The Risks Of Taking Calcium D-3 Supplements

The mineral, calcium, is often combined with vitamin D because vitamin D enhances your body's ability to absorb and use calcium. Both calcium and vitamin D contribute to bone health and are used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, an age-related decline in bone density. Vitamin D exists in two major forms, vitamin D-2 and D-3. Vitamin D-3, also called cholecalciferol, can be produced naturally by your skin in response to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and is more biologically available than vitamin D-2. Calcium with vitamin D-3 supplements may cause some adverse effects, which is why it is important to talk with your doctor before using them.

Calcium

While calcium is considered an essential mineral for human health, too much of it may be bad for you. According to the University of Washington, if you consume calcium supplements within the recommended dietary guidelines, the risk of developing side effects is low. High doses of calcium may cause constipation, which you can prevent with adequate fluid intake. Taking too much or too little calcium can result in an increased risk of kidney stones.

Vitamin D-3

According to clinical nutritionist and nurse practitioner Pamela Egan, vitamin D-3 toxicity is quite low, and it would take very large doses to cause any significant adverse effects. Vitamin D-3 toxicity rarely occurs from excessive sun exposure and almost always involves an excessive intake of vitamin D-3 supplements. The symptoms of too much vitamin D-3 include weight loss, nausea, vomiting, excessive urination, weakness, nervousness, dehydration and itching.

Other Precautions

According to a 2003 study published in "American Family Physician," vitamin D-3 can contribute to hypercalcemia, or excessive calcium in your bloodstream. This is due to vitamin D-3's ability to increase the bioavailability of calcium, making it easier for your body to absorb it in higher amounts. Since these two compounds are involved in similar functions within your body, an excess amount of both calcium and vitamin D-3 at the same time may increase your risk of developing side effects.

Recommendations

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, the amount of calcium your body requires varies based on your age and overall health. Typical doses of calcium for adolescents, adults and elderly people range between 1,000 and 1,300 mg each day. Vitamin D-3 is measured in international units and should be taken in doses of 600 to 800 IU daily, although up to 4,000 IU can be taken safely.