The Linus Pauling Institute reports that the bones and teeth contain 99 percent of the calcium in the body. When the bones lose too much calcium, osteoporosis occurs. This loss of bone density causes pain and impairs mobility. Calcium supplementation with Citracal reduces the risk of osteoporosis and prevents the effects of this debilitating condition.
Significance
Osteoporosis makes the bones porous and increases the risk of fractures. Increased calcium intake reduces the risk of developing this condition, but many people do not get enough calcium in their diets. Adults 19 to 50 years of age should consume 1,000 mg of calcium per day, while men and women over the age of 50 need 1,200 mg of calcium per day, according to the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Citracal calcium supplements offer a suitable alternative for those who do not consume enough dietary calcium.
Types
Citracal has several forms, making it easier to increase your calcium intake. Oral Citracal has tablet and liquid-tablet forms. The liquid tablets dissolve in water, providing an alternative for those who have difficulty swallowing pills. Citracal+D contains calcium citrate and vitamin D. This drug comes in tablet and petite tablet forms. Citracal Creamy Bites contain vitamin D and calcium citrate and do not require you to take them with food or water.
Side Effects
Citracal side effects include: constipation, nausea, dry mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased urination and increased thirst, according to Drugs.com. In rare cases, this drug causes a severe allergic reaction. If you experience swelling of the lips and tongue, difficulty breathing, hives or closing of the throat, seek immediate medical attention. Do not continue taking this medication after an allergic reaction.
Precautions
Calcium citrate may change the way some drugs work. Before taking Citracal, tell your doctor if you take calcitriol supplements, digoxin, calcium or aluminum antacids, tetracycline antibiotics or other calcium supplements. If you take any of these drugs, you may need special monitoring by a physician while taking Citracal.
Risks
If you have parathyroid gland disease or a history of kidney stones, your doctor may advise you not to take Citracal. The parathyroid glands control the amount of calcium in the blood. In cases of parathyroid disease, these glands release too much calcium into the blood. This leads to high calcium levels (hypercalcemia) in the blood and low levels of calcium in the bones. Taking a calcium supplement could make this problem worse. Kidney stones sometimes contain calcium oxalate, which forms when calcium and oxalate crystals remain in the urinary tract. Taking a calcium supplement could increase the risk for this type of kidney stone.
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