Calcium is a mineral required by the body for several biological processes, particularly bone growth and maintenance. Calcium supplements are generally safe and well-tolerated when taken at the right dose. However, high doses of calcium supplements can cause severe side effects. As with any health supplement, you should only take calcium supplements after consulting your doctor.
Recommended Dietary Allowance
The Recommended Dietary Allowance, or RDA, set by the National Institute of Medicine is 1,000 mg per day for adults 19 to 70 years old. Teenagers and adults over 70 years old should consume 1,200 to 1,300 mg per day. The best source of calcium is dairy products, such as milk and cheese. In cases where calcium supplements are required, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level, or UL, set by National Institute of Medicine for calcium is 2,500 mg per day for adults 19 to 50 years old, and slightly higher for teenagers and elderly. Doses above the UL are likely to cause symptoms of abnormally elevated blood calcium levels, or hypercalcemia.
Causes
Dietary sources of calcium are rarely the cause of hypercalcemia. The most frequent causes of hypercalcemia are excess use of calcium supplements or health conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, kidney failure or cancer that disrupt the balance of calcium and other minerals in the body. Heavy use of antacids that contain calcium can also increase the risk of hypercalcemia, particularly when taken with calcium supplements. Extremely large doses of vitamin D, which regulates calcium uptake by the body, can also cause calcium levels to spike in the blood.
General Symptoms
High levels of calcium in the blood can cause several non-specific symptoms that may be difficult to diagnose. Stomach upset, nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of hypercalcemia. Constipation and abdominal pain may also develop. Excessive thirst, dry mouth and frequent urination have also been reported. Long-term use can lead to loss of appetite, anorexia and unintended weight loss.
Specific Symptoms
Hypercalcemia can also cause more specific symptoms. When the blood contains too much calcium, the organs and blood vessels may take up too much calcium, a process called calcification that results in hardening of the organs and blood vessels. This hardening can cause damage to the internal organs, particularly the heart and cardiovascular systems. High levels of calcium can also increase the risk of calcium crystals forming in the kidneys, also known as kidney stones. Hypercalcemia may also increase the risk of prostate cancer, although this relationship requires additional research.
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