University of Maryland Medical Center health professionals recommend that adults consume between 1,000 and 1,200 mg of calcium each day, depending upon their age. While your daily dose of calcium may come from dietary sources of calcium, such as dairy and dark leafy green vegetables, you may also want to take a calcium supplement. Before taking a calcium supplement, you should be aware of the potential side effects of this natural treatment -- the most common of which is constipation. Seek care from your primary medical provider if you develop chronic bouts of diarrhea to ensure you receive appropriate treatment.
Hard, Solid Stools
Taking a calcium supplement may reduce the amount of fluid that flows along your digestive tract. When your intestines don't contain enough fluid, it becomes more difficult for consumed food products to move through your body. Constipation that occurs as a consequence of calcium supplement treatment may result in the production of small, hard or solid stools. Such stools may be difficult to pass and may cause additional side effects.
Bloody Stools
Solid stools may damage your intestinal tract or rectum as they pass through your digestive tract and out of your body. You may notice that your stools appear unusually dark or red in color due to the presence of blood. Consult your physician immediately if you notice blood in your stools as this symptom of constipation may also be the result of alternate health problems, such as a stomach ulcer.
Abdominal Pain or Straining
It may be difficult for you to produce a bowel movement while you are taking a calcium supplement. Difficult stool passage may contribute to abdominal pain, bloating or straining while defecating, KidsHealth reports. Severe or sudden abdominal pain may be a sign of a medical emergency, such as appendicitis, and should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Infrequent Bowel Movements
Constipation is typically characterized by infrequent bowel movements that occur more than three days apart, MayoClinic.com explains. Adding high-fiber foods to your diet, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits, may help prevent constipation from occurring while you are taking calcium supplements. Increasing your fluid intake or physical activity may also make your bowel movements easier to pass.
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