A warning has been issued by scientists that the consumption of two popular supplements could potentially increase your risk of a medical emergency. Research indicates that combining these pills could elevate your chances of experiencing a stroke by up to 17%.

While maintaining a balanced diet should ideally provide all the necessary nutrients, it’s not always feasible for everyone due to factors such as cost, accessibility, and the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals effectively.

Consequently, many individuals depend on daily supplements for their health.

However, this practice may carry its own risks. A study conducted by American scientists and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2019 discovered a link between certain types of pills that combine vitamin D and calcium with strokes.

The researchers cautioned that this combination could lead to atherosclerosis, a condition characterised by the build-up of fatty substances in the arteries. 

If left unchecked, this can obstruct blood flow to the heart or brain, resulting in strokes or heart attacks.

Dr Safi Khan, who spearheaded the research at West Virginia University, said: “A combination of calcium and vitamin D was associated with a higher risk of stroke. Other supplements did not seem to have significant effect on mortality or cardiovascular outcomes.”

In the comprehensive study, researchers pored over 277 randomised controlled trials involving up to one million participants to assess the impact of various supplements and diets on mortality and heart health.

The team discovered that cutting down on salt and increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in oily fish, can help ward off heart disease. Additionally, folic acid was shown to offer protection against strokes.

However, the research indicated that taking supplements containing both vitamin D and calcium could raise the risk of stroke by 17%. The study’s authors noted: “Calcium plus vitamin D increased the risk for stroke.”

They also found that “Other nutritional supplements, such as vitamin B6, vitamin A, multivitamins, antioxidants, and iron and dietary interventions, such as reduced fat intake, had no significant effect on mortality or cardiovascular disease outcomes.”

Supplements that combine calcium with vitamin D are often used to promote bone health, especially among the elderly who are at an elevated risk of stroke.

To increase your calcium levels through diet, consider consuming more foods like:

• Green leafy vegetables – such as curly kale and okra, but not spinach
• Milk, cheese and other dairy foods
• Fish where you eat the bones – such as sardines and pilchards
• Soya drinks with added calcium
• Bread and anything made with fortified flour

Adults require approximately 700mg of calcium each day, and according to the NHS, you “should be able” to get all you need from your regular meals.

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When it comes to Vitamin D, sunlight is your best friend for absorption. However, this vital vitamin can also be found in:

• Oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel
• Red meat
• Fortified foods – such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals
• Liver
• Egg yolks

Always consult your GP before taking any supplements for health reasons.