Headaches, tumors and kidney stones would seem to have little in common with each other. However, in each case, calcium plays a role in either the cause or the management of the condition.
About Calcium
Calcium is the most abundant and perhaps the most important mineral in the human body. Calcium controls or affects so many functions in the body that if calcium levels drop too low, the body will strip calcium out of the bones. Calcium and phosphate are the two minerals integral to the structure of bones and teeth. In addition, calcium mediates blood vessels' ability to expand and contract, affects nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction and plays a role in the secretion of hormones like insulin.
Calcium and Migraines
Migraine headaches were once thought to be due to an abnormality of the blood vessel systems in the head. Doctors now tend to believe migraines result from an underlying central nervous system disorder. Some migraines result from abnormalities in the channels inside the cells that move calcium and other ions, such as sodium. Calcium channels in particular appear to play a critical role in migraine, and drugs called calcium channel blockers have been used successfully in treating migraines.
Calcium and Tumors
Several types of cancer or tumors have been linked to calcium. The Linus Pauling Institute reports that colorectal cancer risk is lower in those people who have the highest dietary calcium intakes. More research is necessary to see if some groups in the population have different calcium requirements with respect to decreasing the risk of colorectal cancer. Although the research has shown mixed results, there may be a link between high calcium intake and prostate cancer.
Calcium and Parathyroid Tumors
The parathyroid glands, four pea-sized glands located behind the thyroid, can develop tumors. These tumors cause a condition called hyperparathyroidism, in which too much parathyroid hormone is secreted by the gland. As a result, the calcium level in the blood is too high. Surgery is necessary to correct hyperparathyroidism. After the surgery, there is a risk of the calcium level going too low, and supplementation may be necessary.
Calcium and Kidney Stones
The most common type of kidney stones are composed of calcium and either oxalate or phosphate. The Linus Pauling Institute notes that in most studies both men and women who have high calcium intakes, whether from diet or supplements, are less likely to develop kidney stones. One study, however, showed postmenopausal women who were taking both calcium and vitamin D supplements did have a slightly increased risk of kidney stones.
Considerations
Although it may seem unusual, calcium is connected to headaches, tumors and kidney stones. If you have questions or concerns about calcium or one of these medical conditions, consult a health care professional.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Kidney Stones; January 2010
- Rush University Medical Center: Parathyroid Tumor
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; Headache: Hope Through Research; April 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center Migraine headaches - Causes Harvey Simon, M.D. and David Zieve, M.D., M.H.A.; October 2008
- Linus Pauling Institute; Calcium; Jane Higdon, Ph.D., et.al.; November 2010
