If you consume more than 2,500 mg of calcium each day, you may be at risk for developing unusually high levels of this mineral in your body, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. High calcium levels -- a condition called hypercalcemia -- may severely affect the way your body functions. If you experience any of the effects of too much calcium, seek care from your medical provider.
Muscle Weakness or Pain and Fatigue
You may develop uncomfortable sensations of aching pain throughout the muscles and joints of your body as an effect of hypercalcemia. Muscle weakness or pain may limit your ability to perform normal physical activities, such as picking up your child or climbing a flight of stairs. Body aches may also induce feelings of fatigue, which may interfere with your ability to concentrate while at school or work.
Stomach Discomfort
High levels of calcium in your body may aggravate or irritate your digestive tract, leading to nausea, vomiting or appetite loss. You may also experience constipation, an effect of high calcium levels, MedlinePlus warns. Constipation may cause additional stomach-related symptoms, including abdominal pain, cramping or fullness. Seek care from your doctor if you experience persistent nausea or vomiting or recurrent bouts of constipation.
Excessive Thirst and Urination
Excessive thirst and increased urination may develop if you have too much calcium in your body. You may notice that you excrete larger volumes of urine than normal or that you need to use the bathroom more frequently. Sensations of thirst may cause you to drink large amounts of fluid, which may exacerbate the effects high calcium levels have on urination. Talk with your physician if excessive thirst and frequent urination are accompanied by unintended weight loss or urinary pain. These effects of hypercalcemia may also be signs of other medical conditions, such as diabetes or a bladder infection.
Confusion
If you have too much calcium in your body, the nerves in your brain may have difficulty transmitting signals normally. Consequently, you may experience confusion or difficulty thinking clearly. You may find it hard to complete your normal daily tasks, or you may become unusually forgetful. Consult your primary care provider if mental changes occur suddenly, persist or become severe.
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