Maintaining healthy bones and teeth requires calcium, which is an essential mineral. Diet alone provides calcium, but many prefer to supplement with calcium. However, if you plan for a calcium score test, you may wonder whether taking supplements could affect the accuracy of your results. A calcium score test is a non-invasive imaging procedure used to evaluate the amount of calcified plaque in your arteries. CT scans help to obtain images of your heart and blood vessels as part of this test. These images help identify any plaque buildup in your arteries, which narrows them and increases your risk of heart disease. The calcium score test measures the amount of calcified plaque located in your arteries and assigns you a numerical value called a calcium score. An increased risk of heart disease is associated with a higher score, indicating more plaque buildup in your arteries.
Can supplements affect your calcium score test results? Researchers have found mixed results regarding the impact of calcium supplements on calcium scores. Some studies have suggested that taking certain supplement brands may lead to inaccurate results. Vitamin D supplements may cause falsely elevated calcium score in Morristown, NJ in some individuals whose blood vessels calcify as a result of too much vitamin D intake, according to some studies. Similarly, other studies have suggested that taking too much vitamin K2 or magnesium supplements leads to falsely elevated calcium scores.
Some studies suggest that taking certain types of supplements may reduce arterial calcification and lower calcium scores. Taking supplements with omega-3 fatty acids daily significantly lower arterial calcification levels compared to not supplementing. It is worth noting the evidence regarding supplements and their impact on calcium scores is still limited. Test results are affected by different types of supplements, but more research is needed. If you are scheduled for a calcium score test and take supplements regularly, it is important to discuss this with your doctor beforehand. They may advise you to temporarily stop taking certain supplements in the days leading up to your test to ensure accurate results.