About Calcium and Calcium Supplements
Curious about the mineral calcium? Your body requires it, and if you do not get enough, a calcium supplement may be necessary. Learn the basics about calcium and calcium supplements here.
Calcium is a necessary mineral for the body’s development of strong bones and teeth. It also helps the nerves, heart, muscles and organs function properly. Calcium aids in the prevention and treatment of many illnesses such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure and premenstrual syndrome. Although calcium is found in many foods, some people require a supplement, such as calcium citrate or calcium carbonate, to meet their calcium needs. Users of calcium supplements should be aware of their side effects.
Calcium Requirements
The National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements advises the following daily intake values for calcium:
- 0 to 6 months – 210 milligrams
- 7 to 12 months – 270 milligrams
- 1 to 3 years – 500 milligrams
- 4 to 8 years – 800 milligrams
- 9 to 18 years – 1300 milligrams
- 19 to 50 years – 1000 milligrams
- 51+ years – 1200 milligrams
Some people may require more than the daily intake values, including postmenopausal women, patients taking corticosteroid drugs or diuretics, some vegetarians and vegans, and people with hypocalcemia, celiac or Crohn’s disease, lactose intolerance, amenorrhea, stomach resection or calcium malabsorption problems.
Calcium Supplement Dosage and Calcium-Rich Foods
Consult with your doctor or nutritionist regarding the calcium supplement dosage you require. Advise your doctor or nutritionist of the foods in your daily diet. The amount of calcium in the foods you eat will be considered when calculating a calcium supplement dosage. Some foods that are rich in calcium are yogurt, milk, cheeses, spinach, kale, turnip greens, broccoli, tofu, almonds, oysters, canned salmon and calcium-fortified orange juice.
Side Effects
There are several side effects of calcium supplements, especially at high doses. These include constipation, nausea, bloating, gas, vomiting, increased urination, loss of appetite, confusion and irregular heart beat. Long-term, excessive use of calcium supplements can cause hypercalcemia which can impair kidney function and the body’s ability to absorb other minerals.
Drug Interactions
Calcium supplements may interact with several medications. Patients taking alendronate and antibiotics should avoid taking calcium supplements as they can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb these drugs. Calcium supplements should not be taken with antacids containing aluminum as they can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed into the blood, possibly causing toxicity. Calcium supplements also may interfere with beta blockers, diuretics, and anti-seizure medications. Calcium supplements should not be taken with digoxin as they can increase the risk of a toxic reaction. Always consult your doctor before using calcium supplements, and advise her of the medications you are taking.
Warnings
People with kidney stones or failure, hyperparathyroidism, cancer or sarcoidosis may have high calcium levels and should not take calcium supplements. Men with a history of prostate cancer should avoid calcium supplements as high calcium intake may be associated with prostate cancer.
References
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