Side Effects of Calcium

Calcium has many important functions in maintaining the health of the human body. Too much or too little calcium leads to uncomfortable side effects.

Function

• Calcium assists normal body growth and development, proper muscle and nerve functionality, tooth and bone strengthening, blood pressure regulation, and iron metabolism.

Types

• Side effects can be caused by low or high calcium levels in the human body.

Effects

• Low blood calcium is called Hypocalcemia, an electrolyte imbalance. Side effects include nerve and muscle spasms, numbness and tingling of the fingers and toes, depression, confusion, or irritability.

  High blood calcium is called Hypercalcemia, an electrolyte imbalance. Side effects include nausea, poor appetite, vomiting and constipation, fatigue, increased urinary frequency, kidney stones, muscle twitching, anxiety, depression, personality changes and confusion. Other side effects include constipation, stomach pain, and dry mouth.

Misconceptions

• Misconception 1: Calcium can cause heart disease. Truth: Calcium is essential to all muscles including the heart.

  Misconception 2: Too much can cause kidney stones. Truth: Although stones contain calcium, calcium is not the cause. The blame for kidney stones is mostly "low fluid intake, genetics, diet, and certain medical conditions."

Prevention/Solution

• To maintain healthy calcium levels adults should consume 1000mg to 1300mg per day, make sure you consume enough Vitamin D to help your body process the calcium, and stay active.