Calcium is the most plentiful mineral in the body and is needed for a number of important functions, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Calcium supports the structure of teeth and bones and helps ensure their proper growth and strength. Calcium is also necessary for blood vessel expansion, muscle contraction and the production of enzymes and hormones. Although calcium is generally a good thing, too much of it can cause a number of problems, notes the American Association of Kidney Patients.
Hypercalcemia
A condition known as hypercalcemia is the result of excessively high levels of calcium in the blood, according to the ODS. Hypercalcemia is most often linked to cancer or conditions such as hyperparathyroidism rather than from eating high amounts of calcium-rich foods or taking too many calcium supplements.
Hyperparathyroidism is defined as a surplus of parathyroid hormone in the bloodstream which is responsible for keeping calcium levels balanced (See Reference 7).
While mild cases of hypercalcemia may produce no symptoms, more advanced states may cause excessive thirsty, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches and fatigue, notes the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and changes in personality may also surface.
Hypercalcemia can harm the kidneys and encumber the absorption of other essential minerals, such as iron, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc.
Kidney Damage
Serious cases of hypercalcemia can impair the kidneys' ability to purify the blood and remove fluid, reports MayoClinic.com. If damage to the kidneys is extreme and the organs cease to function, permanent dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary to effectively remove toxins from your body. Dialysis is the process of mechanically excreting excess fluids and waste products from the blood.
Kidney Stones
An overabundance of calcium in the urine leads to the formation and merging of crystals, which can set the stage for kidney stones, medically referred to as renal lithiasis, according to MayoClinic.com. Kidney stones are not only very painful to pass, they can also damage kidneys damage.
Irregular Heartbeat and Nervous System Abnormalities
Hypercalcemia can disrupt the electrical impulses that control your heartbeat, causing causing an abnormal heart rhythm known as arrhythmia, reports MayoClinic.com.
Hypercalcemia may also disrupt the intricacies of the nervous system, potentially leading to dementia, coma and even death.
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