Calcium is an essential chemical element and mineral for all living organisms. Calcium can be found in dairy products like milk and cheese. The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports on their website, "Calcium plays an important role in building stronger, denser bones early in life and keeping bones strong and healthy later in life."
Many calcium supplements are available for purchase over-the-counter, or OTC, to ensure your diet has adequate levels of calcium. Coral calcium is one supplement that has gained notoriety. Unfortunately, there may be adverse risks associated with consuming coral calcium.
Lead Poisoning
The "USA Today" newspaper published an article in May 2004 that discussed potentially negative side effects of coral calcium. "Coral has numerous trace elements like manganese, strontium and even uranium which are not good for us," explained William Kiene, the director for Conservation Science at Reef Check. "Because of the intricate structure of the coral polyp and the many spaces within the structure, there potentially can be many other minerals in the coral when it's
ground up. Who knows what could be in it?" The website "Bonespur" notes lead could be discovered in coral calcium. Lead is an extremely toxic metal that can cause many negative health conditions to develop. Lead is known to restrain the flow of oxygen and inhibit the transportation of calcium. Furthermore, lead can modify proper nerve transmission to the brain. Children exposed to lead could suffer damage to the brain and kidneys, stunted growth and impaired hearing. Adults subjected to lead may experience increased blood pressure, digestive problems and muscle and joint pains.
Mercury Poisoning
Bonespur also warns coral calcium could produce mercury poisoning. Mercury poisoning occurs gradually as the element accumulates in your vital organs and tissues. Specifically, mercury poisoning can harm the liver, brain and heart muscle. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include emotional instability, tremors, gingivitis and kidney failure. Mercury poisoning may contribute to more dire diseases such as leukemia and hematopoietic hycrasias. Exposure to mercury is particularly worrisome for an impregnated mother and her developing fetus.
Additional Side Effects
The website "Stuff in a Nutshell" notes coral calcium may trigger side effects like constipation, irritability, depression, fatigue, loss of appetite, and a dry mouth and increased thirst. Your body may sense toxins in coral calcium and react by attacking, and trying to rid itself, of the poison. The response from your body is termed "detoxing" and it can instigate symptoms of the flu like headaches, stomach aches and diarrhea.
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