You probably know that getting enough calcium and vitamin C are important for your development and your ability to maintain good health, but some people have concerns that these nutrients can contribute or cause kidney problems. While excessive amounts of calcium may contribute to the development of kidney stones, vitamin C does not cause kidney problems. You should always talk your doctor if you need medical advice about your kidneys or nutritional needs.
Calcium
Calcium's importance in maintaining health is evident in that it is the most abundant mineral in your your body, according to the National Institute of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements. If you fail to get enough calcium either through you diet or through dietary supplements such as multivitamins or calcium pills, there is a risk that you can develop hypocalcemia, otherwise known as calcium deficiency, a condition that, if it persists long enough, can lead to death. Simply ingesting too little calcium is unlikely to result in hypocalcemia, a condition that typically arises because you have kidney damage and are unable to regulate the amount of calcium your system.
Calcium Excess
Having too much calcium in your body is known as hypercalcemia, a medical condition that poses potential health risks that include kidney problems. The Office of Dietary Supplements reports that high calcium levels can lead to renal insufficiency, also known as kidney failure, as well as kidney stones. However, you are unlikely to develop hypercalcemia because of your calcium intake, either through your diet or by taking calcium supplements. Hypercalcemia typically develops as a result of another medical condition, such as hyperthyroidism or a malignant cancer.
Vitamin C Excess
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a nutrient you body uses for tasks such as collagen synthesis and in the creation of blood vessels, bones, ligaments and tendons, according to Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute. While not getting enough vitamin C can lead to a scurvy, the condition is very rare in developed countries because you only need a small amount of vitamin C per day to avoid it. However, excessive amounts of vitamin C have been linked to increased risks of developing kidney stones. Though the scientific evidence to support this finding is mixed, you may want to avoid taking high doses of vitamin C supplements if you have a personal or family history of kidney stones.
Kidney Problems
In general, taking vitamin C or calcium consumption is not generally a significant factor in kidney problems. Kidney failure, for example, is generally caused by such medical problems as diabetes, high blood pressure, various types of cancer, kidney infections or other medical conditions, according to MayoClinic.com. Kidney stones also form for a variety of reasons, ranging from urinary tract infections to genetic factors.
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