Scientists urge caution on taking calcium supplements: New research reveals potential risks

According to the National Institutes of Health, about 43% of Americans take a supplement that includes calcium, an important mineral for maintaining strong bones.

But if you're considering taking a calcium supplement, researchers warn there can be risks.

You may have heard that calcium supplements are a good way to improve your health. But research is showing that might not be the case.

A large study out of Johns Hopkins University found that taking calcium supplements can negatively affect heart health.

"Just using calcium supplements was independently associated with this increased risk of developing atherosclerosis," said Erin Michos, associate professor of medicine in the Division of Cardiology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Calcium supplements also cause side effects like bloating, constipation and kidney stones. A study published in the journal Neurology also found women who took calcium supplements were at a higher risk for developing dementia.

And Michos says the largest research to date shows inconclusive results about the benefits of taking calcium supplements to build strong bones.

"For individuals who are already meeting their recommended daily allowance, there's no evidence that more is better, even for bone health or fracture reduction," said Michos.

But dietary sources of calcium do not pose the same risks.

"The safest thing to do is to try to get their calcium through their diet. We think that the body processes calcium very differently when it comes from food sources versus supplements," she said.

Foods like milk, yogurt and almonds are high in calcium. The recommended dietary allowance of calcium for most adults is 1,000 milligrams per day. For women ages 51 and older and men ages 71 and older, it's 1,200 milligrams.

You can usually get those daily milligrams, if you eat whole grains, broccoli or cheese. If you have a calcium deficiency, talk to your doctor about whether taking calcium supplements could be beneficial for you.