Harmful Effects of
Excess Calcium In Body
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| Calcium is an important mineral for building strong bones and teeth |
While calcium is an important mineral for building strong bones and teeth, excess calcium in the body can lead to several harmful effects.
Harmful Effects Of Excess Calcium In The Body
Kidney Stones:
When calcium is present in high amounts in the body, it can combine with other substances, such as oxalate or phosphate, to form kidney stones.
These stones can cause pain and discomfort while passing through the urinary tract.
Cardiovascular Disease:
Studies have suggested that high levels of calcium in the blood can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in people with kidney disease.
Constipation:
Excess calcium can cause constipation by interfering with the absorption of other minerals in the digestive tract.
Interference with other minerals:
Excess calcium can interfere with the absorption of other minerals such as iron, magnesium and zinc.
Muscle Weakness:
High levels of calcium in the blood can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, and confusion.
It's always best to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements or drastically changing your diet.
Recommended Daily Intake Of Calcium
The recommended daily intake of calcium varies depending on age and gender.
Here is a general guideline for the amount of calcium needed per day:
Infants (0-6 months): 200-260 mg/day
Infants (7-12 months): 260-525 mg/day
Children (1-3 years): 700 mg/day
Children (4-8 years): 1,000 mg/day
Adolescents (9-18 years): 1,300 mg/day
Adults (19-50 years): 1,000 mg/day
Adults (51-70 years): 1,000-1,200 mg/day
Adults (71 years and older): 1,200 mg/day
It's important to note that these are general guidelines and individual calcium needs may vary depending on factors such as activity level, medical conditions, and pregnancy or lactation.
Additionally, it's important to obtain calcium from a variety of dietary sources rather than relying solely on supplements.
There are several causes of excess calcium in the body, including:
Overactive Parathyroid Glands:
The parathyroid glands regulate calcium levels in the body by producing a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH).
When these glands become overactive, they can produce too much PTH, which can lead to high calcium levels in the blood.
Cancer:
Some types of cancer, such as lung, breast, and prostate cancer, can cause the body to release excess calcium into the blood.
This is because cancer cells can produce a substance that signals the bones to release calcium.
Vitamin D Overdose:
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from food. However, taking too many vitamin D supplements can cause excessive absorption of calcium, leading to high calcium levels in the blood.
Certain Medications:
Some medications, such as thiazide diuretics, which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, can increase calcium levels in the blood.
Kidney Problems:
When the kidneys are not functioning properly, they may not be able to excrete excess calcium from the body, leading to high calcium levels in the blood.
What Should We Do To Maintain A Balance Of Calcium In The Body
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| foods high in calcium can help ensure that you are getting enough calcium in your diet |
Maintaining a balance of calcium in the body is important for overall health.
Here are some ways to ensure that your body has the right amount of calcium:
Consume Calcium-Rich Foods:
Eating foods that are high in calcium, such as dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified cereals, can help ensure that you are getting enough calcium in your diet.
Get Enough Vitamin D:
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from food. You can get vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, fortified foods such as milk and cereal, and supplements.
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol Intake:
Consuming too much caffeine or alcohol can interfere with calcium absorption and lead to calcium loss from bones.
Engage in Weight-Bearing Exercises:
Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, running, and weight lifting, can help build strong bones and maintain calcium balance.
Avoid Smoking:
Smoking has been shown to reduce bone density and increase the risk of osteoporosis, which can lead to calcium loss from bones.
Consider Calcium Supplements:
If you are unable to get enough calcium from your diet, your healthcare provider may recommend calcium supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calcium
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about calcium:
Q. What is calcium and why is it important?
A. Calcium is a mineral that is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as for proper muscle and nerve function.
Q. What are the best food sources of calcium?
A. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium. Other good sources include leafy green vegetables, fortified cereals, and calcium-fortified juices.
Q. Can I get enough calcium from my diet alone?
A. In most cases, it is possible to get enough calcium from your diet alone.
However, some people, such as those with lactose intolerance or who follow a vegan diet, may have difficulty getting enough calcium from food alone and may need to supplement their diet with calcium.
Q. What are the symptoms of calcium deficiency?
A. Symptoms of calcium deficiency include muscle cramps, tingling in the fingers and toes, weakened bones, and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Q. Can I get too much calcium?
A. Yes, excessive calcium intake can lead to harmful effects, such as kidney stones, constipation, and interference with the absorption of other minerals.
It's important to follow the recommended daily intake guidelines and to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
Q. Who is at risk of calcium deficiency?
A. Women, especially those who have gone through menopause, and older adults are at higher risk of calcium deficiency.
Additionally, people with certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease, may have difficulty absorbing calcium from food.
Q. Can calcium supplements interfere with other medications?
A. Yes, calcium supplements can interfere with the absorption of certain medications, such as antibiotics and thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
It's important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplements to ensure they do not interact with other medications you are taking.
Q. How can I ensure that I am absorbing calcium properly?
A. Calcium absorption can be enhanced by consuming vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium from the digestive system.
Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products. Additionally, eating calcium-rich foods in combination with other nutrients, such as magnesium and vitamin K, can also help enhance calcium absorption.
Q. Can exercise help build strong bones and maintain calcium balance?
A. Yes, weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, running, and weight lifting, can help build strong bones and maintain calcium balance.
Regular exercise can also improve balance and coordination, which can reduce the risk of falls and fractures.
Q. What is the difference between calcium carbonate and calcium citrate?
A. Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are two common forms of calcium supplements.
Calcium carbonate is the most commonly used form and is typically less expensive than calcium citrate.
Calcium carbonate should be taken with food to ensure proper absorption, while calcium citrate can be taken with or without food.
Q. Can calcium supplements cause constipation?
A. Yes, calcium supplements can cause constipation in some people.
To prevent constipation, it is recommended to drink plenty of water and consume fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Q. Are there any medications that can interfere with calcium absorption?
A. Yes, certain medications, such as corticosteroids and antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, can interfere with calcium absorption.
It's important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplements to ensure they do not interact with other medications you are taking.
Q. Can I obtain calcium from non-dairy sources if I am lactose intolerant?
A. Yes, there are many non-dairy sources of calcium, such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and calcium-fortified foods and beverages.
Q. Can calcium intake affect my heart health?
A. Some studies have suggested that excessive calcium intake may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between calcium intake and heart health.
It's important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplements to ensure they are safe and appropriate for you.
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