Taking calcium plus vitamin D, the researchers found, was associated with an increased risk for stroke.
The literature shows that vitamin D deficiency is a significant risk factor for ischemic stroke, with sun exposure, sex, age, race, diabetes, and genetics playing a role as well. Stroke severity and short- and long-term outcomes also worsen with vitamin D deficiency.
In contrast, a recent meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials of calcium supplementation, with or without vitamin D, showed a borderline significant increased risk of stroke in individuals allocated to calcium supplementation (RR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.32) (2).
Many studies have shown that zinc is an independent risk factor for ischemic strokes [11]; however both neurotoxic and neuron-protective potential of zinc have been reported [5].
It's also important to note that consuming high doses of other B vitamins from supplements, such as B-6 and B-12, may increase the risk of stroke, as well as heart attack and death, in people with diabetes who also have advanced kidney disease.
1. Fruits and vegetables
Foods high in potassium, such as sweet and white potatoes, bananas, tomatoes, prunes, melon and soybeans, can help you maintain a healthy blood pressure — the leading risk factor of stroke. Magnesium-rich foods, such as spinach, are also linked to a lower risk of stroke.
However, research published in August 2019 in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that taking calcium and vitamin D supplements together might increase your risk of having a stroke. This finding was published in a review of what's currently known about the effects of supplements on our health.
It's also a good idea to take your calcium supplements at a different time from your multivitamin or an iron-rich meal. Calcium can affect how your body absorbs iron, zinc and magnesium.
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and diabetes are leading causes of stroke. One in 3 U.S. adults has at least one of these conditions or habits.
People 55 or older have a higher risk of stroke than younger people. African American and Hispanic patients have a higher risk of stroke than people of other races. Men have a higher risk of stroke than women.
There are two main causes of stroke: a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or leaking or bursting of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Some people may have only a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), that doesn't cause lasting symptoms.
The inverse association of magnesium intake and stroke is consistent with a meta-analysis of 7 prospective studies. They reported an 8% reduced stroke risk per 100 mg/d dietary magnesium increment.
Several studies have demonstrated that increased intracellular zinc levels [7,8] during ischemic stroke may enhance neuronal death [7]. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the role of zinc in cerebral ischemia and stroke.
Vitamin D Deficit Doubles Risk of Stroke in Whites, but Not in Blacks.
Don't use calcium, zinc, or magnesium supplements at the same time. Also, these three minerals are easier on your tummy when you take them with food, so if your doctor recommends them, have them at different meals or snacks.
Let's start with the basic questions – yes, you can take magnesium and calcium together. These minerals work synergistically to promote bone health and much more. There are also other minerals and vitamins that you can take simultaneously that are believed to improve the absorption of these chemical compounds.
Calcium supplements rapidly increase circulating calcium and high levels of circulating calcium have been shown to increase cardiovascular risk; one of the possible mechanisms is the progressive ectopic calcification of the arteries, which could lead to coronary artery disease.
Yes! You can and should take magnesium and vitamin D together. In fact, the bioavailability of vitamin D largely relies on magnesium. Also, many nutrients wouldn't work efficiently without magnesium, further highlighting the importance of this mineral!
Mg is essential in the metabolism of vitamin D, and taking large doses of vitamin D can induce severe depletion of Mg. Adequate magnesium supplementation should be considered as an important aspect of vitamin D therapy.
Vitamin D toxicity, also called hypervitaminosis D, is a rare but potentially serious condition that occurs when you have excessive amounts of vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D toxicity is usually caused by large doses of vitamin D supplements — not by diet or sun exposure.
Consider red wine as your first choice, which some studies suggest might help prevent heart disease and stroke. Watch your portion sizes. A standard-sized drink is a 5-ounce glass of wine, 12-ounce beer, or 1.5-ounce glass of hard liquor.
(10) Get enough potassium
Potassium is abundant in fruit, vegetables, and milk products. Therefore, if you consume recommended amounts of these food groups, you should achieve an adequate intake of potassium. Good fruit choices include bananas, apricots, oranges, cantaloupe, and apples.
Regularly eating unsalted nuts such as walnuts, almonds and pistachios considerably lowers the risk of death from heart attacks and strokes, research has revealed.