Getting enough calcium in your diet is essential for bone health and development. Some people take calcium supplements to achieve the daily recommended amount. If you develop stomach pain from using calcium supplements, you should call your doctor for a medical evaluation. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that calcium is the most abundant mineral found in the human body, mainly in bones and teeth. Dairy products are the most prevalent natural source of calcium.
Calcium
Calcium helps with the maintenance and growth of teeth and bones. It may also help maintain the proper function of your nerves and heart muscles, and can help prevent osteoporosis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Calcium supplements may also be used to treat and prevent heartburn by neutralizing acid in the stomach. Calcium by itself, however, is not enough for the body to make effective use of the mineral. In order for calcium to be absorbed properly, the body requires vitamins D and K, magnesium and phosphorous. Do not take calcium supplements without first talking with your doctor.
Upset Stomach Side Effect
A common side effect of taking calcium supplements is an upset stomach, which can cause nausea, vomiting and pain. Other gastrointestinal side effects may include constipation, increased urination, decreased appetite and dry mouth, according to Drugs.com. Constipation that develops while taking calcium supplements can cause mild to severe stomach pain. When you’re constipated, waste builds up in the colon that can cause cramping, bloating and abdominal pain. You doctor may recommend increasing the amount of fiber in your diet or taking a fiber supplement along with calcium to prevent constipation.
Gas Pains
If calcium supplements cause increased gas in your digestive system, you may develop sharp, jabbing pains throughout the abdomen that can come and go. Gas pains develop when your digestive system cannot fully digest a certain part of the supplement that causes the development of gas vapors. Most gas is expelled from the body by passing gas through the anus or belching, but gas that remains in the intestines will cause pain.
Lactose Intolerance
Some calcium supplements may contain lactose, a sugar found in milk. If you’re lactose-intolerant, your body lacks the lactase enzyme that helps break down lactose. Common symptoms of lactose intolerance include gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping and diarrhea, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
