vascular calcification, but I also have osteoporosis. Can I still take calcium supplements?

An aunt told Huazi that she had a checkup a while ago and found that her coronary arteries were calcified, but she also had osteoporosis. She asked Huazi with some concern that she had been taking calcium supplements, was her vascular calcification caused by calcium supplements? Could she continue to take calcium supplements in the future? If not, what should she do about her osteoporosis?

Huazi said that the relationship between calcium supplementation and vascular calcification has always been controversial. Some believe that calcium supplementation may increase cardiovascular risks, while others believe that vascular calcification will only occur when calcium supplementation is taken in large doses.

1. Why do blood vessels calcify? Calcification occurs in human organs, such as the calcification foci of tuberculosis and the calcification points in the male prostate. These calcifications are formed at the site of inflammation, where calcium in necrotic cells, calcium in dead pathogens, or calcium dissolved in glandular fluid is deposited to form calcification points.

In other words, calcification in the human body is actually a trace of inflammation healing, similar to the "scar" that heals after skin injury. Calcification in blood vessels is mainly formed in the same way. The main reason is that atherosclerosis occurs in the blood vessels, and the hardened plaques produce an inflammatory response, which eventually leads to the death of some cells, and the calcium in them is deposited to form calcification.

2. Vascular calcification, a blessing or curse Although vascular calcification is mainly formed on the basis of vascular atherosclerosis, the medical community does not view vascular calcification as more serious vascular sclerosis. On the contrary, there is a theory that vascular calcification may increase the stability of atherosclerotic plaques and have a certain protective effect on blood vessels.

The main danger of atherosclerotic plaques is their instability and the ease with which they rupture, which can induce platelet aggregation to form thrombi, leading to myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction. When vascular plaques calcify, it indicates that the inflammatory response may subside, and calcification itself is a relatively stable structure that is not prone to rupture, so it is actually safer.

3. The relationship between calcium supplementation and vascular calcification. In the past, it was believed that calcium supplementation may lead to vascular calcification and pose certain risks to the cardiovascular system. However, the current academic consensus is that large doses of calcium supplementation may lead to vascular calcification. According to the recommendations of the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the United States and the American Association for the Prevention of Cardiology, as long as the total daily calcium intake does not exceed 2000mg~2500mg, it is considered safe for the cardiovascular system.

Adults need 800mg of calcium per day, while the elderly have poor absorption and need 1000mg of calcium per day. However, the Chinese Residents Nutrition Survey shows that the average daily calcium intake of adults in my country is only 388.8mg, which is less than half of the required calcium. The usual calcium supplements are about 500mg~800mg of calcium per day, plus the calcium provided by the diet, which is just enough, not excessive.

4. People with osteoporosis can take calcium supplements normally. People with osteoporosis can take calcium supplements normally. Dietary supplements are the first choice. For example, dairy products, soy products, shellfish, fish, shrimp and other seafood are rich in calcium. If dietary supplements are insufficient, calcium supplements can also be taken appropriately, but be careful not to take excessive amounts. At the same time, attention should also be paid to the supplementation of vitamin D and vitamin K to promote calcium absorption and deposition on bones.

While supplementing calcium, you should also supplement high-quality protein and increase exercise to enhance muscle strength, which can increase the power and support of the human movement system and help alleviate the symptoms of osteoporosis. However, some people suffer from excessive calcium loss due to increased osteoclast activity in the body. In this case, they need to use drugs that inhibit osteoclast activity under the guidance of a doctor to effectively treat the symptoms of osteoporosis.

To sum up, according to the current view, as long as calcium is not taken in large doses, vascular calcification will not be promoted. Therefore, people with osteoporosis do not need to worry if they find vascular calcification. Normal calcium supplementation is sufficient and will not increase cardiovascular risk. While supplementing calcium, you should also pay attention to the supplementation of vitamin D and vitamin K, increase exercise and supplement protein. I am pharmacist Huazi, welcome to follow me to share more health knowledge.