You need calcium for healthy bone function and for your teeth and muscles. You can, however, to get too much of a good thing. For some people, too much supplemental calcium can increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Talk to your doctor first to find out if supplemental calcium is appropriate for you.
What are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are common, affecting over 5 percent of people, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. They most frequently affect men over the age of 40, though anyone can get a kidney stone. Kidney stones are small crystals that form in the urinary system. While they can be painful, the NKUDIC reports that most kidney stones pass naturally, requiring only additional water intake and pain medications for some. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary, although this is not common. Kidney stones may form for a variety of reasons, ranging from genetics to associated health conditions. In around half of all kidney stone cases, however, the NKUDIC reports the cause to be hypercalcemia, or excess calcium.
Calcium and Kidney Stones
Calcium is more prevalent in your body than any other mineral, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health. It is stored in the bones and teeth and is used for a variety of bodily functions, including nerve and muscle maintenance. Calcium that is not absorbed or used by the body is eliminated as waste through sweat or urine. If you have high levels of excess calcium in your body, calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate crystals can form in the urine anywhere within the urinary system, which includes the kidneys or the urinary tract.
Calcium's Upper Limits
To avoid hypercalcemia, you must stay within the "upper limits" of recommended calcium intake. In other words, even though calcium is good for you, you should not exceed the maximum daily recommended amount. Most adults can handle up to 2,500 mg of calcium per day, according to the NIH, although for adults over the age of 50, this number drops to 2,000 mg. The upper limits are the same for all adults regardless of sex. Hypercalcemia from supplemental calcium is not common; however, the NIH reports that there may still be a relationship between calcium pills and kidney stones. If you are prone to kidney stones, check with your doctor before taking supplemental calcium.
Guidelines
With your doctor's consent, you can safely take calcium supplements provided you stay within the recommended daily allowance. Be mindful, however, that supplemental calcium can come from more than one source. These include calcium-fortified foods, including some fruit juices and cereals, and medications containing calcium compounds, such as antacids. Dietary calcium appears to be safe for most people. In fact, the NKUDIC reports that eating foods naturally high in calcium may help some people prevent kidney stones. Talk to your doctor to find out how much calcium is appropriate for you.
