Side Effects of Calcium Supplements

'Health is wealth' goes a very clichéd saying. But then, it is true, isn't it? Many factors go into the maintenance of our health like balanced diet, enough physical activity like exercise and a few other things. When it comes to diet, all possible essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals should be included in it. One such mineral is calcium.

Calcium is crucial for our teeth, bones, blood clotting, conducting nerve impulses, stimulation of hormone secretions, regulating heart beats and so on. But it is not always possible to give the body its daily quota of calcium. Even if we do, it is not enough because we lose calcium through skin, nails, excretion, hair and sweat. Then what do we do in a situation like this? We go in for calcium supplements to compliment the amount of calcium we get from our diet. Now here you have to be really cautious while doing that because there are visible side effects. Thus, even if they are good from a perspective to cover up for our daily calcium quota, its undesired effects cannot be ignored.

Side Effects Associated with Calcium Supplements

Development of Gas: One of the calcium supplement side effects is gas. Scientifically, this term is known as flatulence. Flatus and gas refers to the air passing through the digestive track, through the rectum and out. However, it is not just prolonged dose that can cause this. This is experienced initially when you start consuming these supplements. Once you get used to the daily dose, it is normally not experienced.

Nausea and Vomiting: Ingestion of high doses of calcium or consumption of supplements without having food can lead to nausea and consequently vomiting. That can have an impact on the digestive health in totality. In that case, switch over to a lower dose or change the brand. This will reduce and eliminate this side effect.

Constipation: Excess consumption of supplements can lead to constipation, being unable to get rid of body waste. This is one of the common side effects and leads to bloating and pain in turn.

Calcium Toxicity: Over a certain amount, (above 2,500 mg) these supplements can lead to raised level of calcium in blood and can cause calcium toxicity. It can manifest into abnormal deposits of calcium in tissue, which is harmful for health.

Drug Interactions: There is a lot of possibility that your reliable supplements could interact and interfere with over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Absorption of tetracycline is reduced by calcium supplements along with disrupting the absorption of iron. Another very important thing to remember is do not take other drugs and these supplements in tandem on an empty stomach.

Dry Mouth: There is a significant reduction in the amount of saliva in our mouth, resulting in a dry mouth. If this is very prominent and persistent, it can cause problems in digestion, swallowing, and can reduce taste. To prevent this, take smaller doses and if that does not help, consult a physician.

Stomach and Related Problems: A major chunk of side effects of these supplements are related to the stomach and digestive system. For starters, you have stomach pain, for which you can try taking smaller doses of calcium. In case the pain still remains, different form or dosage of calcium needs to be considered. Another allied thing is loss of appetite. Now stomach pain, nausea and vomiting can very well lead to a feeling of aversion towards eating. You know you are going to end up throwing anything you eat. Then why eat at all. Extra consumption of calcium also leads to belching.

Other Problems: Certain studies have indicated heart attack as a side effect. Besides, confusion, seizures, coma and even sudden death are rare effects of overdose.

To be on the safer side, monitor your doses and keep them at just about necessary levels because calcium deficiency is also not a very exciting prospect, right? Now grit your teeth and gulp down your glass of milk, all for calcium!