A High Calcium Diet Can be Dangerous

Calcium has long been touted as an important mineral for building strong bones and teeth, but a high calcium diet comes with risks. More is not necessarily better, and it is recommended that women get between 1,200 and 1,500 mg per day, depending on age. Studies have shown that there is no measurable benefit to taking in more than that, and consuming more than 2,500 mg per day can actually be dangerous.

Most women need a calcium supplement in order to get the calcium they need for the many bodily functions supported by the mineral. A high calcium diet, provided the recommended daily dosage is not exceeded, is a critical factor in preventing osteoporosis. It is crucial to follow the dosage instructions listed on the supplement packaging or provided by your doctor or pharmacist to ensure your calcium intake remains within the recommended limits.

Potential Risks of a High Calcium Diet

When not properly managed, there are a variety of risks associated with a high calcium diet. Some studies have shown that there may be increased cardiovascular risk for older women, leading to increased rates of heart attack. However, these studies have been considered inconclusive thus far, but the issue is worthy of continued study.

A high calcium diet can also be responsible for kidney stones, especially in patients already prone to them. For these patients, doctors will often prescribe calcium citrate, which is less likely to cause kidney stones. Milk-alkali syndrome, also known as hypercalcemia or Burnett syndrome, is another potential risk of a diet excessively high in calcium.

Some of the risks associated with having too much calcium in the diet are less severe, although still cause for concern. In some cases, excess calcium can potentially cause a variety of side effects, including anorexia, nausea, lightheadedness, and constipation. Additionally, calcium interacts with iron and some medications, reducing their absorption rate - and therefore their effectiveness. This can be avoided by not taking calcium within two hours of iron supplements or other medications.

Although there are risks associated with having too much calcium in the body, the risks of having too little, such as the development of osteoporosis, are of greater concern. The benefits of a high calcium diet are considerable, provided the calcium levels are managed and kept within a reasonable limit.