In the fight against osteoporosis and broken bones, nothing is more important than calcium supplements. However, taking too much calcium can open you up to painful kidney stones. These form when there is too much calcium in the blood and the kidneys have a hard time processing it. There are some steps you can take to protect your bones and avoid kidney stones. Before taking any new supplements, please consult your doctor to make sure you are making safe choices.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones form inside the kidney at the point where urine leaves the kidney proper and enters the urine collection system. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, there are four different types of stones: calcium, struvite, uric acid, and cystine. The most common type is calcium oxalate stones. These can be caused by too much calcium absorbed from the intestine or taken from the bones. The kidneys themselves may have trouble regulating calcium absorption, and that can cause stones as well. Calcium develops into a small lump and must be passed through the urinary system. This can often be very painful.
Types of Calcium Supplements
There are different types of calcium supplements. According to Southwestern Medical Center, taking calcium citrate supplements does not increase a women's risk for kidney stones. Most calcium supplements on the market are calcium carbonate, as this type of calcium is cheap and readily available. In order to find calcium citrate, you must purchase it specifically as labeled. Calcium citrate does not need to be taken with food and can be absorbed by the body under most circumstances. It is slightly more expensive, but it will protect you from kidney stones.
Potassium Citrate
Potassium citrate is another supplement you can take in addition to your calcium supplements to protect your kidneys from kidney stones. According to Southwestern Medical Center, potassium citrate when taken together with calcium citrate can protect you from this condition. This is true even if you have had kidney stones in the past. Adding potassium citrate to your supplement regimen may be helpful, but use caution if you are on a potassium restricting diet. Consult with your physician.
Recommended Calcium Dosages
Once you are sure that you are taking the right form of calcium for your body, you have to be sure that you are taking the right amount. There is no advantage to taking more calcium than your body needs, and having excess calcium can put you at greater risk for kidney stones. According to "Calcium Supplement Guidelines," postmenopausal women not taking estrogen and those age 65 year and older should take 1,500 milligrams of calcium every day. It is best to get calcium from your diet, but supplementation may be necessary to achieve this dosage goal.
