Calcium is found within the body in the bones, teeth and blood. Taking a blood calcium test will let you know if you are deficient in calcium. According to Medline Plus, normal blood calcium levels range between 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL. A number higher than this can indicate high calcium or vitamin D levels. Calcium in diet is not likely to cause high blood calcium levels; however, calcium supplements can.
Calcium Supplements
Calcium is a mineral found in milk-based dairy products, sardines and green leafy vegetables. This mineral works to control muscle contractions, nerve impulses and to strengthen the teeth and bones. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, the majority of calcium in your body is stored in bones and teeth, with the remaining small percentage in your bloodstream. An adult is recommended to take 1,000 mg of calcium per day, which increases to 1,200 mg per day over the age of 51.
Uses
Regular calcium consumption is recommended for most healthy individuals. However, if you run the risk of developing osteoporosis due to old age, hormonal deficiencies or malnutrition, you may need to take calcium supplements daily. Calcium supplements are sold individually and contained in multivitamin supplements. Take calcium supplements along with vitamin D, which helps to increase calcium uptake in the body.
Calcium Overdose
Taking more than the recommended daily allowance of calcium by supplement can result in calcium overdose. Calcium overdose causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bone pain, coma, confusion, diarrhea, headache, nausea and vomiting. Chronic calcium overdose occurs from taking high doses of calcium per day over time, and acute calcium overdose occurs from taking a large dose of calcium at once.
Treatment
Since an overdose of calcium causes an abnormal amount of calcium to circulate throughout the bloodstream treatment is necessary to reduce the risk of health problems. Treatment options consist of activated charcoal to filter the blood or a gastric lavage to clear the contents of the stomach. Medline Plus states that calcium carbonate overdose is considered fairly nontoxic and recovery is quite likely. However, an increased amount of calcium circulating the blood can cause a condition known as hypercalcemia. The primary cause of hypercalcemia is over-activity in the parathyroid gland, which is used to regulate blood calcium levels.
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