Advances in research of calcium intake and cardiovascular diseases

The health effects of calcium intake on the cardiovascular system have become increasingly contentious. Despite some earlier studies suggesting a protective role of calcium against cardiovascular diseases, there is increasing evidence supporting the notion that excess dietary calcium and calcium supplements may have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system with the underlying mechanisms of upregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, vascular calcification, rise of serum calcium and hypercoagulability. The benefits and risks of calcium intake on the cardiovascular system remain to be further investigated.