Calcium is an ingredient in some treatments that relieves the pain of heartburn, but this doesn't necessarily mean that all calcium supplements have this effect. In fact, calcium itself isn't the active ingredient in heartburn remedies but merely a carrier molecule attached to the active component. However, if you are using a calcium-based treatment for acid reflux, you should keep in mind that it does contain this mineral that can affect your health in other ways.
Heartburn
Heartburn, also known as gastroesophageal reflux or acid reflux, occurs when partially digested food and acids from the stomach rise up into the esophagus, causing pain and discomfort. The characteristic sign of heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest. Heartburn is usually the result of a problem with the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve that sits between the esophagus and stomach. In some cases, heartburn can develop into gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, a condition characterized by two or more incidents of heartburn each week.
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate is a form of calcium salt in which the calcium is bound to a compound called carbonate. Carbonate helps acid reflux, so products containing calcium carbonate are often marketed as a treatment for acid reflux. This antacid works by neutralizing the acidic contents of the stomach. The calcium component of calcium carbonate does not actually affect heartburn. Calcium carbonate usually contains 200 to 400 mg of elemental calcium per pill or tablet, so they can serve as a calcium supplement in addition to being an antacid.
Other Types of Calcium
Other forms of calcium include calcium citrate, calcium phosphate, calcium lactate and calcium gluconate. Because none of these forms contain carbonate, they are not effective as remedies against heartburn. If you are taking another form of calcium to get more of this mineral into your diet, you could get too much calcium if you are also taking calcium carbonate as a heartburn remedy.
Concerns
Taking too much calcium in any form can cause a dangerous condition called hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia puts stress on the kidneys and sometimes leads to kidney failure. High doses of calcium also can cause constipation. Antacids can also interact with some medications and could raise the risk of kidney stones. Talk to your doctor before taking calcium carbonate or any other form of antacid to relieve heartburn pain. You should not use calcium carbonate for heartburn for more than two weeks in a row without approval from your doctor.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD); May 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Heartburn- Medications
- MedlinePlus; Calcium Carbonate; May 2010
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements; Calcium
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