Eating foods that contain calcium can help increase bone and tooth strength. Although most of this calcium goes into the bones and teeth, some remains in the bloodstream. Excessive calcium in the blood is linked to disease, high vitamin D and calcium supplement use, but not to food sources.
Calcium
Calcium is an abundant mineral found mostly in the bones and teeth. It is also needed for nerve transmission, muscle function and hormone secretion. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, only 1 percent of the body’s calcium supply is needed to support these functions. Therefore, there only needs to be a small amount of calcium circulating in the blood. Although the average adult needs 1,000 mg of calcium per day, conditions that interfere with absorption or the process of natural aging may warrant the use of calcium supplements.
Causes
Taking too much calcium can cause calcium toxicity. Calcium toxicity causes an abnormal amount of calcium to remain in the blood, resulting in hypercalcemia. Calcium overdose is mainly associated with malabsorption or taking excessive amounts of vitamin D or calcium supplements. Excessive calcium in the blood does not normally come from food sources of calcium. Symptoms of calcium overdose include headache, abdominal pain, constipation and irregular heartbeat. The Office of Dietary Supplements notes that hypercalcemia is commonly the result of thyroid problems or cancer; a physician will be able to determine if these conditions are contributing to high blood levels of calcium.
Risks
Taking a calcium supplement along with a multivitamin that contains calcium, or taking too many calcium supplements within a 24-hour period, may result in calcium overdose. If you think you overdosed or have taken too many calcium supplements, contact Poison Control immediately. Poison Control is a national information line that provides information pertaining to poison overdose or poison prevention. The representatives will give you instructions on how to treat the overdose.
Considerations
Aim to get adequate amounts of calcium through your diet. Dietary sources of calcium include milk-based dairy products and green leafy vegetables. Foods that are high in calcium are plain yogurt, fortified orange juice, mozzarella, sardines, cheddar cheese, milk and tofu. If you supplement with calcium, follow your doctor's guidelines for dosage.
