What Are the Treatments for Too Much Calcium?

The mineral most likely to be lacking or deficient in a diet is calcium. Calcium is responsible for strong bones and teeth. It protects the heart, it helps keep weight off, and it protects against colon cancer. Yes, calcium-rich milk and other foods do a body good, but too much of anything is never good.

Significance

• The medical term for too much calcium is hypercalcemia. Severe hypercalcemia can be the cause of extreme lethargy, an irregular heartbeat, nausea, a metallic taste in the mouth, stomach ailments, confusion and high blood pressure. Left unchecked, it can be a very serious condition.

Considerations

• Many foods and beverages now have added calcium. Read labels, and do not exceed the RDA amount of 1000 to 1200 mg/day. Calcium supplements are best when spread out over the day. Take one 600 mg tablet in the morning and one at night.

Effects

• Hyperparathyroidism is one of the causes of too much calcium. When the parathyroid glands, located in the neck, do not function normally, high calcium levels can result. This is often hereditary and affects women over the age of 65 more than men. Also, a vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of too much calcium in the blood.

Treatment

• If too much calcium is caused by the parathyroid gland, surgery to remove the gland is recommended.

Warning

• Too much calcium can cause kidney stones. Thiazide diuretics are used to decrease calcium in the urine. Also, a low-sodium diet helps.

Prevention/Solution

• Calcium is essential for a healthy body and many bodily functions. Too much calcium results from taking three to four times the recommended amount. Watch the amount of calcium supplements taken and calcium-fortified foods consumed. Don't overdo it.