Calcium Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Calcium is the most prevalent mineral found in the body, and regulates a number of functions, such as vascular contraction, bone density, nerve communication, muscle ability, hormonal distribution and signaling between cells.^{[1] [2]} The mineral can be found in food and drink such as milk, cheese, yogurt, broccoli and green leafy vegetables, oranges, canned salmon and sardines, tortillas, almonds, Brazil nuts, and dried beans. Because the body needs Vitamin D to use calcium, Vitamin D fortified dairy products are an excellent source of calcium.^[3] Growing children and older women require higher calcium intake than the rest of the population. Experts recommend that individuals who do not consume adequate calcium through their diets take calcium supplements.^[1]

Ddifferent forms of calcium are added to over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Calcium is also commonly used in a wide variety of vitamins and supplements. Side effects of calcium include dry mouth, constipation, upset stomach, metallic taste and vomiting.^[4]

Contents 1 Common Calcium Side Effects 2 Drug Side Effects 3 Calcium Allergic Reactions 4 Calcium Precautions and Warnings 5 References

Common Calcium Side Effects

Side effects usually occur from supplements that contain calcium, not calcium in the diet. These can include gas, belching, bloating, and constipation.^[2] Other side effects may include stomach pain, increased urination, loss of appetite, or metallic taste.^[4] Calcium carbonate supplements tend to cause these side effects more often than calcium citrate supplements.^[2]

Serious adverse effects of calcium usually come from taking more-than-recommended levels of the mineral. Excessive calcium intake through food and drink is rare. Conditions caused by too much calcium in the body (or hypercalcemia) include kidney stones, increased levels of calcium in the urine (hypercalciuria), calcification of soft bodily tissues or blood vessels, and renal insufficiency. Large amounts of calcium can also cause constipation.^[2]

Drug Side Effects

Calcium Allergic Reactions

Though allergic reactions to calcium are uncommon (it is an essential ingredient for the body), a manufactured form of calcium, calcium carbonate, may cause allergic reactions in those who are susceptible to it. Additionally, inactive ingredients found in the variety of vitamins, supplements and other medications that contain calcium, might cause an allergic reaction. Food that contains calcium may have ingredients that cause allergic reactions.^{[4] [2]}

Calcium Precautions and Warnings

• Some research indicates a possibility that excessive calcium levels may reduce the body's ability to absorb zinc and iron.^[2]
• Interactions may occur between calcium and Thiazide-type diuretics, aluminum- and magnesium-containing antacids. Laxatives and mineral oils can decrease calcium absorption.^[2]
• Glucocorticoids, a type of steroids, can cause calcium depletion, leading to osteoporosis.^[2]
• Calcium can decrease absorption of a number of drugs including when taken together: tiludronate disodium, biphosphonates, fluoroquinolone and tetracycline antibiotics and levothyroxine.^[2]

Also See: Drug Side Effects, Calcium Coupons, Caltrate Coupons, Caltrate Free Samples, Vitamin D, Vitamin D Side Effects, Boniva Coupons, Beyaz Side Effects, Slimquick, Pepcid Coupons, Zinc Coupons, Niacin Coupons

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/calcium.html
2. ↑ ^{2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10} http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium
3. ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002412.htm
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3} http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000035/
5. ↑ http://www.algaecal.com/supplement-comparisons/best-calcium-supplement.html