Too Much Calcium Side Effects

Calcium is necessary for growth and development of bones and to regulate nerve and muscle functions. You can satisfy your dietary requirements of calcium by having dairy products, green leafy vegetables, tofu, broccoli and orange juice. Calcium helps to prevent the onset of osteoporosis, reduces the possibility of kidney stones and also helps to regulate blood clotting and muscle contraction. Calcium is absorbed in the small intestine and it has to be broken down by the digestive tract before absorption. But too much calcium in the body also leads to a lot of complications and may lead to hypercalcemia and also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Excess Calcium Side Effects

Let us discuss in detail the side effects of consuming too much calcium.

Constipation: One of the most common side effects of too much calcium in a person's diet is constipation. It is a good idea to take magnesium and vitamin D supplements to ensure that there is proper absorption of calcium. Constipation for prolonged period of time can lead to stomach ulcers, pain and bloating.

Kidney Stones: If there is too much calcium in your blood, it might lead to a condition known as hypercalcemia. This condition which is characterized by vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite and persistent thirst can negatively impact kidney functions. This high levels of urinary calcium causes the formation of kidney stones.

Flatulence: One very embarrassing and annoying calcium side effect is the formation of gas or flatulence. It makes the person feel bloated, though it is not a serious medical condition.

Stomach Problems: Prolonged use of too much calcium can cause stomach problems like nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.

Plaque in Arteries: Too much calcium in the blood can lead to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries. This can exert a hypertensive effect on the heart muscle which increases the risk of a heart attack.

Risk of Prostate Cancer: Some studies have found a link between calcium intake of 600 mg per day with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Although the research is not conclusive, it is better to observe caution and limit the intake of calcium in the diet.

Calcium Toxicity: Too much calcium in the blood (over 2500 mg) can cause calcium toxicity. It can develop into abnormal deposits of calcium in tissues, which is harmful for the body.

Interactions with Medicines: Too much calcium can cause some adverse interactions with certain medications and so it is best to take the advice of a doctor before using calcium supplements. Too much calcium can increase the reaction to a medicine called digoxin which is used for the treatment of irregular heart beats. Too much calcium also interferes with the body's ability to absorb certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, tetracycline etc. Calcium may interfere with the absorption of a medication called alendronate which is used for the treatment of osteoporosis .

Other Side Effects: Dry mouth, confusion, severe fatigue, nausea, digestion problems, dizziness and even seizures are some other side effects of taking too much calcium. Constipation, as we have seen, is one of the most minor side effects of consuming too much calcium.

As you can see, there are many adverse effects of consuming too much calcium. If you are taking calcium supplements, it is always advisable to consult a doctor for its proper dosage. Avoid self medication as too much calcium in your body might lead to many health complications.