The Risk Of Using Too Much Calcium Supplement

Calcium is one of the most abundant minerals in nature, according to "Nutrition and You" by Joan Salge Blake. Approximately 99 percent of the calcium in the body is located in the bones and teeth. The other 1 percent of calcium is found in the rest of the body, including the blood.

Normal Calcium Levels

Normal values of calcium in the blood range from 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL. When you consume too much calcium through a supplement, it can increase the level of calcium in the blood. If the calcium levels get too high, it can lead to a potentially dangerous condition called hypercalcemia.

Symptoms

In the initial stages of hypercalcemia, many people do not experience any symptoms. As calcium levels increase, it can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, frequent urination, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, muscle aches, joint pain, confusion and fatigue, according to MayoClinic.com.

Treatment

One first step in treating hypercalcemia caused by the intake of too much calcium supplement is to discontinue use of the supplement. Hospitalization may be required for those with severe hypercalcemia. During hospitalization, intravenous fluids will be administered in an effort to dilute the blood and restore calcium levels to normal. Diuretics may also be given to help the body flush out excess amounts of calcium from the blood. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, hemodialysis may also be needed to clean out the blood and remove excess waste and calcium.

Daily Recommendations

To prevent hypercalcemia, the Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board set an upper tolerable intake level for calcium. This level represents the highest amount of calcium that can be consumed in a day without causing adverse health effects. The upper tolerable intake level for calcium is set at 2,500 mg per day. Adult men and women should aim to consume between 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium per day, depending on age.

Considerations

The best way to ensure you are getting enough calcium is to eat a variety of foods that contain the mineral. It is best to avoid taking supplements that have high concentrations of the mineral to avoid the development of hypercalcemia. Good food sources of calcium include milk, yogurt, cheese, broccoli, kale and salmon. Fortified foods, such as orange juice and cereal, often contain significant amounts of calcium as well.