Calcium helps prevent osteoporosis by keeping your bones strong, and also makes it possible for your hormones, nerves, muscles, blood vessels and cells to function properly. Calcium may also be involved in the formation of gallstones, because some types of gallstones contain calcium. However, evidence on the effect of calcium on gallstones is contradictory.
Gallstones
Gallstones are hard deposits of digestive fluids that occur in the gallbladder, either due to too much cholesterol, too much bilirubin, not enough bile or conditions that prevent the gallbladder from emptying completely. Although some gallstones do not cause symptoms, others can cause pain under the right shoulder, in the right upper abdomen or between your shoulder blades. Gallstones can be cholesterol stones, pigment stones or combination stones, but most types of gallstones contain at least some calcium.
Calcium and Gallstones
A study using prairie dogs published in April 1989 in "The Journal of Surgical Research" suggested that calcium supplements could increase risk for pigment gallstones. However, this does not seem to be the case in humans, as MayoClinic.com recommends calcium supplements for people concerned about gallstones, saying that not getting enough calcium could increase your risk for gallstones.
Preventing Gallstones
Some things you can do to lower your risk for gallstones include avoiding foods high in saturated fats and sugar and increasing your consumption of fiber, nuts, fruits and vegetables. Aim to slowly lose any excess weight, but don't skip meals or try to lose weight too quickly, because doing so can increase your risk for gallstones.
Considerations
The study showing a possibility of an increased risk for gallstones involved prairie dogs rather than people, and only showed an increased risk for supplemental calcium. If you are worried about calcium and gallstones, aim to meet your recommended intake through foods alone. Don't avoid calcium altogether, as this is an essential nutrient and low calcium levels may make gallstones more likely to occur.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease -- Introduction
- MayoClinic.com; Gallstones; July 2011
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Gallstones; July 2007
- "The Journal of Surgical Research"; Oral Calcium Promotes Pigment Gallstone Formation; T.H. Magnuson, et al.; April 1989
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium
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