Combination of 2 popular supplements can increase the risk of stroke by 17 percent

Therefore, there are many who are daily dependent on supplements to maintain their health. But it is actually something that can have its own risks.

A study conducted by US researchers and published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine demonstrated a link between certain pills that combine vitamin D and calcium, and an increased risk of stroke. It writes the media Express.

The researchers warned that this combination can lead to atherosclerosis – a condition in which fats accumulate in the arteries. If this is not treated, it can block the blood supply to the heart or brain and thus lead to stroke or heart attack.

« A combination of calcium and vitamin D was associated with a higher risk of stroke. Other supplements did not appear to have any significant effect on mortality or cardiovascular disease, » Dr. Safi Khan, who led the research at West Virginia University.

In the extensive study, the researchers underwent 277 randomized, controlled trials of up to one million participants to assess the effect of different supplements and diets on mortality and the health of the heart.

The team found that a lower salt intake and increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish can prevent heart disease. In addition, folic acid turned out to protect against stroke.

However, the study showed that supplements containing both vitamin D and calcium could increase the risk of stroke by 17 percent.

« Calcium plus vitamin D increased the risk of stroke, » the authors said in their study.

They also found that ‘other supplements such as vitamin B6, vitamin A, multivitamins, antioxidants as well as iron and dietary changes such as reduced fat intake had no significant effect on mortality or cardiovascular disease’.

Supplements that combine calcium with vitamin D are often used to promote bone health – especially in the elderly, which at the same time has an increased risk of stroke. To increase your calcium intake through the diet you can eat more of the following foods:

• Green leaf vegetables – like kale and okra (though not spinach)

• Milk, cheese and other dairy products

• Fish where you eat your legs – like sardines and anchovies

• Soy-drink with added calcium

• Bread and products made with enriched flour

Adults need about 700 mg of calcium daily, and according to the NHS you should be able to get what you need through regular diet. When it comes to vitamin D, sunlight is the best source of recording. You can also find vitamin D:

• Fat fish – such as salmon, herring, mackerel and sardines

• Red meat

• Enriched foods – as certain spreadable products and breakfast products

• Liver

• Egg yolks

Always consult your doctor before you start taking supplements for health reasons.