Calcium

[Summer93]

On BBC Health page - both stories on same page!

Calcium supplements may increase the risk of a heart attack in older women,
New Zealand research suggests.


Scientists unveil 'supercarrot' Carrots
The new carrot could ward off osteoporosis
Scientists in the US say they have created a
genetically-engineered carrot that provides extra calcium.

What are they trying to tell us - it's not good to take calcium but,
it will be in the carrots you eat.

How will I know the calcium carrot from the real carrot?

If, for older women, taking calcium can mean more heart attackis or
strokes then that would lead me to avoid calcium in other forms even
in carrots!

What do you folks think of this?

[Avalux]

1. Calcium in food is not the same as calcium in a supplement.

The body controls calcium absorption through the gut; expelling what it doesn't need. The best way to get the calcium needed is through food. However if women are taking high dosage calcium supplements over a long period of time (more than what the body can absorb) it can eventually lead to hypercalcemia which will effect the heart.

I would recommend anyone taking a potent calcium supplement have regular bloodwork done to insure they don't have an elevated calcium level.

[Summer93]

2. GM Carrots

The article is telling how they have been able to PUT calcium into carrots through the GM process.

[Summer93]

3. Here is the link

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/default.stm

I was somewhat amused that both of these stories were on the same but, they were telling people to do the opposite.

Don't take too much calcium the form of tablets because in the future you will be able to get your calicuim from carrots so don't over eat those carrots!

[Big Blue Marble]

4. The first question is type of calcium was used in the study.

The second issue is what is the impact of taking magnesium with the calcium