Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and plays a crucial role in the health of your bones. Without calcium, your body is more apt to develop bone spurs -- bony projections that protrude from your joints. While it is possible to overdose on calcium supplements, taking calcium supplements is not a contributing factor in the formation of bone spurs.
Bone Spurs
Bone spurs are often referred to as osteophytes. Osteophytes are bony projections that stem from your bones and can cause irritation to surrounding nerves and bones. Bone spurs often form at your joints, but they also can occur at the point where your tendons and ligaments meet your bones. Bone spurs can remain asymptomatic or may cause pain and joint stiffness in some individuals. The general treatment plan for symptomatic bones spurs includes anti-inflammatory medications or surgery in more severe cases.
Bone Spur Causes
Bone spurs have a variety of causes. The causes of bone spurs often stem from an underlying condition and are commonly the result of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis breaks down the cartilage of your joints. When your body attempts to repair lost cartilage, it creates new areas of bone along the edges of your existing bones. Other causes of bone spurs can include plantar fasciitis, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, spinal stenosis and spondylosis.
Calcium and Bone Spurs
Calcium is essential in the formation of strong and healthy bones as well as in maintaining the health of your bones. According to "The Vitamin Book," a lack of calcium can contribute to the formation of bone spurs by not allowing your bones to form as they should. A lack of calcium can cause your bones to form abnormally, leading to the possible formation of bone spurs. To ensure you are receiving enough calcium, consume foods rich in calcium on a daily basis. These foods can include milk, cheese, yogurt, soybeans, kale, broccoli and products fortified with calcium. The Office of Dietary Supplements indicates adults between the ages of 19 to 50 years old should consume 2,500 mg/day of calcium. Adults over the age of 51 should consume 2,000 mg daily. Calcium also can be supplemented. Talk to your doctor prior to beginning a calcium supplement.
Calcium Overdose
Excessive calcium in your body can cause significant health risks but not the formation of bone spurs. While rare, the Office of Dietary supplements indicates excessive calcium can cause a condition known as hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can cause renal insufficiency, high levels of calcium in the urine, soft tissue calcification, kidney stones and vascular calcification. High calcium levels also can lead to constipation and interfere with your body's ability to properly absorb zinc and iron. Excessive calcium intake also has been linked to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
References
- "The Vitamin Book": Harold M. Silverman, et al.; 2003
- MayoClinic.com: Bone Spurs; 2010
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium
