High calcium intake may be associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in women. Daily intake of more than 1,400 mg of calcium may increase the risk of death from all causes and from cardiovascular disease, although not from stroke, in women, findings from a Swedish mammography cohort indicate. At levels between 600 and 1,400 mg/day, which are most common, no increase in mortality was found. The study, published online February 13 in BMJ, examined the relationship between long-term calcium intake (dietary and supplemental) and death from all causes, ischemic heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and stroke in a cohort of 61,433 women who were followed for a median of 19 years. Rates of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were elevated and were highest with a high-calcium diet plus the use of supplements. To prevent fractures in the elderly, the authors conclude, emphasis should be placed on increasing calcium intake in those who have low levels rather than those already consuming adequate amounts.