Calcium is an essential mineral that is needed for bone and tooth development and best acquired through diet. If you’re currently taking liquid calcium supplements and you develop adverse reactions, stop using the supplement and call your doctor. Although an allergic reaction to calcium supplements is rare, a severe allergic reaction can lead to death. Talk with your doctor about your symptoms and testing to clinically diagnose your condition.
Calcium Liquid Supplements
Calcium liquid supplements contain calcium carbonate, which is commonly used as a dietary supplement in people who have calcium deficiencies. Common conditions that may require a calcium supplement are Crohn’s disease, celiac disease and osteoporosis. The supplement may also be used to prevent and treat heartburn from acid reflux. Do not take this or any other supplement without first consulting your doctor. Calcium liquid supplements need to be taken as directed. Do not take more than is recommended by your doctor or the instructions on the product’s label.
Drug Allergy
A true drug allergy causes your immune system to overreact to one or more ingredients in the supplement that trigger the production of immunoglobulin E antibodies, according to MayoClinic.com. Without the presence of these antibodies, any reactions are not considered allergic, but rather side effects. Antibodies are disease-fighting agents that help to protect the body from any potential danger. Even though the liquid calcium supplement is harmless to the body, the immune system identifies and reacts to it as if it were dangerous. This triggers a chain reaction throughout the body of various chemicals.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to calcium liquid gels stated by Drugs.com include hives, difficulty breathing and swelling in the lips, throat, tongue or face. Other common symptoms of an allergic reaction may include nasal congestion, headache, flushing of the skin, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, cramping, eczema, general skin inflammation, redness of the skin, shortness of breath, wheezing, trouble breathing, coughing, lightheadedness, dizziness, increased heart rate and shock, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. If you develop one or more of these symptoms, contact emergency medical personnel immediately.
Consideration
MayoClinic.com clarifies that not all reactions to a supplement are allergic. Many symptoms that are a result of a chemical reaction are similar to symptoms of an allergic reaction. In order to determine the cause, your physician may recommend allergy testing under the direction of an allergist. Blood tests and skin-patch tests can clinically provide a diagnosis and treatment options.
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