WASHINGTON—Research shows there is no increased risk of coronary heart disease or all-cause mortality in post-menopausal women supplementing with calcium and vitamin D. (Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. 2014 July; online. doi: 10.1002/jbmr.2311)

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) said the article is the fifth study in the last couple of years to reaffirm calcium’s safety.

“The evidence for why women should have confidence in the safety of calcium continues to grow," said Andrea Wong, Ph.D., vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs for CRN. “The benefits of calcium occur at every life stage, but because of the natural loss of calcium that occurs as we age, getting enough of this essential nutrient is especially important for the older populations, who are at risk for falls and fractures. Post-menopausal women can confidently take calcium supplements if getting enough calcium from the diet is not possible."