In recent years, headlines have sparked concern that calcium supplements might be linked to an increased risk of dementia, particularly among older women who often take these supplements for bone health. As a pharmacist, it’s crucial to examine the research behind these claims to clarify the situation.
WHY THIS QUESTION MATTERS
Calcium plays a vital role in maintaining healthy bones, enabling muscle contractions, and supporting nerve transmission, essential functions that keep the body working smoothly, as highlighted by the Institute of Medicine in its 2011 report on Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D.
As we age, calcium absorption naturally declines, increasing the risk of bone-thinning conditions such as osteoporosis. That’s why calcium supplements are often prescribed, particularly for postmenopausal women whose bone density tends to drop rapidly after menopause.
Despite these benefits, concerns have emerged that excessive calcium intake from supplements could cause vascular changes in the brain, possibly leading to dementia. Let’s see what the evidence actually shows.
WHAT THE RESEARCH SHOWS
EARLIER STUDIES RAISING CONCERNS
One of the most frequently cited studies was published in 2016. It followed around 700 women aged 70 to 92 and found that those taking calcium supplements had a higher likelihood of developing dementia compared to those who didn’t. The odds ratio was 2.10 (95% CI: 1.01–4.37), with an even stronger association noted for stroke-related dementia (OR 4.40).
The researchers also observed that the risk appeared greater among women with pre-existing cerebrovascular disease or white-matter lesions in the brain, according to findings from Bolland and colleagues in a 2016 observational study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
However, this study had notable limitations. It was observational, meaning it showed an association, not a cause and effect relationship, and the number of supplement users (only 98) was too small to draw firm conclusions.
NEWER RESEARCH OFFERS REASSURANCE
Fast-forward to 2025, when researchers led by Elena Elisseeva conducted a far more robust, long term randomized controlled trial involving 1,460 women aged 70 and older. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 1,200 mg of calcium carbonate daily or a placebo and were followed for 14 years.
The findings, published in the journal Age and Ageing by Elisseeva and colleagues in 2025, revealed no significant difference in dementia rates between the supplement group and the placebo group. The hazard ratio was approximately 0.90 (95% CI: 0.71–1.15), indicating that calcium supplementation did not statistically increase the risk of dementia.
This large, well-controlled trial provides strong reassurance that calcium supplements, when used appropriately, are safe for older women, especially when taken under medical guidance.
WHAT ABOUT DIETARY CALCIUM AND BLOOD LEVELS?
Research has also explored how dietary calcium. obtained from food rather than pills. influences brain health. Interestingly, insufficient calcium intake from food may actually raise dementia risk.
For example, an analysis from the UK Biobank, one of the world’s largest ongoing health databases, examined data from more than 363,000 participants in 2023. The researchers found that individuals with higher blood calcium levels had a lower risk of both all-cause and vascular dementia, suggesting that maintaining adequate calcium levels may play a protective role in brain health.
In other words, the UK Biobank research supports the idea that too little calcium, not too much, may be more harmful to cognitive health.
WHAT CAN WE CONCLUDE?
1. CONTEXT MATTERS
The early observational studies raised questions but mainly in specific groups, particularly women with existing vascular issues. More recent, large scale trials show no increased dementia risk for healthy older adults taking calcium supplements.
2. ASSOCIATION DOESN’T EQUAL CAUSATION
The 2016 study linked calcium use to dementia risk, but it couldn’t prove causality. Factors such as diet, medication use, genetics, and overall cardiovascular health likely influenced the outcomes.
3. THE BIGGER PICTURE IS REASSURING
When looking at the total body of evidence, including the UK Biobank findings and the 2025 clinical trial, calcium supplements appear safe and beneficial for most people.
PRACTICAL GUIDANCE FROM A PHARMACIST’S PERSPECTIVE
1. PRIORITIZE FOOD FIRST
Whenever possible, meet your calcium needs through natural foods such as dairy, tofu, leafy greens, sardines, and fortified plant milks. These sources provide calcium in a balanced nutritional context that supports absorption.
2. USE SUPPLEMENTS WISELY
If your doctor recommends supplementation, stick to the lowest effective dose. typically, 1,000 to 1,200 mg per day. and consider splitting it (e.g., 600 mg twice daily) for better absorption.
3. PAIR WITH VITAMIN D
Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption and supports bone and immune health. Combine both under professional guidance.
4. PROTECT YOUR VASCULAR HEALTH
Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes plays a far greater role in preventing dementia than calcium supplements do. Keep your cardiovascular system healthy to protect your brain.
5. STAY ACTIVE AND HYDRATED
Regular physical activity, especially weight-bearing exercise, strengthens bones and improves blood flow to the brain. Hydration also helps maintain optimal circulation and metabolic balance.
BOTTOM LINE
Based on the strongest and most recent scientific evidence, from long-term clinical trials and large databases like the UK Biobank, calcium supplements do not increase dementia risk for most people. The only group that might require extra caution includes those with a history of stroke or significant vascular brain changes.
For everyone else, calcium remains a cornerstone of bone and overall health. Used properly and paired with a balanced diet, vitamin D, and a healthy lifestyle, it continues to be a safe and effective part of preventive healthcare.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Should I stop my calcium supplement because of dementia risk?
A: No. Current research, including the 2025 Age and Ageing trial, found no link between calcium supplements and increased dementia risk in older women.
Q: Does the calcium dose matter?
A: Yes. The safe and effective range is usually around 1,000 to 1,200 mg daily from all sources. Exceeding this may increase the risk of kidney stones, but not dementia.
Q: Is dietary calcium safer than supplements?
A: Generally, yes because food sources offer better nutrient synergy. However, supplements remain safe and useful when dietary intake is insufficient.
Q: Do men face the same risks?
A: Most studies, including the UK Biobank analysis, focus on women. Current data do not suggest elevated dementia risk for men, but more gender-specific research is needed.
DISCLAIMER
This article is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Calcium needs and supplement safety can vary depending on age, health status, and existing medical conditions. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement regimen.
CALL TO ACTION
If you’re unsure about your calcium intake or want to optimize your bone and brain health safely, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider. They can help you choose the right supplement, dose, and combination with vitamin D to meet your personal needs.
For more pharmacist backed insights on healthy aging, bone strength, and brain wellness, explore other articles on Pharma Healths.
Read more: https://pharmahealths.com/bones-age-faster-inflammation/
REFERENCES
• Bolland MJ et al., 2016. Observational study linking calcium supplementation to dementia risk in older women. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
• Elisseeva E et al., 2025. Long-term randomized controlled trial on calcium supplementation and cognitive health. Age and Ageing.
• Institute of Medicine (2011). Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. National Academies Press, Washington, DC.
• UK Biobank (2023). Large-scale cohort analysis revealing an inverse relationship between blood calcium levels and dementia risk.
