Calcium supplements can help prevent osteoporosis and calcium deficiency. Although calcium is naturally occurring in many foods and is readily available by eating healthfully and consuming dairy products and green leafy vegetables, for instance, some people may have to take calcium supplements to obtain the proper amount. Along with calcium supplements, however, come side effects, which include bloating.
Calcium Intake
Calcium supplements can help prevent or treat calcium deficiency, which can result in brittle bones. The recommended daily allowance of calcium per day is 1,000 mg for healthy adults, with a tolerable upper limit not to exceed 2,500 mg, according to Harvard Health Publications. Increase your calcium absorption by combining your calcium supplements with vitamin D. Vitamin D works to facilitate calcium in the body.
Side Effects
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, people who take calcium supplements may experience gastrointestinal side effects. These side effects can include bloating, constipation or a combination of the two. There are two forms of calcium supplements: calcium carbonate and calcium citrate; calcium carbonate causes more abdominal discomfort than calcium citrate. The Office of Dietary Supplements recommends spreading out your calcium doses throughout the day or taking them with meals to alleviate gastrointestinal side effects.
Additional Considerations
If you experience heartburn, diarrhea, hives, trouble breathing, swelling in the face or mouth, itching or vomiting, discontinue using the calcium supplement and seek emergency care. These are symptoms of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis, left untreated, can be deadly.
Warnings
Do not take calcium supplements if you are taking multivitamins or prenatal vitamins that already contain calcium. Taking too much calcium can result in a calcium overdose. Symptoms of a calcium overdose include abdominal pain, coma, confusion, constipation, depression, diarrhea, headache, muscle twitching, nausea and vomiting. Taking calcium supplements while taking antacids can also result in a calcium overdose, as many antacids contain calcium.
Member Comments