-Dr.Dianne McCallister, Chief Medical Officer at Porter Adventist Hospital

You may be taking the supplements or herbs in an attempt to be healthier. A new study from the British Medical Journal may make you rethink your routine.

The study connects taking calcium supplements with a 30 percent increased risk of heart attacks.

The notion that calcium supplements may be related to an increased risk of heart attacks is not new - it has previously been linked in people with kidney failure.

In this study, the researchers took the data from 15 previous studies and pooled it into one study to help determine if the increased risk held true in a large population.

The study showed the risk of having a heart attack was 30 percent greater in those on calcium supplements alone.

The risk was not increased in those who got their calcium from natural sources, or in those that took vitamin D with their calcium supplements,

There was not a statistically significant rise in the risk of stroke with calcium supplements

The cause for the increase is not definitely identified, but it is thought to be related to rises in the blood levels of calcium over the days following supplements.

With the number of people taking calcium supplements is so large, that this could mean a lot more heart attacks in the future.

It's a good idea to discuss your specific response with your doctor, however, this study would suggest a couple of things:

If you are taking calcium supplements, you should also take Vitamin D
It is better for your heart to eat foods rich in calcium than to take a supplement

We are all familiar with the fact that dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese contain calcium. Other good sources for calcium include:

Broccoli
Figs
Sardines
Oranges
Sweet potatoes
Some types of tofu
Curly kale
Green beans

www.iofbonehealth.org offers a complete list of calcuim-rich foods.

It is important to remember that a large number of the medicines we use are from natural sources - and anything you take - natural or not can have side effects.

Some of the more recent concerns have been interactions between aspirin and fish oil, vitamin K and some blood thinners, vitamin A in excess can cause liver damage.

In fact, consumer reports came out with a list of 12 supplements known to cause severe problems.

The bottom line - you should talk to your physician and/or pharmacist before taking supplements.

And - you should not take a lot of supplements - they can interact with one another.

I had a patient who went into liver failure because of all her supplements.

When she stopped taking them - her liver tests went back to normal.

Secondly - try to eat a multi-colored diet full of fruits and vegetables and you will most likely get all the nutrients that you need.

If you think you have taken too many supplements - or if your children get into a bottle of pills, you should call the poison center and have them help you figure out the appropriate response.

If a person is not responsive, or is suicidal, then a call to 911 would be more appropriate.