Yeast infections, caused by a fungus called Candida, can affect people of all ages. The Candida fungus is normally present on the skin or mucous membranes, but if the right conditions occur, Candida can multiply and overgrow in the mouth, throat or esophagus. The medical term for Candida infections is candidiasis. Calcium levels may be related to candidiasis.
Candidiasis
Oropharyngeal candidiasis, also known as thrush, is an infection of the mouth and throat. If Candida overgrowth occurs in the esophagus, it is called Candida esophagitis or esophageal candidiasis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that up to 75 percent of women have experienced a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives. A change in hormonal balance or a change in vaginal acidity can allow Candida to multiply, with symptoms of genital itching and sometimes a vaginal discharge. Men can also develop genital candidiasis.
Low Calcium and Candidiasis
Low levels of calcium and other minerals such as zinc, magnesium and iron may contribute to vaginal yeast infections. A research study reported in the November 2005 issue of "Mycoses" evaluated mineral concentrations of two groups of women. One group had recurrent vaginal yeast infections. Researchers noted that although all the minerals in both groups were within the normal range, women with repeated vaginal yeast infections had significantly lower levels of calcium, magnesium and zinc than the women who did not have infections.
Conventional Candidiasis Treatment
Conventional medical treatment of candidiasis usually uses an antifungal medication such as Monistat or diflucan. These prescription medications come in oral rinses, tablets, vaginal suppositories and creams. Severe cases of candidiasis are treated with an intravenous medication called amphotericin B. Conventional medical treatment does not include calcium supplements.
Calcium Supplements and Candidiasis
The University of Maryland Medical Center website discusses complementary and alternative therapies for candida infections. The UMMC says that recurrent yeast infections may be a problem for people who have a low intake of dietary calcium and recommends a calcium supplement of 1,000 to 1,500 mg a day. It suggests magnesium as well to balance the calcium intake. The recommended dose of magnesium is 750 to 1,000 mg a day.
Other Considerations
Yeast infections can be painful and annoying. Although it does not usually happen in people who are otherwise healthy, a person whose immune system is compromised --- such as someone on cortisone medications or who has cancer --- can develop systemic candidiasis and become very sick. Systemic candidiasis must be treated with IV antifungal medications. If you have questions about candidiasis and the use of calcium supplements, consult a health care professional.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Candidiasis; July 2010
- "Mycoses"; The Serum Levels Of Calcium, Magnesium, Iron And Zinc In Patients With Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidosis During Attack, Remission And In Healthy Controls; J. Spacek, et.al.; November 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Candidiasis; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; December 2009
