Every person needs calcium for muscle and blood vessel contraction and for strong, healthy bones and teeth. Calcium from food sources is relatively safe to consume with no adverse reactions. However, it can be harmful if consumed in excessive amounts, whether it comes from food or from supplements. Overuse of calcium can cause coma or hypercalcemia. Ensuring that you take no more than your recommended daily allowance can prevent these and other unwanted health effects.
Uses
Calcium, a component of bones and teeth, is one of the most important minerals for you to consume. The recommended daily allowance of calcium is 1,000 mg for adults; for people over the age of 51 or for women who are pregnant or going through menopause, the daily recommendation is increased. Calcium is found in milk, spinach, sardines, fortified cereal, yogurt and milk-based dairy products. If you are lactose-intolerant, suffer from malnutrition or otherwise do not get enough calcium through dietary means, your physician may recommend that you take a calcium supplement.
Overdose Symptoms
Acute calcium overdose occurs when you take too much calcium at one time; chronic calcium overdose occurs when high levels of calcium are taken over a longer period of time. Symptoms of calcium overdose include drowsiness, muscle weakness, nausea, frequent urination, changes in heart rate, confusion, constipation, headaches or coma. Symptoms of calcium overdose begin when the tolerable upper intake level has been exceeded. The tolerable upper intake level for calcium is 2,500 mg daily.
Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia, a condition that occurs when there is too much calcium in the blood, can cause symptoms such as nausea, poor appetite, frequent urination, weakness, irritability, memory loss, bone pain and fractures. Hypercalcemia can be caused by medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, or by taking high doses of calcium supplements over a long period of time or consuming 2,000 mg or more daily from dietary sources.
Concerns
If you have symptoms of hypercalcemia or calcium overdose, contact your physician for treatment options. Treatment options include a gastric lavage to remove the contents of the stomach or an antidote to reverse effects of the overdose. You will be told to discontinue calcium supplements or to reduce the dosage.
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