Calcium is one of the most abundant minerals found in the body. Calcium helps the blood to clot and is responsible for nerve impulses and muscle contractions. It is found in green leafy vegetables, fish and milk-based dairy products; most people can get all the calcium they need through a healthy diet. However, consuming too much calcium or using calcium supplements can increase the risk of overdose and other health issues.
Calcium Overdose
Consuming too many calcium supplements at once can result in calcium overdose. The daily recommended allowance for the mineral calcium is 1000 mg for adults up to the age of 50 and 1200 mg for adults over the age of 51. The need for calcium increases with age as bones become less dense. Taking more than the recommended daily allowance of calcium can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, depression, headache or muscle twitching. Although recovery from calcium overdose is positive, over-using calcium may cause serious health problems.
Postmenopause and Calcium Supplements
During menopause and postmenopause a woman’s body uses calcium less efficiently due to a decrease in the hormone estrogen. This increases the risk of developing fragile bones, which leads to osteoporosis, and for this reason women may be prompted to take calcium supplements as a prevention method. However, Drugs.com states that women in postmenopause have an increased risk of heart attack after taking calcium supplements. Because of these findings, it is best to to talk to your physician before taking over-the-counter calcium supplements if you are postmenopausal.
Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia occurs when blood calcium levels are too high. Adrenal gland failure or hyperthyroidism can cause hypercalcemia; however, hypercalcemia can also occur from calcium excess and vitamin D excess. Calcium consumed in excess of 2000 mg per day from dietary sources can lead to hypercalcemia. According to Pub Med Health, hypercalcemia affects less than 1 percent of the population. Symptoms of hypercalcemia are nausea, frequent urination, muscle twitches, dementia, depression, memory loss, bone pain and loss of height.
Considerations
Before taking calcium supplements or increasing calcium in the diet consult with your physician, even if you feel you may have a calcium deficiency. If you do have a calcium deficiency your physician can prescribe you calcium supplements to take. These supplements may be prescribed in excess of the daily recommended allowance, but in most cases they are to be taken at this level for a short time, decreasing the risk of calcium overdose.
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