Cardiovascular (CV) calcification is known as sub-clinical
atherosclerosis and is recognised as a predictor of CV events and mortality. As yet there is no treatment for CV calcification and conventional CV risk factors are not consistently correlated, leaving clinicians uncertain as to optimum management for these patients. For this reason, a review of studies investigating diet and serum levels of macro- and
micronutrients was carried out. Although there were few human studies of macronutrients, nevertheless transfats and
simple sugars should be avoided, while long chain ω-3
fats from oily fish may be protective. Among the
micronutrients, an intake of 800 μg/day
calcium was beneficial in those without renal disease or
hyperparathyroidism, while inorganic
phosphorus from
food preservatives and colas may induce calcification. A high intake of
magnesium (≥380 mg/day) and
phylloquinone (500 μg/day) proved protective, as did a serum 25(
OH)D concentration of ≥75 nmol/L. Although oxidative damage appears to be a cause of CV calcification, the
antioxidant vitamins proved to be largely ineffective, while supplementation of α-
tocopherol may induce calcification. Nevertheless other
antioxidant compounds (
epigallocatechin gallate from
green tea and
resveratrol from red wine) were protective. Finally, a
homocysteine concentration >12 µmol/L was predictive of CV calcification, although a plasma
folate concentration of >39.4 nmol/L could both lower
homocysteine and protect against calcification. In terms of a dietary programme, these recommendations indicate avoiding
sugar and the transfats and preservatives found in processed foods and drinks and adopting a diet high in oily fish and vegetables. The
micronutrients magnesium and
vitamin K may be worthy of further investigation as a treatment option for CV calcification.