Does calcium supplementation cause vascular calcification?
Coronary artery calcification is not simply caused by calcium supplementation. Vascular calcification is part of coronary artery disease and is usually related to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis refers to the hardening and thickening of the arterial walls, leading to poor blood flow, and is the result of long-term unhealthy lifestyle, smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Adequate calcium supplementation is beneficial for bone health, especially in preventing osteoporosis, but excessive calcium intake may increase the risk of calcium deposits in the body. Therefore, maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, and supplementing calcium as needed, is key.