Calcium is an essential mineral that you get through your diet or by taking calcium supplements. If you have food allergies or lactose intolerance, you might find it hard to get calcium sources through dairy, and you might need to rely on taking supplements. However, calcium supplements can cause allergic reactions if you are sensitive to ingredients in the supplement.
Calcium Supplements
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, people taking calcium supplements may experience gastrointestinal side effects such as gas, bloating and constipation. There are two forms of calcium supplements: calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. Calcium carbonate produces side effects in more people than does calcium citrate. Some people also experience nausea when taking calcium supplements.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to medication, food or beverages. Anaphylaxis causes the body to issue a complete immune system reaction to rid itself of what it interprets as a threat. During this process, the body releases a mixture of antibodies and histamine into the bloodstream that causes skin symptoms and gastric symptoms. Symptoms of anaphylaxis often develop immediately and may include abdominal pain, anxiety, high-pitched breathing sounds, confusion, coughing, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, fainting, nasal congestion, nausea, palpitations, red skin, slurred speech and wheezing. Additional symptoms of anaphylaxis are hives, abnormal heart rhythm or rapid pulse.
Lactose Intolerance
The enzyme lactase is responsible for breaking down a sugar found in dairy products called lactose. People who lack this enzyme cannot digest lactose and develop a condition called lactose intolerance; they may develop symptoms such as abdominal bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea or abdominal cramps after eating or drinking dairy products that contain lactose. If you have this condition, you may have to consume non-dairy food to obtain calcium.
Considerations
Consult a physician before taking calcium supplements or increasing calcium your diet. If you have lactose intolerance, consult with your physician or dietitian about additional ways to obtain the mineral calcium. However, if you develop symptoms of anaphylaxis, seek emergency care immediately; anaphylaxis left untreated can result in life-threatening complications.
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