Calcium is an essential mineral for bones and teeth. The heart, the nervous system, and the immune system also need calcium to function. Calcium-rich foods include milk and dairy products, kale and broccoli, as well as calcium-rich citrus juice, mineral water, canned fish, and calcium-based soy products. Calcium is also considered an additive.
Calcium is often taken orally for treatment and prevention of low calcium levels. It is also used in conditions associated with low calcium levels including arthritis (litany tetany), osteoporosis (weak bones due to low bones), rickets (a condition in children involving osteoporosis), and osteomalacia (osteoporosis) involving pain. ). Calcium is sometimes taken orally to reduce high levels of parathyroid hormone (hyperparathyroidism) and the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), among many other conditions.
Calcium carbonate is taken orally as an antacid for “heartburn.” Calcium carbonate and calcium acetate are also taken orally to reduce phosphate levels in people with kidney disease.
Calcium Side Effects
When taken orally
Calcium is safe for most people when taken orally and in recommended doses (approximately 1000-1200 mg daily). Calcium can cause certain side effects such as belching or gas. But calcium can be SAFE if taken orally in high doses. The Institute of Medicine sets a daily tolerable daily diet (UL) level of calcium at 2000 mg for adults aged 19-50 and 2000 mg for adults aged 51 and over.
Taking more than this amount of calcium daily can increase the chances of serious side effects, such as high blood pressure and milk-alkali syndrome, a condition that can lead to kidney stones, kidney failure, and death. There is also concern that excess calcium may increase the risk of a heart attack.
Some studies show that taking calcium, which is usually in excess of the recommended daily dose of 1000-1300 mg per day, is linked to an increased risk of heart attack in the elderly. But other studies show that there is no link between calcium supplementation and the risk of a heart attack. Some groups may have more risk and some may not.
Continue to eat a sufficient amount of calcium to meet your daily needs, but avoid excessive amounts of calcium. Be sure to check the total amount of calcium in the diet from both dietary supplements and try not to exceed 1000-1200 mg of calcium per day.
For dietary calcium, count 300 mg/day of non-dairy foods and 300 mg/cup of milk or solid orange juice. Also, if calcium supplements need to be taken along with dietary calcium, consider taking those that provide calcium and vitamin D.
When given IV
Calcium IS SAFE for most people when given intravenously (in IV) and properly.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Calcium is safe if taken orally at recommended doses during pregnancy and lactation. There is not enough information on the safety of calcium intake (IV) during pregnancy and lactation. Calcium is NOT likely to be safe for pregnant women when taken orally in high doses.
The Institute of Medicine sets the maximum tolerable daily diet (UL) level of calcium for all women based on age whether they are pregnant or not: 9-18 years, 3000 mg; Age 19-50, 2500 mg. High doses can cause high levels of phosphorus and low levels of parathyroid hormone in the baby during pregnancy and birth which can increase the risk of fetal fainting.
Be sure to avoid large amounts of calcium during pregnancy. Be sure to check for whole calcium intake from both dietary and supplemental sources of calcium including over-the-counter antacids. Try not to exceed 1000-1200 mg of calcium per day unless prescribed by your doctor.
Some women may be given calcium to prevent high blood pressure during pregnancy. For dietary calcium, count 300 mg/day of non-dairy foods and 300 mg/cup of milk or solid orange juice.
Children
Calcium is safe for most children when taken orally in recommended doses. The recommended dose varies according to the following years: Ages 1-3 years, 700 mg daily; 4-8 years, 1000 mg daily; For 9-18 years, 1300 mg daily. But calcium is most protective if taken orally in high doses.
Taking more than the recommended amount of calcium daily can increase the chances of serious side effects. Children should be advised to continue eating a sufficient amount of calcium to meet daily needs, but not an excessive amount of calcium.
Low stomach acid
People with low levels of gastric acid absorb less calcium when calcium is taken on an empty stomach. However, low levels of stomach acid do not appear to reduce calcium absorption when calcium is taken with food. Advise people with achlorhydria to take calcium supplements with food.
High levels of phosphate in the blood or low levels of phosphate in the blood
Calcium and phosphate should be balanced in the body. Taking too much calcium can lose this balance and damage it. Do not take extra calcium without the help of your healthcare provider.
Inactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Calcium can interfere with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Separate calcium and starvation drugs for at least four hours.
High calcium levels in the blood (such as parathyroid disorders and sarcoidosis)
Calcium should be avoided if you have these conditions.
Poor kidney function
Calcium supplementation can increase the risk of high levels of calcium in the blood in people with severe kidney disease.
Smoking
Smokers inhale lower calcium in the stomach.
Stroke
Preliminary research suggests that in older women with a stroke, taking calcium supplements for five years or more may increase the risk of dementia. More research is needed to determine whether calcium supplements should be avoided in those with a stroke.
FAQ
Do calcium supplements have side effects?
Calcium supplements may increase the incidence of constipation, severe diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It highlights that calcium carbonate is more often associated with gastrointestinal side effects, including constipation, flatulence, and bloating.
Is it good to take calcium tablets everyday?
“The truth is, the research is inconclusive. But there is a growing body of evidence that suggests no health benefit, or even worse, that calcium supplements may be harmful.” Multiple studies have found that there's little to no benefit to taking calcium supplements for the prevention of hip fractures.
Is calcium supplements bad for your heart?
After analyzing 10 years of medical tests on more than 2,700 people in a federally funded heart disease study, researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine and elsewhere conclude that taking calcium in the form of supplements may raise the risk of plaque buildup in arteries and heart damage, although a diet high in calcium.
Does calcium tablets cause weight gain?
They found that dietary calcium supplementation produced a dose-related diminution in weight gain and fat mass.
Can calcium tablets upset your stomach?
Calcium carbonate may cause acid rebound: the stomach overcompensates for the high dose of calcium carbonate, which is alkaline, by churning out more acid. For that reason, people with a history of stomach ulcers are advised that they may not tolerate it and may have to switch to calcium citrate. Constipation.
